How To Practice Self Care

Denying your wonderful self much-deserved recognition, rest, and rewards can lead to burnout, fatigue, mood fluctuations, and more. There has been a recent influx in self-care articles detailing face & hair mask recipes, exercise routines, and even recommendations for ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) tracks. However, this change is contradicted by the unchanging– low– number of people who practice it. There are many ways to tailor your self care routine to your habits, circumstances, and most importantly, preferences! Here are some simple tips to help you get started. 

Rest

Rest rest and more rest 

Just ‘being’ can be exhausting. Your body is fighting to keep you alive and kicking in the midst of seasonal allergies, flu season, and a pandemic. Frankly, rest shouldn’t be a form of ‘self-care’ but a necessity. However, in a time where exhaustion is seen as a symbol of productivity, it can be hard to prioritise rest. Making it a priority to get 7 hours of sleep a night will surely rejuvenate your body as well as your mental clarity.

Keep Moving 

This is not meant to be contradictory to the previous section. Rest and exercise should coexist! Whether you’re doing HIIT circuits, yoga flows, or outdoor runs, it’s important to remain consistent. Doing so 3-4 times a week can boost your immune system, as well as your self confidence. This also applies to mental exercises! Meditation and journaling can be tedious at first, but the benefits are exponential.

Keep Moving
Express Yourself

Express Yourself 

Communicating with yourself is just as, or more, important than with others. Painting, dancing, drawing, writing and many other methods can help make sense of your emotions whilst helping you develop a new skill. Self-expression leads to self-awareness. Being in touch with your emotions leads to better relationships with your friends and family, your work, and your passions.

Nutrition 

Junk food cravings are real and valid. However delectable, crisps and pizza cannot sustain the unbelievably wonderful systems that keep us alive.While it’s probably not the ideal time to go full-on vegan –with restricted shopping options– it is important to eat foods high in antioxidants and vitamins. This is also an opportunity for you to hone your culinary skills, and even bond with your social distancing company.

Nutrition