3 Ways to start A Self-Care Practice
Written by the Self Care Untamed Editorial Team
Photo by Fabian Møller on Unsplash
When was the last time you made time for self-care? I’m talking about more than lighting a few candles and taking a bubble bath (though those are valid and nice!). If you’re prioritizing your self-care, keep crushing it. On the off chance that you’re not, it’s okay. I promise you can start today.
The Importance of Self-Care
Neglecting your needs and putting yourself last in this chaotic world is easy. Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for your overall well-being. I know you probably hear that every day, but self-care is essential to maintaining your physical and mental health.
I like to think of self-care as a daily practice. It’s about intentionally choosing activities that promote self-love, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. When you prioritize self-care, you’re better equipped to handle the everyday stressors and banana peels (you played Mario Kart as a kid, right?) that life throws at you. You deserve to recharge and replenish your energy. When you feel your best, you can be your best.
Benefits of a Self-Care Practice
Having a self-care practice extends beyond feeling good right now. It benefits your overall well-being and quality of life by improving your ability to cope with stress, manage thoughts and feelings, and maintain healthy relationships, most importantly, the one with yourself.
Here are just a few benefits of bumping self-care to the top of your list:
Increased relaxation and happiness
Reduced anxiety and stress
Better physical health
Increased focus and creativity
Increased resiliency
Adaptability and flexibility
Enhanced self-confidence
Stronger relationships
Improvement overall mood
3 Ways to Jumpstart Your Self-Care Practice
Know Thyself
Your self-care practice should meet your needs. Before you dive in, spend some time exploring and reflecting. Here are some questions to kickstart your self-discovery:
What activities allow me to express myself?
When do I feel most calm and at peace?
What activities make me feel fulfilled?
What makes me feel energized?
What activities bring me joy?
What emotions have I been experiencing lately?
What helps me get through difficult moments?
Don’t be afraid to flat-out ask yourself what you need. How you answer that question or the ones listed here can give you insight into what’s working, what’s not, and some steps you can take to care for yourself.
2. Give Yourself Options
Now that you have a better sense of what you need, it’s time to create a plan. If you’re going to start and stay consistent with your practice, it can help to include activities that align with your needs and resonate with you. If you like a little variety in your life, having a few things you can choose from depending on your mood and needs can keep you motivated. Here are just a few options to inspire you:
Write down your thoughts and feelings
Meditate
Go for a walk
Have a solo dance party (trust me on this one)
Cuddle a pet
Stretch
Drink some water or tea
Go to bed early (it’s okay to rest)
Read a book
Make a healthy meal
Phone a friend
Take some deep breaths
Garden
Take a shower and brush your teeth
Clean or organize your space
Practice gratitude
Schedule a therapy session
3. Prioritize Self-Care Daily
Don’t save your practice for special occasions. If you can put something off, you probably will, and it will most likely be something you want or need to do for you. Make adding self-care to your daily schedule non-negotiable. Set aside dedicated time daily for an activity that brings joy and boosts your mood. Maybe you spend 10 minutes on your patio with your matcha in the morning. Perhaps you take a mid-day break to journal for 5 minutes. The activity you choose is entirely up to you.
Make it easy for you to stay accountable to yourself. Schedule your activities. Snooze those notifications. Make a pact with your bestie or partner to follow through with your self-care plan. Consider how you might incorporate your practice on busy days, and give yourself some grace if you miss one. Life happens. The best part about your self-care routine is that it’s yours. You can adjust and adapt based on your needs.
Go Forth and Practice
Self-care looks different for everyone. So, spend some time getting reacquainted with yourself and your needs. Brainstorm some activities that you enjoy, are easy, and that you can realistically see fitting into your life. Give yourself options for the days that feel easy and breezy and those that feel less in your control. There are some pretty awesome benefits to creating a regular self-care routine. You’ll probably notice some of them immediately. Stick with it to see how it continues to change your days.
Until next time,
Keep flourishing.
