Self-care. What pops up in your mind when you read that word? If you have been corrupted by chick-flicks and Facebook articles like me, a picture that would accurately sum up what flashes through your mind would be this:
or this:
While doing yoga on a beach and drinking tea in mysteriously clean robes are all #selfcaregoals we can hope to aspire to, it’s just time to accept that the image of self-care that mainstream media propagates is simply not realistic or universal. Instead, self-care should be and is something incredibly personal and unique to every individual. It is often not as simple as reading a Pinterest infographic or scrolling through a Buzzfeed post might make it out to seem. Instead, your self-care routine should be focused around YOU and what soothes you personally (i.e. don’t add a run to your self-care routine if you know you would feel more relaxed if you just watched a couple episodes of The Office on Netflix instead). Below are three essential self-care categories along with many options to inspire you to choose what works for you.
address your stress
When do you decide it’s time to step aside and take some me-time? Often times, what triggers a needed break from the world is a result of stress. Before any self-care session, it is important to slow down and address your reason for going that extra mile in caring for yourself today. If the reason is simply because you want to give back to yourself for once, great! I personally find that I retreat to self-care when I am particularly stressed about something. Before I step into my routine, I make sure to evaluate why I am feeling that way. I find that taking a broad and practical look at my issues always shows in the end that my worries are temporary, and allows me to give myself the mental space to let go of those issues for the time being and therefore gives me permission to truly refuel.
do something for your body
There’s a reason why so many self-care guides tell you to exercise when you are stressed: it is scientifically proven to work! However, taking care of your body as you see fit is key. Here are some ideas you can pick and choose to fit your needs:
- Go to a fitness class (yoga, pilates, spin, aerobics, etc)
- Go for a run, walk, or anything that gets you moving!
- Ride a bike
- Take a nap
- Take a bath
- Pamper yourself (catch up on your personal grooming, use a face mask, etc)
- Get a manicure and/or pedicure
- Eat something you want to
- Ice cream or a healthy salad? Up to you to decide which will make you feel better!
do something for your mind
I find that my mind is, 99.9% of the time, the root cause of my problems. Whether it be over-thinking, worrying, or self-criticizing, it is my worst-enemy and yet through self-care I attempt to make it my best friend. Taking care of your mind and monitoring your thoughts is a crucial part of self-care:
- Unwind by watching a TV show or movie
- Clean your space to clear your mind
- Write a journal entry and let it all go
- Try meditation — just for a couple of minutes!
- Read your favourite book (or start a new one!)
- Make art (Sing, paint, sculpt, doodle, play an instrument — there are so many ways to make art)
- Appreciate art (watch a play, a dance show, admire visual art, listen to music)
- Garden
- Find quotes and mantras that you believe in and feed off them
- Create something! Make something with your hands (cooking, crafts, etc)
- Go somewhere that inspires you (whether it be a coffee shop, a store, the mountains, or a park)
- Go shopping (retail therapy is real!)
- Make a plan — Sometimes the best way to deal with your mind is to try to solve what is bothering it. Make a t0-do list if you are stressed, make a studying plan if it seems all too much, anything to put into perspective what is bothering you
- Make lists. Make a list about things you find beautiful, things you are grateful you have, what you like about yourself, anything that is positive!
No matter if you decide to do any of the things listed above, remember: self-care is like a choose-your-own-adventure book, there is no right or wrong way to go as long as it is the right path for you! 🙂
Cover Image: Mark Rothko, Pink on Pink, 1953