Self-care is too often overlooked because we are so busy with things we think are more important. But really, what could be more important than you? I know, your family, your job, your bills, your dog… I get it, but how can you take care of ALL THAT, if you can’t even take care of yourself?
Just think of how much better you’ll function if you felt energized, well-rested and cared for! Because while you’re taking care of everyone and everything else, who is taking care of you? Don’t even where to start? Try the self care checklist below to get started!
Do you feel guilty for taking time just for you? You’ll have more patience, more focus and more clarity, once you take care of you! Just an hour or so a day, to focus on self care is all it takes! Do something you love- take a hike, read a book, write a journal, get a hobby, do a DIY face mask. Your priorities will all be there when you’re done. They’re not going anywhere… unfortunately.
Proper self care can improve your productive and reduce physical and mental exhaustion. Here are ten ways you can add self-care to your routine so that you can maintain your physical, mental and emotional health.
What is self care and how can you implement it into your daily routine? Try this self care checklist.
Here are 10 simple ways to include self care in your life!
Identify what self-care is to you
We all have
different needs and different ways of unwinding. Identify what self-care
is the most effective for you. It may be taking a walk and getting
outdoors, or curling up by the fire with a good book. It may be
surrounding yourself with good friends, taking a bike ride or soaking in
a long, hot bath. Whatever it is, learn to define self-care for you as
an individual so that you can better take care of yourself.
Everyone’s self care needs are different.
Establish a routine
Once you understand what
self-care works for you, add it to your routine. Commit to engaging your
self care activities regularly until it becomes a habit, something that
is simply a normal part of your life.
Get regular, good quality sleep
Establish a sleep
routine so that you are getting enough high-quality sleep. Sleep is a
critical part of maintaining good health and should not be
underestimated. By implementing a sleep routine, you can ensure that you
are getting enough rest and are therefore optimally prepared to perform
at your best.
Eat a balanced diet
Diet is an important part of
self-care and has a significant impact on your health. Make sure to eat
lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding soft drink and processed
foods. Eat plenty of leafy greens and fresh fruit! You’ll feel better
when you feed yourself better.
Exercise regularly
Exercise if great for
physical, mental and emotional health and should be a part of any
self-care routine. Even just 10 minutes in the morning or evening will
boost your feel-good hormones and improve your mental health!
Learn to say no
The ability to establish
boundaries can be important to self-care. Rather than simply saying yes
to everything until things become unbearable or seemingly impossible,
learn to say no when you are busy or feeling under pressure.
Get organised
A little organisation can go a long
way in regard to your self-care. Implementing strategies to be more
organised can really help reduce your stress and improve your mental
health.
De-clutter your environment
Get rid of the
rubbish and excess goods in your house; a cleaner, less cluttered space
is great for your mental health as it will help to reduce stress levels.
Schedule time to yourself
It can often feel like
we are being pulled in a million different directions. Make sure to
schedule time for your self-care and don’t allow this to be interrupted.
Take a break
If things are getting too much, take
a break. It might be taking a few days off work, getting a away for the
weekend or taking a longer vacation; regardless of the length,
sometimes simply stepping out of the environment can be great for
perspective and self-care.
I hope this ultimate self care checklist makes you realize how important it is to make you a priority!