Hey y'all!
Today I wanted to share a post that I have been working to implement into my life over the past year. As someone who is easily stressed I have tried to really focus on taking care of myself and listening to my body and what it needs. I have been a lot happier when I let myself relax instead of trying to keep going and 'power through'. Rest is super important for everyone!!
Self-care also has a stigma that its all about buying things for yourself, 'treating yourself', doing a facemask, etc. and while these are all forms of self-care, I try to not buy things or spend money because you don't have to do that to be a happier version of yourself. Of course, the number one thing I do is reading my Bible and praying, but these are ways on top of that I strive to take care of me!
Here are 10 things I like to do to practice self-care:
1. Take a bath. This is something I do almost daily. I love to put a few drops of essential oils in my bath to make it smell really good and relaxing. It's a great time to unwind, read or get off technology.
2. Take a walk. I try to take a walk every day with my dogs. They need it, and it is great to get fresh air every single day. I notice a big difference when I get fresh air and when I don't.
3. Go to therapy. This is a big game-changer for me in the past year. I started seeing a counselor and it has made a world of a difference! I recommend it to anyone and everyone. It's like talking to a friend but they understand and can empathize with anything that is on your mind. I always leave feeling refreshed and with better tips to tackle any mountains I am facing. Mine is also faith-based so it is helpful to have someone giving advice that also shares the same values as me.
4. Cook a healthy meal. I also notice how much a difference in eating healthy makes in my routine. In the first few years of college, I ate so poorly, and the past year was not my most healthy year either -- but I have been trying to change that for 2020. Eating a nutritious meal will give you great energy and even if you think you feel fine eating junk food often -- just try it and you will see a difference in your energy levels over time, I promise!
5. Call family/friends. I love to call my family or friends, or FaceTime whenever possible. It is so easy to stay connected, and even though I moved away from all my family and friends, I can talk to them whenever I want -- and it really lifts my mood.
6. Paint my nails, self-tan, etc. While self-care isn't just about the 'treat yo self' mentality or about pampering yourself, I think having freshly painted nails or a good tan can definitely boost your confidence and your mood. This is a great one -- I always feel so put together when I am tan and have nice looking nails. Plus, these are things you can do at home with self-tanner or a gel nail kit, so you can easily save money and not have to go get your nails done or get a spray tan.
7. Journal. Journaling is a great way to ease your mind and reflect on the day -- I find it is a an awesome way to take care of yourself. Writing down prayers, goals, and just a brain dump at the end of the day helps me unwind and feel better!
8. Read. This is a big goal of mine for 2020! I want to read as much as possible. I find that I learn so much when I am consistently reading. I prefer to read non-fiction books, but I also have several fiction books on my reading list. It also helps me to sleep better when I read before bed.
9. Practice Mindfulness. This is something I learned this year -- mindfulness is essentially paying attention to what is going on in the present and allowing yourself to experience what is going on around you. Basically closing your eyes and thinking through each of the five senses around you and how you are interacting with them. It sounds totally hippie and out there, but my therapist taught me it, and it helps me to feel grounded and calm.
10. Play with my dogs. I can't pet dogs and not feel happy -- this is a great way to boost your mood! You could always volunteer at an animal shelter if you need some extra dog love :)
I hope you all enjoyed this post and found it helpful. I really want to continue to share more 'lifestyle' content and things that could be helpful to y'all -- so be sure to let me know if you have any suggestions or posts you would like to read!
--Kenzie
No comments:
Post a Comment