We all know that self-care looks different to everybody and it’s not always bath bombs and face masks. Some days it’s going to the gym or for a walk, other days it’s taking a hot shower or a nap.
Sometimes it is easy to identify what makes you feel better, but it is harder to actually take time to do it. That’s why setting some non-negotiable self-care habits can be helpful, so you know what to do when you need some ‘me’ time.
If you have trouble with this, try talking to yourself the way you would a friend. It’s important when adopting new habits to give yourself grace and be kind when you mess up or don’t meet your goal.
Though there are so many practices to adopt, here are three healthy habits to help you prioritize self-care.
1. Meditation
Though meditation may not leave you in a state of nirvana, it can certainly make you feel more relaxed. It can also help with anxiety. A helpful analogy is to think of thoughts like cars passing by on the highway.When feeling anxious, you can try not to chase after your thoughts but just let them come and go. Yoga also uses meditation in its movements and can provide you with a light workout. Yoga routines can be found on Youtube as well, making it easy for at-home relaxation sessions.
2. Intuitive Movement
Maybe you have heard of intuitive eating? One of the pillars of intuitive eating is getting in tune with your body’s cues and using that to guide your eating choices. However, this can also apply to your movements.
Going to the gym and doing weights can put some in a really good mood. But sometimes motivating yourself to go can be a struggle. Instead of beating yourself up, try to make it a goal to move in some way that you enjoy every day, like going on walks. Regardless of what makes you feel best, finding a form of movement to do each and every day can have such a big impact on your mental health if it is something that you LOVE to do.
3. Relax without a screen
Maybe you are someone whose go-to study break or wind down before bed is always Netflix, and there is nothing wrong with that.
However, having quiet downtime without technology can be a nice break, especially if you spend your school or work day in front of a computer. Showering, for example, can be very therapeutic and relaxing, especially if you’re really busy and can’t find more than 15 minutes for yourself. It’s also a great way to give your brain a break from studying or reading emails.
Self-care has a different meaning to everyone and even looks different to one person depending on the day. What is important is being able to recognize when you need to take some time for yourself and to choose something that is fulfilling to you, even if it may not be what everyone else is doing. So when thinking about your self-care routine, keep your best interest in mind to make sure you are making healthy choices that will satisfy you and your needs.
