When life gets busy, it can be hard to remember to do the things we know will make us happier and healthier. Caring for yourself isn’t always easy, and it can be difficult to find the time and resources to do so, but self-care is essential for your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Creating a self-care plan can help turn your self-care practices from occasional habits to daily routines. This checklist will help you decide what kinds of self-care activities you are going to do and how much time to set aside each week.
Create a routine that works for you.
No matter how you wake up, the day ahead of you likely starts the same way: you climb out of bed and face it. The daily grind have you doing the same thing, over and over, day in and day out, as do the responsibilities that keep you up at night. Sometimes even just getting through the day is enough of a challenge.
Whether you are feeling under the weather, sad, anxious or stressed, an easy self-care plan can help, but the first step is knowing what you need. Do you need a hug? A hot shower? A walk? A night out with friends? Perhaps you could learn how to roll a joint so you can self-medicate. Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to identify what works for you because it could make a big difference to your mental well-being. Not just that, it could give you an effective kickstart for your routine too.
Make your bed.
This is the first thing you should do in the morning. Why? Making your bed means you start your day with a fresh start and a strong sense of accomplishment. In the first 20 seconds of your day, you have already achieved something, whilst a tidy bed makes a huge difference in how you feel. Moreover, you’ll thank yourself when you get home in the evening. A made bed is inviting, cosy and relaxed. Make it a priority every morning!
Stretching.
Nothing takes the sting out of a hectic day more quickly than a good stretch, but how much stretching is enough? Medical professionals recommend doing stretches every day for at least 15 minutes, but some people struggle to find this much time in the morning. At the very least, take a minute to reach up as high as you can, then touch your toes and hold them for a few seconds. Over time, this will get easier, and you can always do more in the evening!
Reading.
Reading is a wonderful self-care activity that can transport you to different worlds and provide a much-needed escape from the demands of everyday life. Whether you delve into a captivating novel, immerse yourself in thought-provoking non-fiction, or indulge in a heartwarming manga, reading has the power to brighten your day. As you flip through the pages, you can find solace in the stories and characters, gaining new perspectives and insights along the way. Perhaps you find yourself relating to a protagonist’s journey of resilience and self-discovery, such as in a captivating manga where kusunoki-san failed to debut in high school or one where the protagonist has to go on a quest through a whole new fantasy land. Through reading, you can explore new worlds, expand your knowledge, and find moments of joy and inspiration that can truly brighten your day.
Nurture your skin.
Give your skin the care it deserves with a personalized skincare routine. It is best to start by cleansing gently to remove impurities, followed by moisturizing to hydrate and nourish. Begin the habit of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays using sunscreen. To further enhance your routine, use targeted treatments such as serums containing hyaluronic acid or retinol. If you would like to eliminate sagging and dullness from your face and attain a more youthful look, consider procedures like Morpheus8 skin tightening or derma fillers to achieve the makeover you’ve always wanted. Remember to extend care to your body, keeping your skin supple and smooth with regular moisturization and exfoliation. By prioritizing your skin in your self-care plan, you’ll achieve a refreshed, confident, and radiant complexion that reflects your commitment to overall well-being.
Meditate.
You’ve heard people say a calm mind is a clear mind. It’s true and meditation can help you create a calm mind. Meditation is such a powerful tool that it’s been used in ancient cultures for healing. Even ancient Buddhist and Hindu texts talk about meditation and how meditation can change your life. Meditation can help you feel less stressed, less anxious and more centred. A meditation session can help you bring peace to your mind, helping you create new perspectives and solutions to how you deal with everyday stressors.
Have a healthy breakfast.
Begin your day off on the right foot by starting your day with a healthy breakfast. A nutritious breakfast will keep you full until lunchtime, which will prevent you from getting cravings for unhealthy snacks throughout the day. If you don’t have time in the morning to make anything, prepare something the night before and take it to work with you. You can then eat when you get a chance at your desk or on your first break.
Drink more water.
Drinking enough water helps your skin and keeps it looking healthy; it provides moisture, preventing dry skin and wrinkles. Additionally, water flushes out the toxins in your body, helping to prevent spots and acne. It also helps to avoid headaches and constipation, keeping your brain hydrated and your bowels functioning properly. As you dehydrate, daily tasks become harder, with fatigue becoming difficult to fight off. If you find yourself lagging at strange times, try having a large glass of water. Within 20 minutes you should perk back up!
Treat yourself.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that can brighten up your day. If you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to something special. After all, you deserve to pamper yourself after a hard day of work. Tempted by that chocolate cake you saw the other day? One slice can’t hurt! What about some chocolate with a little THC or CBD in it? Easy enough to order from dispensaries such as Leiffa (https://leiffa.com/recreational/) and enjoy at home! Need some new shoes? A new pair will always come in useful! Obviously, you can’t do this every day, but denying yourself some small pleasures for weeks on end will only lead to misery.
Count your blessings.
There are days when all we want to do is curl up under a blanket and cry about our day, but if you are planning on finding happiness in life, you need to find a way to fight back against those feelings. The best place to start is with the little things. Try counting your blessings – look at what you have in your life and be thankful for those gifts, no matter how small. The good things in life are often the small ones. So, use this guide to help you brighten your day!