There’s a lot of talk about “self-care”. But what does it mean? Making time for self-care each day helps us in many ways. It’s not about carving out a few hours to hit the spa or heading to a retreat – which are lovely and can definitely help! Self-care is more about making small and intentional choices. But often we get so busy with our days and forget to take a moment for ourselves. We may even feel guilty (that’s a post for another day).
Incorporating smaller, mindful actions into your daily routine can help to reduce stress. The actions can also boost your energy and improve your overall health and mindset!
Here are some easy ways to add in a little self-care time for yourself…
Drink Water
Start the day with a cup of warm (boiled) water before any other beverage. The warmth isn’t so shocking to your body first thing in the morning. Then continue drinking water the rest of the day always keeping a glass nearby. Adding a slice of citrus (lemon, lime, orange), or berries helps if water sounds boring.
Staying hydrated is one of the best things for your body. Drinking water helps regulate body temperature, support brain function, maintains a healthy circulation, aids in digestion, supports kidney health, and keeps skin healthy.
Go for a Walk
15 minutes or more if you can squeeze it in! Walking does wonders for us physically and mentally. Have a dog? One of the surprising benefits of having a dog is that walks are non-negotiable. It’s a blessing really even when we don’t feel like it. Ideally you’ll want to put your phone away and be present with your pup and experience the world through their eyes and sniffs. Around here we call it a “sniffari” adventure everyday.
If you’re walking alone pick up the pace and get your steps in! I love listening to podcasts! Choose to listen to something that will help you either lower stress or inspire you. I’ll often listen to Gina Livy’s podcast , Time to Walk (Apple Fitness+), and The Everyday Girl.
Stretch and Move for Self-Care
Stretching, moving or even dancing is another great way to give a little self-care throughout your day. Turn on your favourite music and just move the way your body naturally goes! It will help boost your energy and your mood!
Meditation
Surprisingly it doesn’t have to be a major time commitment and it can be but even a few minutes daily can make a difference. Incorporate Fitness+ Meditation Sessions that can be activate them anywhere at anytime. They are led by vetted motivating instructors. I also love how I can work in a session even if I only have 10 minutes.
I’ve also checked in with the Mindfulness feature on my Apple Watch to guide me through a quick breath work. It’s helped me take a moment for myself and also check on my heart rate. I keep this feature on the main screen of my Watch for these everyday moments.
Focus Music
Not just listening to music but it’s what type of music keeps me flowing through the day! I have music playing all day in the background but what I listen to helps me stay focused with positive energy. Search up “focus music” playlists on your streaming service (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube)to discover what resonates with you.
Journalling for Self-Care
Is a great way to reflect on your day. Start with a few minutes daily and write down your thoughts. If you’re intimidated by where to start and what to do just remember this is for you. Write about your feelings. And remember your small wins. I recently wrote “hey, I remember to floss today!” and yes, doodle if you want. I prefer physically writing into a journal but I learned there’s also Apple Journal for iPhone users. It’s free and simple to use.
Bedtime Routine
This helps your body naturally wind down. A cup of caffeine free tea a couple hours before you go to sleep. A soothing soak in the tub or a rainfall shower is like a ritual to wash away the day. The Helight Red Light Therapy night light gradually dims to help fall into a blissful sleep. And yes, schedule your phone to go silent.
We’d love to know…what daily self-care rituals do you have?