Self-care might just be the best thing ever invented. I’m all about going that extra mile to show myself some love. I’m aware that for most people finding the time and motivation to practice self-care can be difficult, but it is suuuuch an important part of life. I cannot stress that enough.
My first semester of college showed me a new side of myself – a more stressed out, anxious side. I wasn’t taking care of myself at all. It took me months to stop and really think about what it was doing to both my physical and mental health. Once I made self-care a priority again, I noticed astronomical differences in my everyday life. I was much happier, higher energy, and less stressed. Here are 10 of the ways I like to practice self-care:
1. Face Masks
I absolutely LOVE face masks. My favorite right now is the Origin’s charcoal face mask. Whenever I feel overwhelmed with stress and need to relax, I make a cup of coffee and put a face mask on. It works wonders.
2. Tea or Coffee
Making a warm cup of coffee or tea is a relaxing part of my daily routine.
3. Exercise
This seems like an obvious one, but it’s crazy how easy it is to forget. I went months without really exercising once college started and I ended up regretting it later. Once I got back in the gym, I felt so much better.
4. Deep breathing
Taking 2 or 3 minutes a day to stop and focus on breathing may seem like a minor thing, but it is incredibly helpful for practicing mindfulness and good sleep. I use the breathe app on my Apple Watch, but all you really need is a timer.
5. Yoga
This is quite possibly my favorite way to practice self-care. Stretching and mindful breathing is insanely therapeutic when you’re feeling stressed. Yoga helped me more than anything else to get back to my self-care practice.
6. Take time to make a great meal
Cooking is quite therapeutic. I can’t tell you how many times a hearty, healthy meal got me through a tough time.
7. Breakfast in Bed
This is probably the most enjoyable way to practice self-care. Most days I don’t have enough time or motivation to make a quality breakfast, but on days when I do, I go all out and spend at least half an hour bundled up in my bed with a smoothie or a big warm bowl of oatmeal.
8. Drink Water
Most of us don’t drink nearly enough water. I’ll admit I am guilty of it. Stressing about things can sometimes become the only thing you do, but it’s important to stay hydrated.
9. Journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to de-stress at the end of a long day. Finding the time can definitely be challenging at times, but it’s so much easier to sleep when you write down all that’s on your mind.
10. Create a clean, cozy space
I know cleaning can seem like a pain, but getting into a clean, well-made bed at the end of a stressful day is awesome. It took me a while to get used to living in the dorms, but once I made cleaning and making my bed a priority, I felt much more comfortable in my new space.
Thanks for reading! I hope that you take something away from this post and try to incorporate at least a few of these self-care techniques into your daily routine.
Thank you Ella! This is lovely
Thanks, Mary! Happy to 🙂