Sometimes we let self-care slide, simply because we think we need to have lots of time set aside for it, but self-care isn't about big, elaborate and time-consuming activities, it doesn't need to be spa days and afternoon tea; a good self-care practice is about tuning into your needs daily - giving your body and mind a little something every day that will contribute to your overall wellbeing.
Don't know where to start? Here are seven simple self-care actions that you could fit into any day...
one|monday:
choose a new recipe to cook for dinner; make a list of everything you will need in the morning so that you can stop in the grocery store on the way home from school/work. Make it special - set the table with a nice table cloth or place settings, light some candles and put on some relaxing music!
two|tuesday:
do five minutes of mindful breath work - find a quite, calm place where you can sit and relax without distractions. Set a timer on your phone for five minutes and then just sit with your eyes closed and focus on slowing and deepening your breath with each inhale and exhale. It might help to place your hands on your belly and visualise your breath filling you up as you breathe into your hands.
three|wednesday:
pack yourself a picnic lunch (or something that you can comfortably eat outside) and get out of your office/workspace during your lunch break. Go for a walk, pick a nice spot to sit and munch on your lunch, maybe even listen to an audio book! Getting outside is a great way to break up your day - a change of setting and some movement is a wonderful combination for showing your mind some kindness.
four|thursday:
take some time this evening to do some personal self-care - what does your body need today? Do you need to do some skincare or a face-mask, maybe you need to book a hair appointment (or a trip to the dentist) or maybe you'd like a cosy evening on the couch giving yourself a mani-pedi while watching a feel good movie.
five|friday:
get in that Friday mood by moving to some music - pop on a song that you love to dance to and shake yourself into a good mood. Do it alone in your bedroom before you start your day (or at the end of the work day to celebrate making it to the weekend) or spread the joy by encouraging friends and colleagues to join you in a five minute dance break!
six|saturday:
choose a space in your home that needs reseting and spend some time cleaning and decluttering. Get rid of things that you don't need or no longer use, maybe even start a box for donations that you can drop off to your local charity shop.
seven|sunday:
take some time to journal your feelings from the week; reflect on what you were grateful for, what challenges you faced and overcame, and what lessons you learned. Make a short list of your hopes for next week or set yourself an affirmation for the new week.