A very important thing that I believe we all should set is to prioritize time for yourself, regularly. Taking good care of yourself is crucial for having the physical, mental and emotional energy to accomplish your goals, this not only benefits your well-being but also enhances your overall productivity and happiness. 

Self-care may sound like a fluffy wellness word, but experts emphasize it’s deeply important. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s very easy to sacrifice time for yourself for social engagements or work related commitments, without self-care, someone can feel burned out, depressed or anxious, many people also find that their relationships suffer when they don’t take time for self-care.

For me, it’s essential to incorporate self-care into my daily routine and establish a balance between work and some ‘me’ time. Whether that looks like a day at the spa, having no plans, a day of reading or watching tv all day or even the simplest thing like getting myself flowers. 

I understand that some of us feel guilty for taking that time, but by dedicating time to self-care activities, you are investing in your long-term health and happiness. You’ll also notice that when your battery is running low, it’s very hard to be creative and effective. So, remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s a necessary act of self-love that allows you to show up as your best self in all aspects of your life.

Types of Self-Care

There are several forms of self-care, including:

Physical: This type of self-care is taking care of your body. It involves getting enough sleep, making sure to work movement into your day and fueling your body with nourishing food.”

Mental: Mental self-care starts with paying attention to how you’re talking to yourself. If you are feeding yourself toxic messages, like that you aren’t good enough, mental self-care replaces that with something more encouraging. 

Emotional: Emotional self-care is about understanding your emotions. A lot of people go through life just reacting and not understanding where those reactions are coming from. Journaling and therapy are examples of emotional self-care.

Spiritual: Connecting to a higher purpose can be a form of self-care. For some people, this is tied to religion, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s about connecting to the fact that your life has meaning and pursuing your passion.

Social: Even if you’re introverted, social self-care is important. It involves spending time with people you enjoy. Considering that loneliness is scientifically linked to worsening both mental and physical health, particularly among older adults, this type of self-care shouldn’t be overlooked.

Financial: If you have debt, it is going to have a ripple effect over other areas of your life. That’s why it’s important to prioritize financial self-care, which includes budgeting, financial planning and managing debt. Plus, some extra cash could come in handy in medical emergency.

Here is a list of 10 quick & easy self-care ideas:

Read a book: Escape into a different world and relax with a good book that interest you. Fiction or nonfiction, reading is a great way to unwind

Take a Bubble Bath: Treat yourself with a bubble bath with candles, and soothing music. It’s the perfect way to de-stress

Give yourself a gift: give yourself something that you want and that you feel brings something positive to your life

Go for a Nature Walk: Spend some time outdoors in nature. Breathe in fresh air and appreciate the beauty around you

Pick up a Hobby: Whether it’s painting, cooking, signing up for a ceramics class or gardening, spend time doing something you love

Admire yourself: Look in the mirror and recognize how beautiful and wonderful your being and your body are and be grateful for all the great things that your body, mind and soul do for you and your life every day.

Watch a movie or TV Show: Get cozy on the couch with some popcorn and enjoy some entertainment 

Listen to Music: Create a playlist of your favorite songs or discover new music

Practice Yoga or Meditation: Both these two practices can help you feel more centered and at peace

Write in a Journal: Take some time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings by writing. Writing is a cathartic way to express yourself and gain clarity