Basic Self-Care Practices Anyone Can Do
One of the most overlooked parts of our health is self-care. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to forget that we need to sometimes just stop to take a breath. After all, we are humans, not machines.
If you spend any time on social media, then chances are you have seen an influencer trying to sell you the latest and greatest self-care tool. But self-care doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money. Sometimes it is the little things that can make the biggest difference.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
We all need water to live, but are you actually drinking enough water?
Chances are, you are drinking liquids that may taste good, but do not provide the same benefits as water. Coffee, tea, and sodas all taste great and provide us with the much-needed caffeine to get through our day, but they do not hydrate us the way water does. Caffeinated drinks actually do the opposite.
A couple of great tricks to help you drink more water include;
- Drinking using a reusable cup with a straw
- Using water flavorings to make a tasty and refreshing drink
- Set goals for yourself with small rewards
While these tips may seem basic or common sense, they can make all the difference when it comes to getting enough water.
Prioritize Sleep
Just like getting enough fluids, getting enough sleep is important to our health and overall well-being. While there are only so many hours within a day, forgoing sleep can actually put you at a disadvantage. There are a few things that can help make winding down for the night easier;
- Having a set bedtime allows your body to adjust to a routine and naturally wind down for the night.
- Avoid using devices before bed. Be honest, how many times have you stayed up too late scrolling through social media?
- Avoid eating heavy meals right before bedtime.
Developing a routine can help make getting the right amount of sleep easier. By using tips and tricks like those listed above, you’ll be counting sheep in no time!
Journal to Help Organize Your Thoughts
Have you ever felt like your mind is a jumbled mess of thoughts and emotions? If so, you are not alone. We all feel that way at some point in our lives.
Journaling is a great way to help organize your thoughts and emotions in a safe and constructive way. You don’t need a fancy binder or pen, all you need is a basic notebook or even a computer if accessible. There are no rules to journaling; simply put your pen to paper (or begin typing) and let your thoughts flow.
Sometimes getting a different view of your thoughts can be beneficial. Journaling can be an easy and budget-friendly way to add self-care to any routine. It can fit in during just about any part of your day.
Exercise in Any Form
In today’s society, it is easy to live a stagnant life. However, exercise in any form is important for all individuals regardless of age and health. Getting exercise doesn’t mean you have to run out and sign up for a gym membership. Exercise can come in many different forms. A couple of easy forms of exercise that can be done at home include;
- Walking
- Yoga
- Body weight workouts (push-ups, crunches, etc.)
The Bottom Line
Self-care does not have to mean spending a ton of money on fancy tools. In fact, self-care can begin with what you already have available. By practicing self-care options like those listed above, you can begin making positive impacts on your life. These basic forms of self-care can be a building block towards a more well-rounded routine.
At the end of the day, self-care is a must for everyone. We need to take care of ourselves to be the best version of ourselves. Even small things can make the biggest difference.
