4 Simple Ideas for Self-Care
Image by Rowan Chestnut on Unsplash.
I frequently find myself frazzled and stressed out and wishing I had more hours in the day. It’s on days like these when taking time for a self-care is most important. Here are four simple ideas for adding a moment of self-care to your day when you don’t think you have the time.
Incorporate music into your day.
Music can be a great mood booster. Put a wireless speaker in your bathroom so you can belt out your favorite tunes in the shower. Create a new playlist to keep you motivated during your workout. Dance around the kitchen as you make dinner. Or blast your high school soundtrack in the car while you drive to work or run errands.
Give yourself a mini-massage.
Sitting hunched over a computer — or even your phone — can cause muscle tension and fatigue. When you kick off your shoes after a long day, take a few minutes to rub your tired feed. Give your shoulders a squeeze while you watch tv. And take a second to massage the tension out of your cheeks and forehead when you wash your face before bed.
Calm your mind with meditation.
Meditation is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve sleep. You don’t need to be a Zen master to harness its power. Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations to help you get started. Spend five mindful minutes in the morning to focus on your breath while your coffee brews. Or play sleep story in the evening after you climb into bed.
Notice the natural world around you.
Spending time in nature and taking a break from the digital world can help calm your mind. While you might not have time to go for a hike or spend weekends at the beach, you can focus on the world around you to get small daily doses of Mother Nature. Eat your lunch on a park bench for change of scene. Take a walk and notice the wind blowing through the trees. Or try out your green thumb by caring for a houseplant.
Take care,
Lisa