How do you take care of yourself? Do you have a self-care routine in place, or are you haphazardly going from one day to the next?
As we go through life, there are many opportunities to neglect our mental and physical well-being. It may be easier than ever before to stay busy, but this is not sustainable. The better we take care of ourselves now, the more likely it is that we will have the energy and motivation to pursue other goals in life.
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The Importance Of Self-Care
Having a self-care routine gives you a minute to yourself on a busy day. But there are plenty of mental and physical benefits to practicing it too. For example, self-care has been clinically proven to reduce depression and anxiety. In addition, it can reduce your stress levels, along with your frustration and anger. Not to mention that you’ll see an increase in overall happiness, energy, and concentration.
And thinking physically, self-care has been proven to reduce heart disease, cancer, and stroke. That’s thanks to an overall feeling of calm. Spiritually, looking after ourselves helps us become more in tune with our bodies and minds and realize our meaning in life.
Here are some easy ways to practice self-care today.
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Take Care Of Your Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it’s important to take care of it. You can do many things to keep your skin healthy, from wearing sunscreen every day to washing your face at night. You should also use a moisturizer daily and exfoliate once a week.
Makeup and cosmetics aren’t for everyone, but they can be used in a positive self-care routine. Ensure you’re using a quality brand like THE ICONIC makeup, so your skin stays healthy. And only do what feels good.
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Practice Self-Acceptance
The self-care process begins with accepting ourselves. We may not like everything about ourselves, but there is something we can love and accept about our appearance and personality. This is an opportunity for self-reflection and an opportunity to appreciate the things that make us unique. There are many ways to practice self-acceptance, such as writing down what you love about yourself or thinking about your positive qualities.
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Be The Main Character
What do you want your life to be? Imagine what it would be like if you were in charge. What does this future self look like? Think about the obstacles that have been stopping you from achieving those goals. What would you do differently if you had your ideal life? What are the first steps necessary to get there?
Practicing self-care is not just about looking after our physical needs. It’s also about taking care of our mental health and setting achievable goals. What kind of person will you make yourself into? Engage with your inner leading character energy and start fulfilling your lifelong dreams.
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Put Down The Phone
It is essential to establish boundaries with social media. It can be easy to spend too much time on it, which can be detrimental to our mental health. If we constantly feel the need to check social media, it could lead us down a rabbit hole of comparing ourselves to others and judging what they post online.
It can be beneficial to put your phone down when you’re in the moment with friends or family. You will have more conversations and connections if you avoid checking your phone every five minutes. In addition, it’s important not to scroll through social media before bedtime because this is when your brain begins creating neurotransmitters that help you sleep. Turn off your notifications for these apps so that you aren’t tempted by them during the day.
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Exercise!
One of the most important things for your self-care routine is exercise. When you exercise, you give your body and mind a moment to slow down. We all need to be mindful of our physical and emotional health because it will make us better at everything we do.
So, what does exercise have to do with self-care? Exercise has been proven as one of the best ways to alleviate stress. We release endorphins that help us feel happier and more relaxed when we exercise regularly. The more we exercise, the more our brain releases chemicals that make us feel good.
People can also use exercise as an outlet for their emotions when experiencing complex thoughts or feelings. Exercise offers many benefits that can improve your mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.
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Find Time For Solitude
Many of us struggle with finding time for solitude. It can be challenging to carve out some time for ourselves in a world that is constantly asking for our attention and energy. But the truth is that we need to take care of ourselves to be able to serve others.
If you are feeling inclined, find 10 minutes during your day to sit alone and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and goals in life. Do not interrupt this time with a phone call or email. Instead, find a space where you will not be disturbed by anything else.
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Rediscover A Long-Lost Hobby
When was the last time you picked up a paintbrush, went to a concert, or tried a new dish? Take some time for yourself and rediscover a hobby that has been lost. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it. Starting up a hobby that we haven’t made time for in a while is self-affirming. And having a creative outlet helps us work through difficult emotions and find a moment of peace.
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Finally Read That Book
It’s easy to put things off. That book you’ve been meaning to read, the new workout routine you want to start, or even your annual checkup. It feels like there are so many more important tasks to complete first. But actually taking care of ourselves first means we’ll be better equipped to take care of other responsibilities later on. This can be hard for naturally self-sacrificing people – but it’s worth it.
So this week, try putting yourself first and finish that book you’ve been thinking about reading for ages. You deserve it!
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Get Journalling
One of the simplest ways to practice self-care is to take a few minutes for journaling. We all have thoughts and feelings we want to share with ourselves but often don’t. Journaling allows us to do just that.
Journaling can be done in many different ways. You could go into your office and sit at your desk or write while you are lying in bed on your phone. The key is finding a way that works best for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a letter, list, or sentence; journaling is an opportunity to express yourself freely without judgment.
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Create A Routine
When we have a set time of day where we put ourselves first, it’s easier to find the energy and motivation necessary for those tasks that don’t feel as enjoyable. Therefore, it is crucial to create a self-care routine and stick to it.
Set aside at least 30 minutes of your day where you can do something for yourself. This could be reading a book, taking a bath, or simply sitting outside in nature. Whatever you choose to do during this time, make sure it feels good and makes you happy!