It's no secret that this world can drive us completely crazy at times. In fact, ever since the world-shattering pandemic of 2020, self care has become one of the most important aspects of our daily lives. It has become so important that even big name corporate companies have improved or even completely revamped their company policies in order for employees to take time for self care to work efficiently and effectively.
I myself have found ways to incorporate self care into my daily routine and it has certainly improved my way of life in ways that I never thought imaginable. Whether it be starting my mornings with meditating, weekly yoga sessions, sitting outside reading, or even simply extending my shower time to really calm my mind, self care has certainly grown to be a powerful tool.
So what are some simple ways that you can exercise self care every single day for even just 5 to 10 minutes? Here are some great ways that you can try self care and be on your way to improving your daily lifestyle.
1. Celebrate a Small Achievement
Sometimes we forget to appreciate the small steps we have taken toward the life we want. A huge win isn't always the answer. In fact, when we begin to acknowledge, appreciate, and show gratitude for the small accomplishments we have done, bigger wins come more easily. Remember that you are the only one walking in your shoes, and thus, your accomplishments no matter how small are worth celebrating!
2. Put Down Your Phone
It's no secret that we live in a digital world. Written letters have become short texts. Grocery shopping can be done with the click of a button. Communication has become too short and unfulfilling. The list goes on. Disconnecting from that small screen in your hands for even 30 minutes a day can amplify your self care experience. You will begin to notice small fulfilling moments that you otherwise may have missed. This is also a great way to experience mindfulness. And we can all use a little bit of that on a daily basis.
3. Take a Walk in Nature
Whether you live in a big city or a small rural town, nature is all around us in many different and special ways. The grass, the soil, the trees, the sunshine, the gentle sound of the breeze - nature is literally all around us. Taking a short ten minute walk and taking in the sights and sounds of nature is one way to relieve stress and allow ourselves to become more grounded as well. An even more effective way to do this is if you take this walk without headphones. Trust me when I say that you will begin to notice small ways that nature's beauty is present among us each and every day. While you're doing this walk, try to become mindful of how your body reacts with each step that you take. This is an awesome way to become more in tune with your body and increases your ability to notice what your body and soul needs to be at peace even in stressful times.
4. Read A Great Book
This is by far one of my favorite ways to exercise self care. There's nothing like picking up a good book and diving right into the pages and the words. Maybe you like suspense or perhaps fantasy. Maybe there's a topic that you've been wanting to learn more about. The power of the written word is something that can't be denied and it's a great way to escape the craziness of this world for even just an hour a day. Here's a little tip as well: if you prefer to read from your table or iPad, you can download 100% free articles and books from this website https://z-lib.org. Thank me later!
5. Dance Like No One is Watching!
Now this right here is not only good for the soul, but it's absolutely fun to do! There's no greater feeling than becoming one with your favorite tunes and just dancing the day or the night away. You can even do this from the comfort of your home if you don't have time to go out. There's just something about hearing your favorite songs or playlist and just letting loose when that beat drops! Dancing is not only good exercise, but it helps to release endorphins that just make your body feel great both inside and out. So go ahead and let those tunes move your body and release that inner child that's been waiting to hit the dance floor or even your kitchen counter!
Taking time for self care each and every day is more than just a necessity - it should be a priority. It also shouldn't be considered selfish either. When we are constantly on the go and neglect ourselves, it can be detrimental to our mind, body, and spirit. When we are constantly giving ourselves to others and don't take time to refill ourselves, we then have nothing left to give except complete emptiness and that's not conducive to our own inner being.
I truly hope that some of these ideas have inspired you to take some actions to take care of yourself and have encouraged you to open up your mind to even more possibilities of daily self care. We only have one body, one mind, and one soul, so care for it like your life depended on it. The reality is is that it does in fact depend on it.