Your Self-care routine is important, and you must put your self-care first. Many of us know we should take breaks throughout the day, but we often don’t. We may find it hard because of work or caring for others. Prioritize your self-care routine and spend 10 to15 minutes a day to reduce stress. Commit to taking 10 to 15 minutes today to do something for yourself. Here are some ideas to develop a self-care routine:
Get outside: Take a nature walk or city hike. You can incorporate walking into your daily self-car routine.
Be active: Take a walk or lift weights. Do push-ups or sit-ups or kick around a ball for a few minutes. Channel your energy into a quick cleaning of your home and add these things into your self-care routine.
Practice relaxation techniques: Wash your face or rinse your hands in cool water to reduce tension and calm nerves. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, stretch, do yoga, or meditate. These self-care practices will fit nicely into your self-care routine.
Embrace your self-care routine: Make and enjoy a cup of tea and relax in a comfortable place. Curl up with a book or magazine.
Check in with yourself: Take time to ask yourself how you are feeling.
Practice gratitude: Write three things you are grateful for. Tell someone you appreciate them.
Laugh: Think of someone who makes you laugh or the last time you laughed so hard you cried. Watch or listen to something fun. Feeling good is important to fostering your self-care routine.
Consider a new hobby: Try playing a musical instrument, gardening, following a new recipe, working on a crossword puzzle, building something new in the workshop, or knitting.
Find an inspiring song or quote: Write it down (or screenshot it) so you have it nearby.
Maintain or build your social network: Check in with a friend, family member, or neighbor.
Connect with your faith: Through prayer or reach out to a member of your faith community.
Make an appointment with a counselor at Sobair Mental Health if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, sadness, or depressed mood. We can help you develop a self-care routine that will help you live a better life.