Self-care is any activity that cares for our mental, emotional, or physical health. In the hustle and bustle of family and work life, it’s important to give yourself a time out, too. Here are five suggestions.
1. Learn a new skill—Take a cooking class, learn yoga, or check out the adult education classes at the local community college to explore a new interest.
2. Write it out—Use a journal to capture your thoughts, accomplishments, or dreams. Many find that jotting down a short list of what they’re grateful for each day helps them feel less harried and more likely to appreciate the small things.
3. Make time for moving—Postpone doing the laundry and enjoy getting some steps in with a walk or a personal training session. The endorphins you feel will help you power through the rest of your day with a smile.
4. Embrace conveniences—Give yourself permission to cut some corners, like buying the pre-cut veggies at the grocery store or using a meal delivery service to help you eat healthfully without all of the planning and prep.
5. Take a digital detox—Allow yourself to unplug from social media and email for a chunk of time each day to get lost in a book or magazine that you’ve been meaning to read. Or, just listen to the sounds of your surroundings and reflect on the day.
Giving yourself permission to enjoy life’s pleasures and self-care is not only good for you, but it’s healthy for those who depend on you, too.
