We don’t need to tell you the importance of taking care of yourself. We’re pretty sure you already know that. So what keeps you from putting a priority on your own well-being?
For most of us, it’s time. Sure, you’d like to take a half-hour to disappear from the world, but your boss needs to be able to find you at a moment’s notice. It’s almost time to get the kids to practice. And what do you mean nobody’s walked the dog? So you dart around all day long, jumping from this priority to the next – and sadly, you never find enough time to make yourself a priority.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a lot of time to recharge your own well-being. In fact, any of these seven strategies are bound to give you the relief you seek … and the motivation to do them all more often:
- Taking a hot bath or shower – Not only does that warm water cleanse your body, but it can also help clean the chaos out of your mind and restore your soul. Maybe you can’t luxuriate in a bubble bath for a half-hour, but you’ll be amazed at what just ten minutes of soaking can accomplish.
- Enjoy a walk – Can you spare 20 minutes? That’s how long the average person takes to walk a mile. When you break away from whatever is creating stress and wander through nature, your mind resets itself. Fresh air and sunlight can perform magic on your attitude and well-being.
- Read a little – Even 15 minutes with a novel, poetry, or your favorite non-fiction can help you escape reality. When your brain is focused on reding something you enjoy, it isn’t thinking about work, that argument with your friend, or the sarcastic comment your spouse made this morning.
- Play for a bit – We all know raising kids is hard work, and sometimes it’s hard to have enough energy to meet their basic needs. But watch what happens when you start playing with them for just a few minutes. They’ll cherish your company, and you’ll get a reminder of why you love them so much.
- Plan your next trip – If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go? Mental health researchers will tell you that planning a vacation brings just as much joy as actually taking one. Looking at travel information and considering the things you’ll do will make your next trip even better.
- Spend time with a friend – When was the last time you went to lunch or for a walk with a close friend? Companionship and laughter will distract you from whatever is dragging you down and give you a boost. Spending time with friends always makes your day brighter.
- Take a solo day – Use your PTO, flexible holiday, or vacation time to schedule a day just for you, and spend it doing only the things you want to do. Maybe it’s an hour-long bath. Could be a visit to the museum you love but the family finds boring. Whatever you do, focus on you.
Want to learn more self-care strategies like these? Our professional counselors have learned a lot of ways to get you out of the rat race and refocused on what brings you joy. Why not set a time to ask their advice?