Focus on Self-Care

In a busy world, we have a lot that pulls our attention away from how we might be feeling internally. Multitasking, keeping up with deadlines, staying connected to friends and family, and maintaining our living spaces are only a few of the ways we may get overwhelmed when we are not paying attention to how we are caring for ourselves.

There are significant clues that our bodies provide us when we don’t tend to our self-care on a regular basis. These clues may be aches, pains, illness, or difficulty sleeping. Our emotions (such as irritability, boredom, and depression) and negative thoughts also provide clues to inform us that we need to put more focus on tending to our needs. 

The good news is that these symptoms can be changed by taking small, actionable steps to improve mood, mindset, and general well-being. Utilizing tools available to us, such as timers or reminders on our devices, supports the changes we aim to achieve. Routines we add into our day can be the key to maintaining success with the goals we set out to achieve around self-care.

Morning Routine

Whether you commute to an office or work remotely, having a good morning routine will provide a base for a successful day. If your day starts in a “go-go-go state”, that could be impacting how you are feeling throughout the day. Making the time to write out what your morning routine currently looks like can provide insight into adjustments that can be made to help you start your day off with better self-care practices. Here are some considerations to try to add to your morning routine:

• Stretching or light exercise to help get your physical body ready for the day.
• Drink a glass of water or your preferred beverage to help with hydration.
• Prepare for the day by journaling or creating a to-do list (written, phone notes, and/or mental list) to build motivation and focus for the day’s priorities.
• Prepare healthy meals and include foods you enjoy to provide your body with nourishment and energy to meet the day ahead.
• Practice mindful activities — such as meditation, yoga, or reading — to clear your mind and reduce stress at the start of your day.

Evening Routine

Evening routines can be equally important and may include similar actions as mentioned above, and can aid with relaxing for a good night’s sleep. Additionally, reducing activities that promote mental stimulation before bedtime and choosing to listen to music or take an evening walk are good acts of self-care that promote a relaxed state of mind. These are great to do when feeling stressed or overwhelmed at any point of the day. 

Other Forms of Self-Care

• Maintain regular check-ups – Making yearly doctor and dentist appointments will keep you informed on your physical health and ahead of any potential concerns, so that adjustments can be made when needed.
• Reach out for connection – Maintaining healthy relationships provides a sense of connection and a support network to have others to lean on for help and lift up our mood when feeling down. 
• Do something you enjoy – Indulging in activities that bring us comfort or pleasure is one of the best acts of self-care. These can be motivators to help overcome challenging times or rewards for enduring difficult moments or tasks.
• Unplug from technology and connect with nature – Whether it is a walk outside, tending to houseplants, or a weekend camping trip, taking a break from our devices and technology is self-care for the mind and body. 
• Asking for help – Accepting that there are times we could use guidance from others and not feeling alone with our problems can be the most important self-care. If we are concerned about putting the burden on others, this could be an indicator to reach out for professional help from a therapist or doctor. 

Remember: Self-care is not selfish. Paying attention to the needs of our bodies and minds is necessary for maintaining our overall health and happiness. By investing time and effort into prioritizing our physical and mental well-being, we can better cope with the demands of daily life, cultivate resilience in the face of any challenge, and be able to show up as our best selves on a daily basis.

Additional Self-Care Tips:

https://www.mhanational.org/taking-good-care-yourself

https://www.betterup.com/blog/working-from-home-tips