The Best Tips on Quick Self-Care Practices
Our days are stressful. Between work, making sure the kids are taken care of, family issues, and all the problems the world faces in general, daily life can make some individuals feel like they’re carrying a piano on their backs. It’s important, then, to take some time out to focus on ourselves. But how do we do that when free time is so scarce?
One of the easiest ways to practice self-care is to find a small window of time each day or every other day that is just for you. It doesn’t have to be something huge; there are lots of little ways you can do something to make yourself happy, and those little things can lead to much better days. You can’t expect to be the best version of yourself if you’re unhappy or stressed out all the time, so here are some of the best ways to take care of yourself when the world gets to be too much.
Cook a good meal
Many single people find it much easier to grab fast food or a single-serving meal rather than prepare an entire meal just for themselves, but sometimes you need to do just that. Choose a night when you can let go of a half hour and shop for the perfect ingredients. Go home and take your time preparing your favorite dish. Let yourself enjoy the creation of it, the wonderful smells that fill your kitchen, and the final, delicious result.
Keep a journal
Writing can be extremely therapeutic and helpful in getting out all the negativity our brains hold onto throughout the day. Keep a journal or small notebook handy to write down your thoughts, feelings, events that have affected you, or even poetry. You never know what will come out.
Get in some exercise
Don’t do it with the goal of losing a certain amount of weight; do it to get your heart rate and energy levels up. Do it to feel good. Set your alarm twenty minutes early and get up for a morning walk, while it’s still cool and there are few people around. Or, take a long walk with the dog at night to clear your head. Don’t have a dog? Consider going for a swim. Even if you don’t have your own pool, there’s a good chance there’s one available to you at some local facility. This is one of the most enjoyable ways to exercise and it’s great for the heart and can burn a large amount of calories.
Go for a drive
Take the long way home from work. Drive the back roads and enjoy the view while listening to some good music. Take up your friend on that offer to go for a ride on his motorcycle. It’s incredibly relaxing and a good way to let yourself enjoy the moment.
Talk to an old friend
If there’s an old friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile, hop on Facebook and send them a message, or write a letter. Getting in touch with someone who knows you well is a good way to find comfort in an otherwise stressful world, and chances are good that they’ll need it, too.
Paige Johnson is a self-described fitness “nerd.” She possesses a love for strength training. In addition to weight-lifting, she is a yoga enthusiast, avid cyclist, and loves exploring hiking trails with her dogs. She enjoys writing about health and fitness for LearnFit.org.
