The idea of self-care can often feel unattainable, especially during times of stress, busyness, or when we feel overwhelmed. While we recognize the benefits of self-care, taking time to do things for ourselves feels impossible. When life is busy or we feel burdened, we don’t feel like we can stop and go on vacation or go get a massage. While these self-care activities are good, they often become one more thing we can’t seem to do right.
Instead of looking for self-care activities that take us out of our everyday lives, we can find things to incorporate into our lives that bring peace. They may not be things that change what is stressing us out. However, participating in attainable self-care activities can fortify our mental wellness so we can better navigate whatever season we are walking through in life.
The key to making this work
It’s not about finding the magic thing to do or the dream vacation to take. This is all about keeping things realistic and within reach. They need to be activities that you can incorporate into your life without becoming burdensome. If they are easy to incorporate, you are more likely to do them.
Similarly, they need to be things that you enjoy. It’s great to read a list of ideas, but if none of them help you, they are useless. Sometimes it is helpful to try things you wouldn’t ordinarily do. This gives you the chance to discover new activities and their potential benefits in your life.
Whatever you choose to do, try it a few times before deciding if it’s right for you. Sometimes you need to settle into how it works or how it makes you feel before deciding if it’s right for you. The great thing about these ideas is that they are practical and easy to try.
Practical self-care activities to try
Music
Listen to music that is calming or reminds you of happy times in your past.
Power nap
Take a 20-minute nap. Make sure to do this before 3:00 p.m. so it doesn’t interfere with your nighttime sleep. Also, if you don’t fall asleep for your nap, that’s okay. Just taking time to rest is helpful.
Notice
Pay attention to the things around you. Notice what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste.
Hot beverage
Make yourself your favorite hot beverage. Herbal tea is an excellent choice to promote calm. You can even take it with you to enjoy as you complete other tasks.
Sit
Simply sit quietly with your eyes closed for five minutes. Allow yourself to relax and take some deep breaths or practice breath prayers.
Go early
Leave early for an appointment or scheduled event. Then sit and read a book or listen to a podcast with your extra time when you get there.
Phone down
Put your phone down when you are eating. Also, be sure to physically put it down or in another room when you are with your family or friends.
Extra shower time
Give yourself five extra minutes to enjoy your shower.
Keep it simple
There are many more things you can incorporate into your day that will foster self-care and mental health. For more ideas and strategies, connect with a counselor at Carrollton Christian Counseling in Texas.
Photo:
“Cacti”, courtesy of Sidny See, Unsplash.com, CC0 License
Kate Motaung: CuratorKate Motaung is the Senior Writer, Editor, and Content Manager for a multi-state company. She is the author of several books including Letters to Grief, 101 Prayers for Comfort in Difficult Times, and A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging...
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