Spring weather has finally arrived in Toronto! I can finally store away my winter boots and jackets, and start outdoor boxing with my husband (a new workout routine we're starting this Spring. We've bought all the gears, done a few practice moves in our living room, and now we can finally take it all outside!).
Spring brings along a sense of positivity, optimism, motivation, hope, and possibility. In this blog post, I'd like to focus on the topic of self-care, and share some simple activities you can enjoy (by yourself) to celebrate the arrival of this new season.
Practicing self care is when you take the time and effort to maintain/improve your emotional, mental and physical health, by engaging in activities to nourish your inner and outer self.
Self-care means taking care of yourself, and give yourself the same kindness you give to others. You simply cannot care and love others unless you care and love yourself first.
Here are just a few more reasons why you should make self-care your top priority, and include it into your daily routine. Self-care can help to:
Spring brings along a sense of positivity, optimism, motivation, hope, and possibility. In this blog post, I'd like to focus on the topic of self-care, and share some simple activities you can enjoy (by yourself) to celebrate the arrival of this new season.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care means taking care of yourself, and give yourself the same kindness you give to others. You simply cannot care and love others unless you care and love yourself first.
Here are just a few more reasons why you should make self-care your top priority, and include it into your daily routine. Self-care can help to:
- Decrease stress and anxiety.
- Elevate your mood.
- Clear your thoughts and worries, and help you attain a relaxed state of mind.
- Improve your performance at work or school.
- Enhance your relationship with others.
How do you Engage in Self Care?
Depending on individual preferences, availability, and comfort level, everyone has different ways and methods for self-care.
You do not need to take time off from work or school, go on vacations, or wait for the weekend to engage in self-care. There are many simple activities you can do that will not take up much of your time, and can be done at anytime and anywhere, no matter how busy you are in your life. You do not need to go out of your way to engage in self-care; in fact, there are many activities you are already doing right now (such as reading this post) that are considered self-care. If you pay more attention to your daily routine, and unleash your creativity, you can easily transform small and random daily tasks (or chores) into enjoyable self-care activities.
To get you started, I've came up with a list of 10 simple self-care ideas for you to try this spring:
- Clean an area in your home
A clean home has positive impact on your physical and mental health. You do not need to devote hours of your time doing a deep clean of the entire house, you can introduce the habit of cleaning slowly by starting with one small area in your home (could be anywhere including your kitchen counter, a tabletop, drawer and etc.). - Get rid of one item you do not need
Physical clutter in your home can lead to mental clutter and other negative impact to your mental health. We all have at least one item in our home that serves no purpose but to collect dust. If you notice an item (could be anything including furniture, home decor, clothing, or a flyer) that you no longer need, get rid of it by either throwing it away or donating it. - Head outside, and turn off your phone
Embrace the warm weather and enjoy some quality time with yourself outside, without the distraction of your phone. Start with as little as 5 minutes a day, turn off your phone, enjoy some fresh air, and give yourself a break. - Create a spontaneous drawing
Find a place anywhere outside, it could be your backyard, the patio at the coffee shop, in the park, or by the sidewalk. Grab a Drawing pad and a pen, and begin creating a drawing of anything you like. Open up your senses, and let your environment be your source of creative inspiration. - Create an abstract drawing, filled with colors of Spring
Find a place outside that's closest to nature, it could be at a park, or the garden in your backyard. All you need is a drawing pad, and a pack of pencil crayons. Take some time to observe your environment, and notice the colors of Spring. Your goal is not to create a life-sketch drawing, but rather, an abstract image filled with colors of Spring. Through lines, shapes, or random patches of color, you will create an artwork that's filled with various colors that stand out to you as uniquely spring. - Pick an outfit you love
What you wear can affect your mood and behaviour. Unpack your spring wardrobe, and select a springtime-appropriate outfit that you love and feel most confident wearing. - Try a new hairstyle
Similar to tip #6, you can also express your creativity through your hair. If you've been keeping the same hairstyle throughout the winter season, why not change it up? - Prepare a healthy meal and enjoy is outside
Nourish your body and show yourself some love by packing a simple, healthy homemade lunch to enjoy for yourself. Instead of eating in front of the computer, or in a busy cafeteria, find a quiet place outside to enjoy your lunch! - Treat yourself
Visit your favourite bakery, coffee shop, or restaurant, and order something that you'd enjoy. There may be a particular food item or beverage that you've always wanted, but can't justify buying either due to its calorie or cost. Today's the day to treat yourself! - Set a goal
Do not underestimate the simple act of setting goals. Having a positive goal, whether big or small, creates a sense of hope, and helps to keep you motivated. Start with one simple, attainable goal, and set the deadline to the end of Spring. Remind yourself everyday of your goal, and take baby steps to achieve it!
This post first appeared on The Art Therapy Journey Of An Art Therapist, please read the originial post: here
