Self care is so important, yet it's often the first thing we neglect when life gets busy. As a busy working mom, I know how hard it can be to make time for yourself. But practicing self care is vital to your Health, happiness and ability to care for others. When you're running on empty, you have nothing left to give. That's why I've put together my top tips for self care - simple ways you can nurture yourself even when time is short. These little acts of self love will recharge your batteries and help you be the best version of yourself. So take a few minutes to yourself and read on. You deserve it!
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness is one of the best ways I've found to nurture myself. What is mindfulness? Basically, it means focusing your awareness on the present moment—your thoughts, feelings, and sensations—without judgment.
Start with just 5-10 minutes a day of mindfulness meditation. Find a quiet, distraction-free place, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath moving in and out. Your mind will wander, so gently bring your focus back to your breath when you notice it drifting. Even just a few minutes can help reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and wellbeing.
Do a quick Body scan. Slowly move your attention up and down your body, noticing how different areas feel. Release any tension and just observe. This simple exercise helps you connect with your body and the present moment.
Practice mindfulness in everyday activities. While brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or taking a shower, focus on the sensations of the water, sounds, smells, etc. When eating, slow down and savor each bite, noticing flavors, textures, and aromas. These little moments of mindfulness add up and help make you more aware and appreciative of the simple pleasures in life.
Start a gratitude practice. Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on things you are grateful for. Notice the little details in your daily life and environment. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude helps reduce negative feelings and increases happiness and life satisfaction.
Making time for mindfulness and self-care is so important. Start small by choosing one or two of these tips to focus on each day. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.
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Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough ZZZs is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to feel rested and recharged.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Having a consistent sleep schedule helps to regulate your body's internal clock and optimize your sleep.
Avoid screens, bright lights and stressful activities 1 hour before bed. The blue light they emit disrupts your circadian rhythm and makes it harder to fall asleep. Do some light stretching, read a book or listen to calming music instead.
Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. Use your bed only for sleep - not for watching TV, using electronics or doing work. This helps establish the proper association between your bed and sleeping.
Limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake, especially in the afternoon and evening. They can disrupt your sleep later on at night.
Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, a warm bath or light yoga. A relaxing pre-sleep routine can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.
Getting good quality sleep has so many benefits for your health, mood, concentration and productivity. By making a few simple changes to your daily and nightly routines, you'll be snoozing peacefully in no time and feeling refreshed when you wake up. Sweet dreams!
Eat Healthy and Hydrate
One of the best ways I nurture myself is by eating healthy, nutritious foods and staying hydrated.
Focus on Whole Foods
I try to eat more whole foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These provide more nutrients than processed junk food. Some of my favorites include:
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are packed with antioxidants.
Leafy greens: Spinach, kale and romaine lettuce are great for salads or smoothies.
Avocados: Creamy avocados are full of healthy fats and fiber.
Salmon: Wild-caught salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts and cashews make the perfect snack and contain protein and healthy fats.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is vital for your health and mood. I aim for 6-8 glasses a day to stay properly hydrated. Some signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dry mouth, dizziness or headache. Water helps your body function properly, improves your skin health and boosts your energy levels. For extra flavor, I like to add lemon, lime, cucumber or berries. Herbal tea and broth-based soups also count toward your daily water intake.
Limit Unhealthy Options
I try to avoid excess sugar, refined carbs, red meat, and processed foods as much as possible. These lack nutrients and are bad for your health in large amounts. It’s okay to indulge occasionally, but make healthy choices a priority. Focus on moderation and balance.
Eating right and staying hydrated are two of the simplest ways I nurture myself each day. Fueling my body with nutritious foods gives me the energy I need to feel good and accomplish what I want to do. Making my health a priority helps ensure I can continue nurturing myself for years to come. What are some of the ways you nourish yourself through the foods you eat and drinks you consume? I'd love to hear your tips!
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways I know to relieve stress and boost my mood. When I make time for regular workouts, my mental and physical health improve dramatically.
Find physical activities you enjoy
The key is to choose exercises you find fun and engaging. I like to mix it up with jogging, yoga, hiking, and strength training. If you dread the gym, try dancing, gardening, or playing with your kids or pets. Any activity that gets your heart pumping and endorphins flowing will do the trick.
Start slow and build up gradually
Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to do intense workouts right away. Begin with just 10 or 15 minutes a day a few times a week and increase from there. Even just going for a walk during your lunch break or doing some light stretching before bed can make a big difference. The key is to start small and build the habit.
Buddy up for accountability
Exercising with a friend or family member is a great way to stay motivated. You can encourage each other on days when you don't feel like working out. Try going for walks together, doing an online workout video side by side, or checking in on your fitness trackers to keep each other on track. Having a workout buddy makes it much harder to make excuses.
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Track your progress
Use a fitness tracker or app to record your workouts, distance, time, calories burned and other stats. Seeing your progress will keep you motivated to continue improving and pushing yourself. Try to increase your speed, distance, weight, or intensity over time as your endurance builds up. Reward yourself for milestones achieved to stay on track.
Making exercise a regular habit has so many benefits for both the body and mind. Start small, find what you love, grab an accountability partner, and track your progress. Your physical and mental health will thank you! Keeping my body active gives me an outlet to release pent up energy and tension. I always feel so much better after a good workout. Give it a try—you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
Limit Screen Time
Limiting screen time is one of the best ways I’ve found to practice self-care. As much as I love staying connected and up-to-date with friends on social media or binging the latest show, too much screen time is detrimental to my wellbeing.
Unplug and recharge
Make a habit of taking regular tech breaks to unplug and recharge. Even taking 30-60 minutes a day without screens can do wonders for your mood and stress levels. Some of my favorite screen-free activities include:
Reading a book or magazine
Going for a walk outside
Cooking a meal
Calling a friend
Practicing yoga or meditation
Set limits
It’s easy to lose track of time scrolling through social media or watching TV, so set some limits for yourself. Some ideas:
No screens 1 hour before bed. The blue light they emit disrupts your circadian rhythm and makes it harder to fall asleep.
No phones at the dinner table. Make mealtimes a chance to connect with friends or family without distraction.
Limit social media to 30 minutes a day. Set a timer so you stay accountable and avoid the temptation to keep scrolling.
Find alternatives
If you have the urge to turn on the TV or check your phone, find an alternative activity to fill the time. Some of my go-tos include:
Doing a puzzle or playing cards
Going outside for some fresh air and light exercise
Calling a friend for a chat
Reading a book or magazine
Practicing self-care through a bath, facial, or light yoga
Making the effort to limit screen time and be more present in my daily life has been hugely beneficial for my wellbeing. Give it a try—you may find you feel less stressed, more focused, and better connected to yourself and your loved ones. Every little bit helps, so start small and build from there. Your mind and body will thank you!
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Spending quality time with people you care about is so important for your wellbeing. Make connecting with loved ones a priority in your self-care routine.
Call a Friend
Pick up the phone and call someone you've been meaning to catch up with. Hearing a friendly voice can do wonders for your mood and motivation. Chat about life, share stories, laugh together. Even just a quick call to say hi and check-in can help combat feelings of loneliness and brighten your day.
Plan a Meetup
Let's get together in person if you're able. Meet for coffee or a meal, go for a walk together, have a movie night in. Make it a weekly or monthly date to give you both something to look forward to. In-person interactions release oxytocin, the "love hormone," which reduces stress and anxiety.
Express Gratitude
Let the important people in your life know you appreciate them. Send a heartfelt text, give them a call to say how much they mean to you, write them a letter expressing your gratitude for their friendship or support. Saying "I appreciate you" can deepen your connection and strengthen the relationship.
Be Present
When you are together, be fully present. Make eye contact, listen without distraction, engage in meaningful conversation. Put your phone away and focus on the person in front of you. Show interest in their lives by asking questions and sharing details of your own. Quality interactions where you are fully engaged and attentive are so valuable.
Connecting to your close ones nourishes the soul. Reach out, make plans to meet up and when you do get together, be fully present. Your time and relationships are precious, so make nurturing them a key part of your self-care practice. Put in the effort to strengthen your bond - your mental and emotional health will thank you.
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Do Something Creative
Doing something creative is a great way to nurture yourself. As an artist, I find that engaging in creative pursuits helps boost my mood and reduces stress. Here are a few simple creative activities you can try:
Draw or doodle
Doodling is a mindless but productive creative outlet. Grab some paper and pens or pencils and just start drawing shapes, patterns, or whatever comes to mind. Let your imagination go wild. Doodling helps calm the mind and can lead to unexpected inspiration.
Write in a journal
Journaling is a creative way to express your thoughts and feelings. You can write about your day, your experiences, your dreams, or whatever is on your mind. No one else has to read it, so don’t worry about grammar or spelling. Just get your thoughts down on paper. Journaling provides clarity and can be very cathartic.
Cook something new
If you enjoy cooking, try making a new recipe you’ve never tried before. Cooking stimulates your senses and trying something novel activates your creativity. You might discover a new favorite dish! Even baking cookies or bread can be a fun, creative endeavor.
Listening to music
Put on some of your favorite tunes and just listen. Music is food for the creative soul. Let the melodies and rhythms inspire you. You may even feel like dancing or singing along. Crank up the volume and get lost in the sounds.
Take photos
If you have a camera, go on a photo walk and shoot anything that catches your eye. Look for interesting shapes, colors, textures, or compositions. Photography exercises your creative eye and provides an artistic outlet. You can then use your photos to make a collage or slideshow.
Engaging in creative pursuits, no matter how small, is so important for your wellbeing. Make the time to nurture your creative spirit—you'll be glad you did. Creativity breeds more creativity, so keep at it and have fun with the process!
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Take Time for Yourself
Taking time for yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your wellbeing. As someone who used to feel guilty about self-care, I've learned that nurturing myself makes me a better friend, partner, and employee. Here are a few ways I make sure to prioritize myself:
Limit distractions.
Put away your phone and laptop for a while each day. Do something restorative like reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk outside in nature. Reducing screen time and external input gives your mind a chance to rest.
Practice mindfulness.
Spending a few minutes each day focused on your breath or the present moment has significant benefits for both the body and mind. Try simple mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or a body scan. Starting with just 5 or 10 minutes a day can help reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and contentment.
Get some exercise.
Go for a jog or bike ride, do some yoga, or just take a walk around the block. Exercise releases feel-good hormones that boost your mood and act as natural stress relievers. Even light activity a few times a week can help you feel better in both body and spirit.
Pursue a hobby.
Having an activity you do just for the joy of it is vital for wellbeing. A hobby gives you an outlet to express yourself in a way that feels personally fulfilling. Do something creative like gardening, painting, woodworking or learning to play an instrument. Make time each week to immerse yourself in an activity that sparks your passion.
Treat yourself.
Plan small indulgences to look forward to, like a massage, a nice dinner out, or splurging on something you've been wanting. You deserve to experience pleasure and enjoyment. Buy yourself flowers or a little gift just because. Taking good care of yourself will allow you to be the best version of yourself. You'll have more patience, energy, creativity and compassion for others when you make self-care a priority.
FAQs: Your Questions About Self Care Answered
A lot of people have questions about self care and what it really means. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get about nurturing yourself.
What exactly is self care?
Self care refers to any activity that you do deliberately to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. It's about being kind to yourself and making sure your needs are met. Some examples of self care include:
Exercising
Eating healthy
Getting enough sleep
Practicing mindfulness (meditation, deep breathing, etc.)
Spending time with loved ones
Doing hobbies you enjoy
Setting boundaries
Do I have to do self care every day?
While practicing self care regularly is ideal, that doesn't mean you have to do it every single day. The most important thing is that you make self care a priority and build habits over time. Even small acts of self care a few times a week can make a big difference. Start with whatever feels manageable to you and build from there.
I'm too busy with self care. How do I make time for it?
I get it, life moves fast and it's easy to feel like there's no time for yourself. But the truth is, self care leads to greater productivity and effectiveness. When you're in a good place mentally and physically, you'll have more energy and focus to accomplish what you need to do.
Some tips for making time for self care:
I woke up a little earlier. Giving yourself an extra 30-60 minutes in the morning can provide time for exercise, meditation, or a healthy breakfast.
Take regular breaks. Step away from your work or chores for a quick walk or to do some deep breathing. Even brief respites can help recharge you.
Limit distractions. Minimize notifications on your device and try to avoid multitasking. This makes the time you do have more restorative.
Ask for help when you need it. Don't try to do everything yourself. Ask family and friends for help with chores or errands so you have time for yourself.
Make self care a scheduled priority. Actually block off time on your calendar for self care activities like you would for work or social commitments. Your wellbeing deserves it!
Self care may require effort and practice, but you deserve to make your needs a priority. Start small and keep at it—you've got this! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Conclusion
So there you have it, my top tips for self care and nurturing your mind, body and soul. I hope at least a few of these resonate with you and inspire you to take better care of yourself. You deserve it. Make time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it. Your health and happiness should be a top priority. Start small by picking just one or two of these tips to focus on, then build from there. Self care isn't selfish, it's essential. When you feel good, you're able to show up as your best self for the people in your life. So do something kind for yourself today. You got this! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to take my own advice and do a little self care of my own. Talk soon!
