Self-care is defined as a series of rituals that enable a person to feel better emotionally, physically, and mentally. It improves general well-being, reduces stress, and helps the person to live in tune with their mind and body. In today’s fast-moving world, we hardly get enough time for ourselves. People don’t usually notice it until they are on the edge of a breakdown.

Think about this; when was the last time you did something that made you happy?

When was the last time you took some time off for your mental well-being?

Do you feel happy? Or are you fed up with living with the same mundane routine?

Self-care is not selfish. In fact, it’s healthy to prioritize your needs for your emotional and physical well-being. So many people confuse self-care with self-indulgence. The former refers to taking care of yourself, taking some time out to partake in the activities that you love, and prioritizing your emotional and mental well-being. Lack of personal care rituals leads to burnouts, depression, anxiety, and even insomnia.

Don’t know what to include in your self-care routine?

We are here to guide you.

There are many benefits of self-care. Even if you haven’t been practicing any health care rituals recently, you can still reap the rewards by starting with small steps. It can be as simple as going out for a walk, dedicating 5 minutes to morning meditation every day, having a gratitude journal, soaking yourself in a warm bubble bath, or lighting your favorite scented candle set. These small practices can have significant positive effects on your mind and body.

Self-care is a highly individual practice that varies from person to person. Ranging from bubble baths, and journaling to taking some time off from social media, practicing mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, or going out for a run

Let’s delve deeper into these rituals, how to practice self-care, and the reasons it’s so beneficial.

1.      Spend some time outside

Spending the entire day within the confined space of your home or apartment can be mentally and physically exhausting. Ditch that monotonous routine and get outside. It can be your terrace, backyard, lawn, or any nearby park.

Walking in nature is scientifically proven to reduce stress and stimulate happiness. It calms your mind and soothes your nerves. You can even join a local outdoor yoga class or try a new workout in the fresh air. Outdoor activities enable people to feel more energized, positive and less stressed

2.      Practice gratitude and mindfulness

Too often in the hustle and bustle of work, we ignore the blessings around us. Our minds are trained to always be alert, and thinking about possible negative outcomes, or just stressing about “tomorrow” in general. However, you are in charge of your life and you can shift the narrative by programming your mindset to see the good in every situation.

But how?

The answer is quite simple; by practicing mindfulness and gratitude.

Start your morning by dedicating 5 minutes to your gratitude journal. It can be as simple and quick as writing down 3 or 4 things that you are grateful for; perhaps the feeling of the cozy duvet, the smell of brewing coffee or the happy sound of your child playing in the next room. This easy activity has a plethora of advantages. Our emotional health and happiness are directly associated with an increase in gratitude. Having a gratitude journal will encourage you to be more optimistic, increase your life satisfaction and can even reduce depression.

Try this out and give us your feedback.

Practicing mindfulness includes guided breathing movements, visualizations, noticing your movements, and being aware of your emotions. It shifts the focus to the present moment and increases the ability to regulate emotions. If you constantly worry about what tomorrow might bring, try incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your day-to-day life. You will be surprised how quickly it will soothe your mind and reduce anxiety.

3.      Daily self-care routine

Feeling tired and burned out from the same hectic routine? Maybe we can help you to relax a bit!

Small habits create a big impact. If you are unsure of what to include in your daily self-care plan, we have a simple and easy-to-follow guide for you.

Start your day off with making your bed, completing your skincare routine, and taking a shower. Then dedicate 10 minutes daily to meditation and writing in your gratitude journal. Next, make your favorite breakfast, and turn on the diffuser. Dress up even if you are working from home. Keep a journal, call or text your best friend, go out for a walk, join a fitness yoga class and try to be positive.

These can become your new self-care habits. However, if you follow them regularly with mindfulness, you will notice a drastic effect on your mood and happiness.

4.      Weekly self-care plan

Practicing self-care has great mental and physical benefits. Your body needs proper care, nourishment, and attention. On the weekends, get a pedicure/manicure or a massage, visit your favorite salon, unplug from work responsibilities and spend time with your friends and family, have a movie night with your favorite snacks, try out a new hobby, visit your nearest book store or grocery store just for fun, get your nails done and voila, you are all set for the next week!

5.      Self-care and happiness

Self-care has a direct relationship with happiness and there are three basic forms; emotional, physical, and spiritual. Whilst physical self-care rituals keep your body in check, spiritual and emotional self-care activities will help you to achieve happiness, a sense of fulfillment, less stress, and an improved mindset.

This includes positive self-talk (sometimes we become our own worst critics), saying “no” to the things you don’t feel comfortable doing, cutting off toxic people from your life, keeping a journal for the validation of your emotions, and trying out guided yoga poses.

Last but not the least, it also includes being kind to yourself and others. Give yourself the time and space to feel things and manifest your thoughts. Remember to be easy on yourself and take things one day at a time.

Let us know what are your favorite self-care activities? Do you have a regular routine? If yes, we would love to hear new ideas from you!