Simple Ways To Practice Self-Care

Self care is something that we should all most definitely do more often. It’s so important for our mental & physical wellbeing to take a bit of “me” time.

Self-care is defined as “any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others“.

Here’s a few simple ways that you could practice some self-care…

GET ENOUGH SLEEP.

So boring, we know. But seriously a few early nights really does you so much good. Switch off the phone, read a book to help you drift off and just sleep. If you’re struggling with sleep try listening to some podcasts or audio books with your headphones in. We really recommend the Harry Potter audio books, because it’s just so relaxing to listen to Stephen Fry’s voice.

READ MORE.

Taking the time out of the rest of your life to get lost in another world is one of the best ways to practice self-care. We don’t know about you, but trying to keep up with all that studying is hard. Taking the time to read something that you don’t have to is such a luxury itself. We have a few recommendations in our Book Section.

SWITCH OFF.

Probably the hardest one to do, but switching off the phone and the computer is good for the soul. We promise you will not miss anything that is worth your while. We are all far too reliant on social media these days to entertain and inform us, but it’s probably the most toxic thing for our mental health. Try switching off your phone come 7.30pm a few nights a week. Just taking the time to do something other than obsess about the latest update and likes is honestly so refreshing. We’re definitely going to try do a few weekends social media free.

TREAT  YOURSELF.

We don’t mean going and treating yourself to a Chanel bag in Brown Thomas (but if you do will you buy us one too?). If it’s a bar of chocolate or a new eyeshadow palette or a new pair of shoes that you want, just get it. Reward yourself for your achievements. Whatever it is just enjoy it. You deserve it.

MEDITATE

The practice of meditating has been a round for a long, long, long time but it’s really starting to become the thing that people turn to when looking at their self-care practises. It’s also been known as a great way to deal with anxiety. Try downloading the Headspace App which is a guided meditation and very relaxing. You get 10 sessions free, so it’s a great way to figure of if it works for you or not.

DEEP  BREATHS.

This is something that you can do anywhere and it takes no time at all but could make the biggest difference. Just taking a minute to take three deep breaths could really help in calming yourself down and re-focusing your mind when things get a little overwhelming.

FRESH AIR.

Probably the cheapest, but the best way to look after yourself is to get fresh air and lots of it. Grab some headphones (see below!) and get out and go for a stroll. If you want to try get a friend to come too, but sometimes its just nice to go for a stroll and be left with your own thoughts and ideas. It you hit a wall especially when studying or life gets too much some fresh air is a good way to try work it all out.

WRITE IT DOWN.

We are here for journaling! Sometimes with everything jumping around in your brain it can be great to just get it down on paper in front of you. Even just writing a letter expressing all your thoughts, worries and frustrations can be so therapeutic. You can throw it in the bin once you’re done – there’s something oddly freeing about getting rid of it.

PAMPER YOURSELF.

The above is true, but you know it is nice to pamper yourself every now and again. A bath with a little bit of everything thrown in or even sheet mask from Penneys. Pick out a new nail polish or throw in a hair mask. Do something that makes you feel great. Again, you deserve it.

See Also

Why It’s So Important To Check In With Your Friends

WORK IT  OUT

Dance around your room, go for a walk, start running, join a club or start a new gym class. Just pick something that you enjoy doing and make it your outlet.

LISTEN TO MUSIC.

Music can be such a powerful too. Take the time to listen to a  bit of music in the morning before school as you’re getting ready or make a playlist to listen to in the car. We’re on a bit of a 90’s vibe ourselves lately. From chill-out music to just help you relax or just jump around to some rap music, find your grove – literally!

SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE.

Taking some time to spend with the people you love is great for the soul. Just be present. Put the phone down and enjoy the time that you spend together. Memories are more important than Snapchat streaks.

TALK.

Sometimes it’s just great to talk about anything and nothing. A lot goes on inside those heads of ours so sometimes it’s just nice to let it all out. If there’s something that’s getting you down saying it out loud is half the battle over.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

One of the best things that you can do for yourself and for your mental health is to just be kinder to yourself. Let the bad thoughts go and stop being so hard on yourself.  You are enough. You are worthy.

This is in no way a definitive list. If you have something that’s your jam, do that. You don’t have to do these all together or all the time. The important thing is to be mindful that you are doing something just for you and because you want to. Find that thing that relaxes you, or allows you to refocus or the thing that allows you to blow off steam.

What do you do to practice self-care?