“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”
Do you ever have those days where you feel physically and mentally drained?
It’s like no matter what you want to do, or try to do, you just can’t because your body is saying, “no more“.
If you’re nodding in agreement and saying, “yep, that sounds familiar” then it’s time for you to add more self-care into your routine. No excuses.
You’ve only got one body and if you want it to perform to its highest potential and serve you well throughout this physical journey then you need to set time aside for yourself EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Here are 15 crucial self-care practices that will help you love on your mind, body, and soul:
1.) Cut out the toxins
You are what you eat, so be mindful of what you consume.
The food you eat and beverages you drink will either keep you healthy, energized and mentally sharp or they’ll leave you feeling lethargic, unfocused and unhealthy.
Which scenario do you prefer?
If you want to feel healthy, energized and mentally sharp (as I imagine you do) then cut out (or at least down) on the toxins you consume. This means eating less processed foods and opting instead to eat more nutrient-rich foods like raw fruits and vegetables.
2.) Cut off the toxics
You’re an energetic being living in an energetic world. This means you literally soak in the energy you’re surrounded by.
If your environment is full of toxic people and things, you’ll get pulled into a negative state of being, and struggle to maintain a positive outlook on life.
Rather than being dragged down (after all — you’re here to experience love and joy!) cut off toxic people and things.
Stop hanging out with people who don’t uplift you. Let go of relationships that don’t add value to your life. Drop habits that don’t serve your greater good.
3.) Unplug for an hour
Technology is a wonderful way to stay connected and up-to-date with the happenings of the world. But, it’s also incredibly addicting and a massive time waster.
Unplug for one hour — turn your phone on airplane mode, turn off your TV, shut down your laptop. Enjoy the sound of sweet silence.
Use this time to nap, journal or do something you’ve been meaning to do for yourself.
4.) Meditate for 10+ minutes
Set aside 10 plus minutes when you first wake up, or right before you go to sleep to meditate.
Meditation is proven to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety because it allows you to turn your mind off and get present in the now. Plus it’s uber relaxing and will give you a chance to rest and rejuvenate your mind, body, AND soul!
5.) Reflect on your life
A lot of personal stress, anxiety, and unhappiness is caused by living life out of alignment with your dreams and goals. Give yourself the gift of clarity, and reflect on where your life is now versus where you want it to be.
Then ask yourself, “What is one thing I can do starting today to move in the direction of my dreams?”
Write down your answer and begin!
6.) Take a long bath
Treat yourself to some uninterrupted “me” time, and let your body de-stress by soaking in a nice warm bath.
Set the scene by lighting candles, turning on relaxing music and adding bubbles, sea salt or flower petals to the water!
7.) Give yourself some TLC
Are your feet sore?
Are your legs achy?
You don’t need to be in a romantic relationship to get some body-based TLC! Listen to your body, and figure out where it needs love. Then attend to those areas.
You’re in a relationship with yourself first and foremost, so make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself, and your body — after all, it’s the only one you’ve got!
8.) Watch a comedy
If laughter is the best medicine, then one of the best ways to rest, relax and enjoy some “me” time is to watch a comedy that will have you crying tears of laughter!
Not only will you end your night on a stress-free, happy note — you’ll also release endorphins (feel-good hormones from your body) which are proven to relieve pain and tension in the body!
9.) Declutter your space
Have you ever walked into your house after a long day and felt completely overwhelmed and anxious by how disorganized everything was?
It’s hard to relax and focus when you’re surrounding by chaos.
Give yourself the gift of a peaceful home environment, and spend 20 to 30 minutes organizing your house (and getting rid of everything you don’t need!) at least once a week.
10.) Spend time in nature
If you’re looking for a natural pick-me-up and hoping to realign your energy, then spend some time in nature.
Nature will soothe you with its symphonic sounds and relax your brain (goodbye anxiety and overthinking!) Plus, you’ll build up your microbial diversity (hello good bacteria!) and over time build a stronger immune system!
So what are you waiting for? Go immerse yourself in nature!
11.) Go to sleep earlier
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get into the habit of going to sleep earlier. Self-care isn’t all about treating yourself to facials, massages and long baths. Oftentimes, it’s about giving your body the sleep it is craving!
By getting enough sleep on a regular basis, you’ll wake up feeling more energized, alert and excited about the day ahead of you.
12.) Get out of your comfort zone
The vast majority of us are living within the confines of a predictable routine that doesn’t leave much up to chance or outside exploration.
We get up and follow the small pattern day in and day out and wonder why our lives aren’t exciting or full of adventure. Challenge yourself to break this cycle, at least once a week, and do something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Maybe there’s an acting class you’ve been wanting to take. Or a networking event you’ve been wanting to attend. Or a club you’ve been wanting to join.
Take the leap. Follow your inspiration. You never know where it will lead you, but you can be sure if you don’t try you’ll always wonder what could have been…
13.) Set aside time to work on your dreams
As Dr. Wayne Dyer once said, “Don’t die with your music still inside of you.”
Set aside time to work on your dreams every single day — even if just for a few minutes. You don’t want to get to the end of your life and think, “I wish I had done (insert dream).”
Write the book. Take the class. Travel to the country.
Your dreams were given to YOU for a reason, and it’s your job to bring them into fruition while you’re still here. And you know what? There’s no better time to start than right here, right now because this is the only moment that exists.
14.) Be active
Being active doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym for 3 hours every day and become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It simply means you make daily choices that will keep your body strong, flexible and healthy so you’re always able to do the physical things you want to do.
Here are some suggestions:
- Set aside 5 minutes in the morning to stretch
- Walk whenever possible rather than driving or taking public transportation
- Do a home workout such as yoga, pilates or barre
- Go for a run
Being active shouldn’t be something you dread — it should be something you look forward to so make sure you choose activities that you’ll enjoy and be able to implement into your life long-term!
15.) Say “I love you” to yourself
When was the last time you acknowledged how wonderful, powerful and amazing you are?
Most of us don’t do this enough — and it’s a shame because if we took the time to recognize who and what we truly are we would realize how limitless and magical we are.
Take time to acknowledge yourself every day, and say to yourself, “I love you, I really, truly love you.”
If you do this on a regular basis, your confidence will become stronger and you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for yourself!
Now that you’re in the know when it comes to self-care, which of the above suggestions are you going to implement in your daily life?
Xx,
Antasha
P.s. if you’re ready to take your self-care to the next level, check out Magical Mornings! It’s a FREE 7-day email course designed to help you wake up with purpose and intention every day! Click here to sign up.
About Antasha Durbin: Antasha is a spiritual writer, life-long student of the universe, and psychic tarot card reader. Her website, cajspirituality.com, is dedicated to casualizing the spiritual experience and making it attainable for anyone, anywhere, anytime. Follow her for free, easy-to-digest and highly actionable advice on spirituality, mindfulness and empowered living.
Isn't it time you started living the life you've always imagined?
I’m going to start saying “I love you” to myself, I actually don’t think I have ever told myself that! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
hi ya – not sure which ones of these to try first, maybe all of them? 😉