Self-care has never been more important than it is right now. As the world shuts its borders, restaurants close their doors, and people practice social distancing and stay home for long periods of time, stagnation and loneliness loom.
That’s why it’s crucial for your mental, physical and spiritual health to practice self-care because in its absence, it’s easy to fall into a depressed slump. Self-care will enable you to prioritize your needs during this unpredictable time, and feel productive and inspired while you do it.
In this ultimate guide to self-care you’ll learn 13 self-care practices that are free to implement, easy to do, and will make your life happier and healthier during this crisis and beyond.
Ready to dive it? Let’s do this!
1.) Give thanks
Have you ever heard the phrase, “gratitude begets gratitude?” Many of us are familiar with this idea, but we roll our eyes when it comes to practicing it. After all, why should we give thanks when things aren’t going our way?
Well, the reason is simple – it’s called quantum physics. It’s the science behind why “like energy attracts like energy” and why “birds of a feather flock together“. The science shows us that when we align our thoughts and actions with something, we create focal energy around that thing.
That’s why when we say thank you for what we have in our lives, suddenly we’re surrounded by things to be grateful for.
Start each day by giving thanks for 3 things in your life (no matter how big or small). There’s no right way to do this — you could write your 3 things down, say them aloud, sing them in the shower, think them in your head or feel them as you move throughout your day. The key is to immerse yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings for a moment in time in gratitude, and you’ll soon find much more to be thankful for.
The key is to immerse yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings for a moment in time in gratitude, and you'll soon find much more to be thankful for. Click To TweetOnce you do this, you’ll be able to shift your focus from everything happening in the world (and everything out of your control) to everything that’s wonderful happening to you, and in your life. It’s powerful stuff which is why I recommend it as your #1 self-care tip.
2.) Do a Self-Care Workout
Before your roll your eyes and say “later” hear me out. I *know* working out (especially at first, and when you’re stuck inside feeling totally unmotivated) isn’t fun. But, it is invigorating, it WILL make you feel better and it WILL make you healthier.
Studies show exercise can help you keep your body at a healthy weight and lower the risk of some diseases. What’s more — consistent exercise can help you look, feel, and age better plus it lows the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
Use this time to get that #summerbod in shape, and to tune into whatever version of health and wellness you’d like to achieve.
Set aside 20 minutes each day (no excuses, I KNOW you’ve got the time) to kick yourself into high gear, to set your body up for success and to create an internal stream of wellness. You need your body to be in tip top shape so YOU can fend of an illness that may be coming your way.
Wellness starts from within, and if you don’t know where to begin skim YouTube. There are countless FREE workout videos (like this one…and this one…and this one) you can do right from your home – no equipment required – that will help you harness health and wellness right now.
3.) Go for a walk
Ahhh…the smell of fresh air. Do you remember what it smells like?
The reality is, most of us never take the time to breathe it in because we’re too busy being busy with the “work-life-grind” that we neglect to enjoy the simple things in life, like walk outside.
Take this time to give yourself the ultimate gift of self-care, and go for a walk EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.
Get outside. Go to the park. Walk by the beach. Stroll through your neighborhood. And as you do make note of the world around you — the birds chirping, the flowers blooming, the trees dancing in the wind, the sun shinning — there’s an entire *other* world in existence awaiting your discovery and at any point in time you can go outside and experience it.
Taking daily walks will help you feel better mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually because it will allow you to shift your focus from the world news and your worries to the present moment, and what’s happening around you.
4.) Read for 10 minutes
Rather than spending 3 hours aimlessly scrolling through social media and watching videos on TikTok and Instagram, set aside 10 minutes every day to read. Whether it’s a self-help book, a business strategy book or something else you’ve been meaning to read – there’s never been a better time than right now to start and finish a book!
Reading daily will help you keep your mind stimulated, your vocabulary sharp, and your ideation on point. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here’s a list of life-changing books I recommend (all of which are available on the Kindle or in digital format).
5.) Spend more time doing
We always say we’re going to do X, Y, or Z but when push comes to shove, how much time do we actually spend doing rather than SAYING?
Right now, the vast majority of us are being given the unique opportunity to actually action on all of those things we’ve said we’ve been dreaming of doing #goals. Whether it’s building a business, getting fit, eating healthier or spending more time with family – there has literally never been a better time than right now to start doing all of those things.
Take inventory of your desires, and what you want your life to look like. And then start doing. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel ready – just do. There’s never a “good time” there’s always just “this time”.
6.) Designate 10 minutes to journal and reflect
When it comes to self-care, self-discovery is a crucial aspect. What’s working in your life? What isn’t? What are you proud of? What do you want to change? Accomplish? Do?
Designate 10 minutes to journal every day. Regular journaling will bring you clarity, help you set and achieve goals, reflect on life, and add a spice of inspiration into your life. What’s more – studies show journaling can help reduce stress and anxiety.
If you don’t have a journal, download this digital 21-day journal. It will keep you accountable, clear, and focused while highlighting what’s working and what needs to change in your life.
7.) Watch motivational videos
When you’re feeling stuck in a rut, it’s easy to make excuses for why you can’t do something. After all, it’s SO much easier to sit around binging on netflix and social media updates.
That’s why a quick and easy way to stimulate your mind, and get your blood pumping with excitement is to watch motivational videos on YouTube. If you don’t know where to begin, start with this one or this one.
8.) Meditate first thing in the morning
When you first wake up in the morning your brain is producing alpha waves (slow) because you are in a drowsy state where you’re relaxed but not yet processing much information. This means your brain is in the PERFECT state to be programmed for success for the day!
Rather than immediately bombarding your mind with social media updates, and emails that might stress you out, start your morning with a 10-minute meditation.
By meditating first thing in the morning, you’ll catch your brain before it exists the alpha state meaning meditating will be easy and relaxing because your brain won’t be actively overthinking yet. What’s more – it will set the tone for your entire day, and allow you to create a calm and relaxing environment to start your morning rather than a stressful one.
Master your mind by meditating for 10-minutes first thing in the morning before you do anything else!
9.) Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
With everything happening in the world, it’s never been more important for you to ensure your body is in tip-top shape and full of the vitamins and nutrients it needs to ward off illnesses.
Make sure you fill your meals with lots of raw fruits and vegetables so your feeding your body healthy food. You’ll feel better and more energized by sticking to a healthy, natural diet.
10.) Drink 8 or more glasses of water
Give your body the TLC it needs, and make sure you drink 8 or more glasses of water each day. Without water, your body can’t function properly and will become more susceptible to illness.
Additionally, dehydration leads to muscle fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, confusion and a general lack of productivity. Overtime, dehydration creates more serious issues within your body such as kidney stones, poor immunity, and organ disfunction.
Start taking care of yourself now by drinking the amount of water your body needs!
11.) Stretch before bed and when you wake up
When you’re working from home, and cooped up inside, it’s easy to become stagnant and stiff. After all, you’re not going outside as frequently and moving your body. As such, your body may become tense, stiff and sore.
To mitigate stiffness, stretch for a few minutes before you go to bed each night, and when you wake up in the morning. Stretching will keep your joints flexible, and your blood flowing properly.
12.) Use the tapping method if you’re stressed
The tapping method (not the GIF of tap dancing above) is a powerful holistic healing technique that has been proven to effectively resolve a range of issues, including stress, anxiety, phobias, emotional disorders, chronic pain, addiction, weight control, and limiting beliefs, just to name a few.
Tapping therapy is based on the combined principles of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology. Tapping with the fingertips on specific meridian endpoints of the body, while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations, helps to calm the nervous system, rewire the brain to respond in healthier ways, and restore the body’s balance of energy.
Use the tapping method to feel less stressed, anxious and overwhelmed.It will help you relax, and refocus!
13.) Take a shower and get ready for the day
When you’re working from home, and are being encouraged to stay inside it might seem pointless to take a shower and get ready for the day. After all, it’s not like you’re going anywhere, and only the people who live with you are likely to see you, right?
Wrong.
How you present yourself has a MASSIVE impact on how you feel. When you sit around in yesterday’s clothes, messy hair and generally unkept, you’ll feel less motivated to get things done. Plus, you’re less likely to feel good about yourself.
Take the time every morning to shower and get ready for the day. You don’t have to put on a lot of makeup or spend hours doing your hair, just make sure you’re showered, in clean clothes and ready for the day!
Above all remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary – especially right now. I mean, you don’t want to end up like this guy, right?
Sending you all love! Xx,
Antasha
About Antasha Durbin: Antasha is a spiritual writer and life-long student of the universe. Her website, cajspirituality.com, is dedicated to simplifying the spiritual experience and making it attainable for everyone. Follow her for free, easy-to-digest and highly actionable advice on spirituality, mindfulness and empowered living.
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