I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to take care of myself.
Workout
It can be cardio, strength training, or yoga – no matter what it is that gets me sweaty, I almost always feel better afterwards. Getting out nervous or anxious energy into something that’s productive instead helps so much.
Make a healthy meal
I know that not everyone likes to cook, but I’m one of those people for whom it’s a lot of fun. I love getting all the ingredients together, peeling, chopping, pouring, sauteing, and boiling, and having it turn into something delicious that is both tasty and nourishing for my body.
Spend time outside
Whether it’s a hike in the mountains or a walk by the river in the city, I always feel better when I re-connect with nature. It allows me the time and space I need to be present. I don’t have anything to do for the next hour I’m outside other than just be and take in the natural beauty.
Read
I’ve always loved reading ever since I was a kid. I don’t read as much as I used to (hello adult responsibilities), but I still enjoy it as much as when I was little. For the last few years I’ve been using the Libby app on my phone. I can borrow books from my library which means that I save a ton of money because I don’t have to buy books.
For some book recommendations, check out my Favorite Books of 2018 post. I’m currently reading Pillars of the Earth (affiliate link) by Ken Follett and I’m loving it!
Meditation
Meditating regularly has been a game changer for me when it comes to self care. Committing to some time each day where I’m not on the go and just being has been so good for me. Some days I only meditate for a few minutes and other days it’s 20 minutes. If you’re new to meditation I highly recommend the Headspace app. I wrote a post about how I’ve been using it.
Spending time with my favorite people
For me, my favorite people are both family and friends, though that could be different for you. I know not everyone has a good relationship with family members, but that’s okay – it doesn’t matter who those people are that you like to spend time with. My favorite people are both those that I can be my truest, most honest self around. It’s not work to be around them.
Most of the time it doesn’t even matter what I’m doing with them, as long as I’m spending time with them. I could be watching a movie, playing a board game, or going for walk. As long as I’m spending time with them, I’m happy.
Take a social media break
While social media can be a lot of fun most days, sometimes it can be a bit of a downer. It can be tough to look at the highlights of other people’s lives when I’m having a less than stellar day. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap on social media.
On those days I find that taking a break from social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – is just what I need to help improve my mood.
Say no
If you’re anything like me, it can be tough to say no when someone asks me to do something. But when it’s something that I don’t want to do, I always dread it until the day comes, and then I don’t do it with the right intentions because I just want it over and done with. If I say no right from the get go then I’m able to avoid all that stress.
Journal
I’m a huge fan of journaling. Getting my thoughts down on paper ends up helping me figure things out. There’s also something therapeutic about writing down my thoughts and feelings. It’s like getting things out of my head and therefore unburdening myself. It helps every single time.
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