We’ve all been there, the pressures at work, school, home (or all the above), and even the commitment of retirement, it can be easy to lose sight of one of your most important relationships: the one with yourself. Like every great relationship, you don’t always need to pull out grand gestures to have the perfect relationship with yourself. Instead, here are some small yet impactful ways you can practice self-care:
1. Prioritise sleep
There are only 24 hours a day—a fact that I’m sure we all wish we could change when we have many projects and obligations to fulfil. While it may be tempting to cut back on our sleep time to get everything done in one day, we must remember the crucial role sleep plays in our well-being. From aiding in muscle repair and recovery to helping us feel energised for the next day, sleep is an activity we shouldn’t miss out on.
2. Take time to do the things you love
Next, to sleep, I feel it’s easy to put off doing what we enjoy most to tick everything off on our to-do lists. However, to do our best work, we sometimes need to take time to do something for ourselves. Whether taking a walk, spending time with your pet, or reading a book, don’t forget to put time on your schedule to do something for yourself during the day.
3. Exercise regularly
Maybe it’s the endorphins talking—, but exercise is a surefire way to put yourself in a good mood. Whether it’s the feeling of beating your best or the accomplishment of getting through a challenging workout, exercising helps remind us just how strong and amazing we are.
4. Don’t be afraid to say “no.”
Who knew a two-letter word could be so difficult to say? However, it’s important to say “no,” especially when we’re beginning to feel burned out or as if we’re spreading ourselves too thin. You may even be surprised by how calmly others react to you saying no to their request.
5. Breathe
We do it all the time, but sometimes focusing on breathing can help us calm down and relax during stressful situations. My favourite way to be mindful of my breathing is by taking a deep breath in, counting to 10, and then exhaling slowly about three or four times. It’s amazing how much this simple breathing exercise can improve my mood in seconds!
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