Self-care, for many women, is their drug of choice. Even if you are new to the self-care practice, we can all agree that there is almost nothing better after a long, stressful week than popping on a face mask, curling up with a good book and a piping hot cup of tea.
Due to our busy world and overachieving lifestyles, taking the time to look after ourselves and do those things that make us feel good is more important than ever before.
Here are eight self-care practices that you can do for yourself at different times of the day. They don’t require a lot of time commitment, and don’t involve any major costs.
Morning
1. Incorporate power poses
Powerfully begin your day by incorporating some power poses into your morning routine. For two to three minutes, stand in a Wonder Woman position and be bold in your stance.
Recite a mantra to yourself to prepare yourself for the day. While it may seem a little silly at first, after a few days, you will start to feel stronger and more focused.
2. Slow down, sit down and drink a glass of water
After you have done your power pose, head to the kitchen and pour yourself a tall drink of cold water. Take the time to actually sit down and mindfully drink the whole glass (that means no checking e-mails or Instagram while drinking). Embrace this simple moment as a time for reflection.
3. Perform a quick facial massage
Facial massage is essential for your skin as it drains your lymph nodes and de-stresses you overall. Opt to buy either a fancy jade roller, or just use your fingers!
Afternoon
4. Take time for guided journaling
While it may seem old-fashioned, getting into the habit of daily journaling is good for your soul. If you are new to the practice, purchasing a guided journal is perfect because it gives you prompts, removing any worry or struggle on what you should write about.
During your lunch break, simply open a page and spend 10-15 minutes following the prompt. If you are experiencing an annoying work situation, writing it down into the journal will relieve some tension and enable you to return to work ready to put it all behind you.
5. Go for a walk with your favorite playlist as company
Music is a universal passion because it can instantly transform everyone’s mood. In the middle of the day, take 15 minutes to go out for a walk with your favorite playlist. You can go on a mindless stroll — something totally unplanned and carefree.
After this short leisurely walk, you’ll be energized when you go back to your office.
6. Book yourself a massage
Massages are much more than just relaxing. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, or to relieve any chronic pain, or muscle tension, a therapeutic massage can improve your general sense of emotional and physical well-being.
When you book a massage, you can request a variety of techniques and increase session duration. This means that even people with genuinely hectic lifestyles can take advantage of this health-boosting practice.
Evening
7. Schedule 15 minutes doing nothing
In 2018, the best thing you can do for your self-care is to unplug yourself from the world. Every evening, even if it just for 15 minutes, turn your TV off, put down your phone, and just sit with yourself.
At first, this will be way harder than it sounds. But over time, your fingers will start to itch a little less for your phone, and you may begin to enjoy being disconnected. Imagine that!
The next step will be to add meditation into the mix. However you choose to disconnect, make sure technology is nowhere to be found.
8. Indulge in a face mask prior to showering
If you are a nighttime shower-er, this will be easy to incorporate. If not, simply apply a face mask while watching TV, reading your favorite book, or finishing up emails.
Don’t be embarrassed to make a spa-like ritual out of the whole thing. Light up some candles, put on some soothing music, and just close your eyes for a few minutes. Self-care has never felt this blissful!
So what have you been doing to show how you value yourself? Incorporate these self-care tips into your lifestyle, and see yourself transform into a calmer, less stressed and happier version of you.
About the Author
Marc Innes is the Owner and Principal of the School of Natural Therapies, a training school for Massage & Holistic Therapies located in London. Marc began his career in the NHS, working in a number of managerial and training roles within the Ambulance Service in London. He spent much of that time educating and coaching medical staff. Over time, he developed an interest in all things complementary to Allopathic Medicine, in particular, Reiki Healing and EFT, which culminated in running a successful teaching and ‘energy healing’ practice. Marc is passionate about the massage and complementary therapy industry.