10 Unexpected Ways To Practice Self Care Every Day
You are sitting at your computer trying to innovate one more blog post and nothing comes to mind.
You feel like you've already covered EVERYTHING and are overwhelmed.
Getting into the habit of practicing moments of daily self care and giving yourself permission to take breaks from your creative projects will help you to avoid suffering from overwhelm.
If you google the definition of self-care, you will find multiple results, but the consensus is that you are doing something the term implies: taking care of yourself.
For the sake of defining the term with clarity, I proclaim self-care to be the continual practice of activities that contribute to you overall physical and mental health.
The first thing you need to practice self-care every day is to adjust your mindset from the "typical" activities. Generally, people imagine themselves getting a mani-pedi, facial or taking a bath surrounded by candles, but self care is so much more.
“Self-care is the continual practice of activities that contribute to you overall physical and mental health.”
1. WAKE UP EARLIER
The practice of waking up slightly early can help you to start your day with a totally different mindset. If you give yourself a little extra time to pray or meditate, read, prepare breakfast, you'll start your day on a positive note ready to accomplish anything.
Try getting up 15 minutes earlier each day until you reach your goal time!
2. EXERCISE CREATIVITY
Getting creative helps you to free up your mind and allow you to think clearly. Living outside of the box is a great way to gain clarity and practice self-care in the mental category.
I believe journaling is one of the most effective ways to clear your head. For more ideas, check out 75 Ways To Exercise Creativity
3. Organize Your Space
Take some time to rearrange the space you spend the most time in. It will give you a fresh perspective and allow you to clear out some clutter. Check out these 7 Tips To Help You Purge Your Stuff to get started today!
4. Exercise Creatively
Not everyone enjoys pounding 200 lb weights at the deadlift rack but get moving. Find fun things that will help you exert some physical energy. I like to dance like a wild woman in my pajamas sometimes. #nojudgement.
Dancing helps me to release physical and emotional energy and to express myself through my entire body.
You could also try a new class or an exercise you've been interested in that you haven't tried before.
5. Turn Off Your Devices
Ok, THIS. IS. HARD.
Sometimes I get so trapped in the world of Instagram I'm jut scrolling and liking as if I were a zombie. There are so many better things to do with my time. I love Insta like the next blogger but I also need to be aware of time wasting.
So take some time, even if it is two hours, where you commit to being unconnected.
6. Do Nothing
I am not a huge proponent for idle time, but sometimes you have to just be still and just exist for a while. Clear your head and think about nothing. Relax.
7. Break Your Routine
Do you visit the exact same coffee shop everyday? Have a day to day routine that feels monotonous?
Try breaking the mold a bit. Visit a new coffee shop (literally typing this at a coffee shop I'm always in). Try something new!
8. TRY A NEW HOBBY
Finding something new that you truly enjoy can help you to stay inspired and motivated. This is a great idea if you are the type of person who hates having idle hands. Something new can make you feel rejuvenated and rested
9. CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET
You always wonder why your closet is stuffed but you have nothing to wear and cleaning your closet can be quite therapeutic.
Take some time to purge some old clothes and it will be a rejuvenating experience. There is something about clothing hanging around that suggests baggage. Baggage is not something that you want to keep around forever.
READ: THE SUPER SIMPLE GUIDE TO PURGING YOUR CLOSET
10. JOURNAL
There are many ways to journal. I find that writing down your thoughts can help you to process through heavier emotions and allows you to clear your mind. This is especially helpful if you are working through an idea or a life event.
Now that you have learned a few ways to practice self care, share with your friends.
