We love the idea of self-care, of bath bombs and facemasks and “treat yo self”. But in reality, these things are often more of a bandaid than a solution and an active push to better one’s life. So today, I put together a honest and practical list of ways you can better care for yourself, starting now.
Do something good for the environment
Start recycling. Buy a reusable grocery bag. Use less plastic.
Make a weekly tradition with yourself
Little routines with yourself can give you something to look forward to. It can be something as simple as a set time when you go to the grocery store, or going and getting a Sonic drink after work, or whatever can be a bright spot in your day/week!
Put. the. phone. down.
I originally considered writing an entire post on this topic because it is, in my opinion, aiding and abetting so many mental and emotional struggles.
- Identify what times of day you find yourself subconsciously scrolling. Pay attention to how you feel after the inevitable act of comparing your life to the perfect squares on Instagram.
- Set boundaries. Iphones have a section in Settings called “screen time” where you can turn certain apps off after/before certain times. I personally have all social media/unnecessary apps blocked after 10:00 p.m. and before 8:30 a.m., and all day Wednesday.
- If this is difficult, start with baby steps! Try putting your phone out of arm’s reach when you get in bed, and read a book or journal instead.
Cancel email subscriptions to companies selling things you don’t need
Buy fresh groceries
And then cook them! Find a recipe on Pinterest that seems fun but not too challenging, and have it. I feel so relaxed and also accomplished when I take the time in my evening to make dinner, and then sit down and eat it without a screen or homework in front of me.
Make your bed and keep your space neat.
Wear things that make you feel confident and good about yourself
It’s simple – if you know you look good, you’ll feel a litter better and more ready to handle the day. In true Marie Kondo style, wear clothes that spark joy.
Wake up early(ish)
Get moving!
No, I’m not saying you should drop everything and get a membership to Orange Theory and start going to ten classes a week. However, it is both good for your body and for your mood to exercise. This can look like taking a walk in the evening, going to a yoga or Pilates class (like mine, for example, shameless plug!), or playing your fav sport with friends.
Watch less Netflix, read more books
Literally just get enough sleep and rest (physical & emotional!)
Especially my Enneagram 3s, I’m looking at you. Rest. It’s okay, the to-do list will be there tomorrow.
Stop numbing the pain
I can’t guess whatever thing you’re going through that seems too difficult to cope with, and you maybe feel alone and powerless and worthless. But there is a better way. Drowning it all out with social media, drinking, sex, and life on autopilot is never going to fulfill you. If you’re looking for a nudge or a sign to turn over a new leaf, let this be it.
You deserve to heal and not just cope and survive through life.
Surround yourself with people who encourage you and build you up, and also who challenge you and call you out when needed
This is not an excuse to cut out people just because they’ve messed up, but it is a reminder to consider who you let into your circle of friends, and what kind of influence those people have on you.
Love people wholeheartedly
1 Peter 4:8 y’all.
Love yourself too!
Rest in God
The biggest and most important self-care tip I can give you is this: bring all your baggage and hurt to God, and let Him pick them up and simply shower peace over you in return.
He can pick you up and never let you down like nothing else can. Matthew 11:28 says we can lay down our burdens, and The Lord will give us rest.
“Self-care” is all about caring for yourself, and whether you need emotional care, rest, love, physical care, God is a perfect and sufficient source for all of the things your soul needs today and more.