6 self-care strategies i love
“Self-Care” is the buzzword that has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. The effects of the pandemic are still taking a toll… on people’s mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s no wonder that social media posts and top trending articles are all about self-care, mental health, and boosting overall wellbeing. A quick google search this morning yielded 7 articles written within the past week about self-care tips and tricks that will have you feeling better in no time.
Self-care and positive mental health are at the top of my priorities list, and I am constantly reminding and encouraging my friends and family to do whatever it takes to treat themselves with the love, care, and attention they deserve. If I know anything, it’s that you cannot pour from an empty cup. YOU are the most important person in your life, and practicing self care daily is one of the best ways to refill that cup.
Self-care routines are just that: routines. The best way to get yourself on track to feeling better is to come up with at least 3 self-care techniques that you can commit to, and then practice at least one of them per day, for 15-30 minutes. The almost immediate benefits you will feel are sure to astound you.
Here are my top 6 self-care routines that spark joy, relaxation, and love in my life. As a spiritual person, they may not all call to you. That’s ok. I hope at least one ignites inspiration in you, though, and that you treat yourself to it daily.
1. Journal
I’m a writer, so it should come as no surprise that keeping a journal and writing in it daily is one of my top self-care strategies. A nerdy confession: I actually have three journals. The first is a “Line-A-Day” journal, where I either respond to the prompt at the top of the page, write what I did that day, or just share a thought that’s been on my mind. Mine is a 5-year journal, and I got it from The Happiness Project. I’m almost at the end of my second 5-year journal, making 2023 the 10th year in a row that I’ve been writing at least one line per day!
The second journal I keep is a gratitude journal. In it, I list things I’m grateful for, ranging from small (the iced coffee I bought on the way to work this morning) to large (the love I feel from my family every day), to something in between (the reliability of my trusty Jeep Liberty). Sometimes I’ll list 5 things I’m grateful for; other times I’m on a roll, writing for 15 minutes straight! The happiness and joy I feel from my gratitude journal is immeasurable.
The third journal I keep is a dream journal. I dream a lot. Sometimes my dreams spark inspiration for my writing, other times they are so weird I wake up completely freaked out by the creativity and complexity of my mind. Writing in my dream journal can help me see patterns of worry and anxiety, but it can also fuel inspiration.
Writing in a journal is my go-to self-care activity and being able to see what I’ve written over the years is, for me, truly priceless.
2. Meditate
Ooooh, meditation is my jam. And I’ll admit… I was such a hater in the beginning. After I got into it, though, my life really changed. I found that I have been happier, less quick to react negatively to a given situation, and have a much more positive outlook on life.
I use apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer for guided meditations. I also love a good old fashioned youtube search for free guided and unguided mediations of all lengths.
If you’re looking to try meditation, here are some of my favorite youtube meditations that I go back to time and again:
3. Exercise
This one is a no-brainer, but research shows that it’s hard to exercise when you’re feeling down. All the more reason to get up and get moving. Something I love that came out of the pandemic is the improvement in home workout classes.
Again, youtube is my friend with this self-care routine. I love the free workout classes from Sydney Cummings, NourishMoveLove and CarolineGirvan. These badass women kick my butt every time, and I’m left feeling out of breath yet inspired to take on the world.
If at-home workouts just aren’t your thing, find something that is. Yoga? Kickboxing? Rowing? Running? There’s something for everyone, and endorphins are always your friend.
4. Cook
I NEVER thought I would be saying this, but… I love to cook! This has been a newer addition to my self-care list. I have always been a mediocre cook, but finding it enjoyable definitely wasn’t a reality for me.
Thanks to my boyfriend’s creativity in the kitchen, though, it has become a form of self-care that I practice almost daily. His passion for cooking is truly contagious, and I now love the time we spend together scanning our fridge’s ingredients and whipping up new recipes to share on our plant-based Instagram account.
Healthy eating has always been one of the internet’s top self-care techniques, and I am now able to confidently add it to my own list as well.
5. Read
I don’t think I’ve met a writer who doesn’t love to read. Where else do we get inspiration? Reading has always been a top hobby of mine, and you can find some of my favorite books on the Book Review section of my website.
To me, reading is the greatest form of self-care, because you get to explore another world entirely while remaining in the cozy warmth of your own home. As I write this, I’m on page 720 of Dune, the 800-page sci-fi novel that has recently become a top-selling movie. It’s a page-turner to say the least, and I lose myself completely when I’m inside the pages of this book.
If reading isn’t something that comes naturally to you, I recommend going to your local library (yes, they still exist) and asking the librarian for recommendations! There is something for everyone in the world of books — you just have to find your niche!
6. Reiki
If you aren’t sure what reiki is, I have a whole blog post dedicated to it because, to me, it’s just that important. Though reiki can be expensive, I believe the price is absolutely worth it. I try to get reiki every 2-3 months, and I always leave the session feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and totally balanced.
If you’re interested in reiki, a quick google search will show you reiki masters in your area. I would read the reviews and even reach out to them beforehand to discuss your goals. Reiki masters use different techniques, so finding the right one for you is important!
If you live in Philly and are intrigued by reiki but still hesitant to try it, I recommend South Philadelphia Acupuncture.
And that’s my self-care list! Remember: Self-care isn’t selfish!
If you have a favorite strategy, let me know! I’ld love to hear from you!
