5 Ways to Bring Self-Care Into Every Day
Self-care doesn’t have to come in the form of expensive spa treatments like mud masks or deep tissue massages. There are ways to bring joy to every single day for little to no cost.
The other thing is, you don’t have to wait for a free day like a lazy Sunday to implement self-care. Sometimes the best days to get used to practicing more self-love is on a busy Monday when you’re gearing up for a hectic work week.
Sure, it’s a challenge to focus on your well-being when five million to-do items are staring back at you on your calendar, but the challenging moments are also the most rewarding.
Here are 5 ways to implement self-care into everyday life:
1. Hydrate even more than you think you need to
It’s easy to forget to drink enough water throughout the day, especially when you’re extremely busy, but make sure to bring a water bottle with you everywhere you go (especially in the hot summer months). Drinking water increases brain power, provides energy, promotes healthy weight loss management, flushes out toxins, boosts your immune system - the list of benefits go on and on. If you’re not into drinking water (I sometimes struggle with it), try adding flavor like slicing up lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, berries, or even adding mint.
2. Stick to a personal hygiene routine
It doesn’t have to be a full-out skin routine using 10 expensive products, but try adding a couple small changes to your personal hygiene routine - maybe that means making flossing your teeth a priority every single night, using a toner after washing your face to get rid of residue from the sweaty NYC streets, treating your face to a sheet mask every now and then, relaxing in a steam or bubble bath, or lighting an aromatherapy candle or diffuser to relax the mind and muscles before bed.
3. Move more (and that doesn’t have to mean taking an intense fitness class)
Try to think of ways to get more movement in throughout the day. If you’re working on a project at work, take a minute to walk around the office to get the blood flowing (moving your body can also spark creativity). Try waking up a tiny bit earlier to walk that extra few blocks to the subway or take a walk around the block before grabbing your lunch (might as well take advantage of the summer weather if you know you’re going to be in an office for most of the day). There are also great exercises you can do at your own desk - I have had a few coworkers even purchase desk cycles in the past, which is a great way to get your legs moving and the blood flowing.
4. Choose healthy snacks
Of course, it always feels better to eat healthier meals throughout the day, but that also goes for those snacks in between meals. It’s easy to grab a bag of chips or an unhealthy candy bar at work when the stress is on. But try planning ahead and pack ziplocs of unsalted nuts, maybe a string cheese and a small orange, celery and carrot sticks with hummus, and other healthy alternatives. Choose foods that are vitamin and nutrient-rich such as healthy sources of fats, complex carbs, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies. Grazing throughout the day on healthy smaller meals not only increases energy and keeps the mind sharp, but it also promotes weight loss and boosts your metabolism.
5. Make laughing and having fun a priority
Self-care doesn’t have to be so serious. In fact, laughing is the best medicine because it decreases stress hormones, increases immune cells to fight off infection, and triggers the release of endorphins. So take a moment at work to watch your favorite funny YouTube video, go out to lunch or for a stroll with friends, or call one of your best friends or family members during your lunch break for a quick little catch-up. I’m a huge believer that the biggest form of self-care is letting go, having fun, and spending time with people who lift you up and make you feel good.
What are some of your favorite forms of self-care throughout the day? What makes you feel like you can tackle anything that comes your way?
Would love to hear from you!
xx,
Melanie