Life is busy for so many of us, and the weight of your responsibilities can feel like too much sometimes. Working full time, taking care of a family, and all the other things we carry can be a lot for one person to take on. That’s why self-care is so important. While it can be hard to make time for yourself, it’s essential for a happy, healthy life. Today’s article goes over some of our top tips for self-care and living a happier and healthier life.
- Pamper yourself.
Treat yourself every once in a while, you deserve it! Whether it’s a nice hot bath, a soak in the hot tub, a massage, or a pedicure, it’s good to have to have quiet time to yourself that is just about taking care of yourself. - Simplify.
Most of us are stressed out because we just have too much on our plates and too much to manage. Declutter and simplify your house as much as possible, but this also extends to your schedule and commitments. Take stock of what really matters to you and your family and say goodbye to the rest. - Get outside.
Spending time in nature is so beneficial for us–both mentally and physically. Take a walk around your neighborhood, play outside with the kids or grandkids, grill on a nice day, and even eat dinner outside on the patio. Even just adding some plants inside your home can help to boost your mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. - Make your home a place you want to be.
Too often, our homes are just a charging station. A place we come to after work and all our many activities to eat, maybe watch some TV, and sleep, but not much else. Your home should be a place you want to be at, a destination unto itself. Simplifying and decluttering can help with this, but take it a step farther. Make any home improvements you are able to, paint that room you’ve been wanting to for years, rearrange the furniture in your living room–whatever you’re able to do that makes your home a happier place. - Simplify your to-do list.
These days, it can feel like our to-do lists are a mile long. You get home from work, and it’s time to cook dinner, then clean up, and then before you know it, it’s off to bed for another day of the same thing. If you’ve already simplified all the “extras,” take a moment to simplify the things you have to do. Think hiring someone to clean your house every week or two. Making freezer meals or meal prepping each week on a day you have more time. Splurging on a new robot vacuum. If there’s anything you can offload from yourself, now is the time. - Cultivate relationships.
Spending time with others is beneficial for our mental health, so say yes to that dinner with friends. Invite your extended family over for dinner on the patio. Roast hot dogs over the firepit with the kids or grandkids. You’ll thank us later! - Get enough sleep.
You want to make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night for both your physical and mental health. - Make time for yourself.
Allow yourself time to cultivate your hobbies and do things you want to be doing, not things you need to be doing or things someone else wants you to do. - Be positive and optimistic.
While it may seem simple, maintaining a positive outlook and not nagging or complaining can make a huge difference in your life. Take it a step further by surrounding yourself with other people who do the same.