Hi guys! Today I’m sharing ten simple-yet-satisfying self-care to-do’s that I hope will have you feeling a little better and brighter each and every day. Instead of anything too elaborate, I’ve tried to compile a list of actions that can be achieved quickly and easily while still having an illuminating effect on your mood and mental well-being. Here it is…
Hydrate Yourself
Let’s start with a simple one that we’ve all been told before – drink more water! The effects of dehydration can be extremely detrimental to all of your organ systems and can contribute to fatigue, digestive issues, skin disorders and even high blood pressure amongst other things. So keep your head (and your face) clear and your body running at peak performance by getting your water on. Or in. You know what I mean! As opposed to eight glasses per day, many sources suggest that you drink half your body weight in ounces (i.e. someone who weighs 120lbs should drink 60oz of water each day). Fancy a little relaxation with your hydration? Turn your water into a spa-like treat by infusing it with fruit. My favorite combo is orange and mint!
Eat Well
Try to choose foods that don’t weigh you down! I’ve had so many “I wish I hadn’t eaten that” moments because I filled my tummy with something that caused me to feel sleepy instead of fueling my body. This is isn’t a losing weight thing, it’s about feeling satiated rather than stuffed so your entire body and mind are performing to the best of their abilities. There’s also a fair bit of peace of mind to be obtained through actively participating in your food selection and preparation. Knowing what’s going into your body is immensely important. So, reach for the only best things during your next shop because your parents weren’t kidding when they claimed those freaky green veggies were “brain food”.
Perform a Self Check-In
Preferably just prior to bedtime but really anytime you’re able, carve out five minutes each day to make a mental note on your emotions. How do you feel today? What made you exceedingly upset or the most happy? How can you better deal with negative feelings in the future? What can you do to promote a more positive attitude on a daily basis? These types of questions are important to ask ourselves so that we may analyze our answers and have a better understanding of which emotions we’re experiencing each day and what can be done to either accommodate or combat them moving forward. Even if it’s during your morning shower or your evening bath, find a few moments to check in with you.
Research Your Feelings
Take check-ins a step further by finding additional information on what you feel. Find credible sources online or have a chat with your general practitioner to discover ways to deal with feelings like loneliness, anxiety, prolonged fatigued and anything else that may be keeping you from enjoying the world around you. Our feelings can make or break our outlook on life and, left unchecked, negative emotions and thoughts can truly take a toll on our mental health. So gain as much knowledge as possible to help you put a positive spin on your state of mind!
Wake Up Early
Start the day on YOUR terms! We spend a good portion of our day reacting to the demands of others – be they our bosses, our clients or our kids. When you wake up early (even if it’s just 30 minutes), you’re able to start the day in a way that you control and enjoy. On January 2nd, in accordance with my January Goals, I woke up at 5:30am and I was able to have a coffee, shower, watch the news, plan the day, peruse social media without feeling guilty and even write the majority of the post you’re reading right now. Whatever you choose to do with your extra time (yoga, a walk, writing or reading perhaps?), make it all about you and enjoy every minute! Do make sure to always obtain an adequate night’s sleep however so that you’re fully functioning when you awaken.
Listen to Music
Music is an undeniable pick-me-up. Whether it’s an uplifting movie score played as a soundtrack to your day, a breakup song blasted on your way to work or something fun and funky sung so loudly that your neighbors start to dance, tune into something that turns your mood all the way up. When you have a moment, create a playlist (or two), fill it with songs that are sure to brighten your spirits and play it whenever you’re feeling blue. If you’re like me and have trouble getting to sleep, something soft and soothing (like Spotify’s Jazz for Sleep playlist) can aid your body in winding down for the day and help to put your thoughts to rest.
Read Something
Read something inspirational, informative or funny daily! As it important as it is to be informed about what’s going on in the world, much of what makes an appearance on the nightly news is negative. Balance that with reading material that feeds your soul. Even if you can’t commit to entire book right now, there are plenty of small reads (including blogs!) that will help you find a little motivation, learn a little something or have a little laugh. And, of course, the more books the better. Literature can transport us into the interesting lives of other individuals or whisk us away to exciting locations we’ve never seen for ourselves. So book your mind on a mental vacation and start reading!
Up Your Skincare Routine
Even if it’s as small as an eye mask, a foot mask, a face scrub, a lip scrub or a skin-nourishing bath bomb, add a little something to your existing skincare routine. No amount of concealer under your eyes or pigment on your pout is going to make you feel as good as having truly healthy skin. You work diligently to care for others so make sure you take time to care for yourself and your skin. And the amazing thing about being pampered is that a little goes a long way. My last 45-minute mani-pedi literally melted at least two weeks worth of stress away!
Venture Somewhere New
Nothing undermines our mental health quite like feeling trapped in the same routine, visiting the same locations and performing the same activities day after day. Counter constant monotony with a new adventure – big or little, quick or lengthy. It can be as simple as visiting a store to which you’ve never been or hiking a trail you’ve yet to trek or as substantial as traveling across the globe. Wherever your next trip takes you, make sure to seek out and absorb the sights and sounds of somewhere that differs from your regularly scheduled program.
Create a Wish List
Oftentimes, we are so completely focused on the needs of those around us that we neglect our own wants and wishes. Allow yourself to dream and to desire things. Create a little list or dedicate an entire board to all the things – silly or serious – that you want in your life. Not only will this keep your dreams in plain sight to give yourself a mental break from your current state, it will also serve as a source of motivation to meet your goals. I have a cork board over my desk to which I’ve pinned many an inspirational object including photos of an amazing house I’d love to one day own, a tech-filled theatre room I’d like to build for my father and a gorgeous oil painting of Merida from Brave that I want to buy for Ella as she is the Disney Princess who reminds me of Ella most.
There you have it – my little list of tiny things that can have big benefits on your well-being! I hope you enjoyed it as well as the accompanying infographic which was a fun little project I’ve been working on almost every day for the past three weeks. Make sure to leave a comment with your own self-care tips so we can all learn new ways to empower ourselves each day! Thank you so much for reading!
P.S. I’m sorry that the graphic is so gender specific but please be assured that this to-do list is for all!! I’ll talk to you guys again on Friday but until then have a wonderful week! Xoxo.
nuggetstumpblog says
I loved this post so much! It’s exactly what I need and love to read! Thanks lovely! xx
nickyashleigh says
Thank you so much Zoe!! And thank you for the retweet the other day. I really appreciated it and I’m so glad you enjoyed this one!
Vanessa says
Such easy and simple tips to do! I love that picture too!!!
nickyashleigh says
Thank you so much Vanessa!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and I’m looking forward to checking out your blog in a bit! Sorry for the late reply – things have been a bit chaotic for me recently.