There is a lot that can be said about self-care, with that I have outlined 10 self care ideas for women. When it comes to self care there is so much you can do that will make your day a lot easier while also contributing to your health. There is nothing more important that you and as such you should take time to ensure all your needs are being met.
Self care sounds like such a long word and take up so much time, in fact self care routines can be simple and take up as little time as you want it to. In order to have an effective self care routine it’s up to you to figure out what works for you and what you would like to achieve at the end of the routine
What is self care?
Self care is the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them. It is a decision making process which requires one to carefully analyze their health while implementing health and social strategies to create an effective routine. Self care doesn’t have a manual and isn’t a one size fits all.
In fact self care is about individual needs which can involve health, time management or home care. Self care involves many things which could mean picking up a new exercise, studying to create a better career opportunity, switching jobs or living a healthy lifestyle. Self care is anything that improves your quality of life.
“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”
M. Scott Peck
Why self care is important?
As mention above, self care is about you and things you can implement to improve your quality of life. Thus placing a huge emphasis as to why it is important to practice self care each day. By not improving your quality of life you run the risk of harming your health, which in the long run has multiple ramifications.
Not practicing self care can help contribute to multiple problems such as depression, anxiety and burnout. Having an effective self care routine will help you maintain a sustainable lifestyle. Self care is more important than you may think as this simple task or tasks can help improve our lifestyle and or mental well-being.
There is nothing wrong with loving yourself and is something you should do frequently. This doesn’t mean go shopping to fill avoid that is missing, but to identify your needs and then find ways to adjust them. This is why it’s important to take time even 30 minutes a day to complete your self care routine.
10 Easy self care ideas for women
1. Learn about yourself
The first rule about self care is to know what your needs are, if you want to work on your mental, or physical health. Then you need to identify what it is you want to improve, there doesn’t have to be an individual problem, but you want to create a better lifestyle. Doing self care doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you but could just be a part of your daily routine, one that will overtime improve your quality of life.
Take this time to be alone do things you have never done before such as going on a solo trip which could be local or national. This is the time to be in tune with yourself do things you wanted to do, I know for me I am learning pilates which is such a stress reliever. Not to mention I have always wanted to play golf, both things are just an example of what I would like to do outside of what I have always done.
2. Read a book
Reading is such an important part of life, it is harder now with so much technology out there. It is always a good idea to find time to read, set a goal try to read at least two books a month. I know it is hard sometimes but other times can be easy especially if it’s a book you find fascinating and can read from cover to cover.
It’s a good idea to mix it up, read books that you like along with books that is outside your comfort zone. Once in a while try to mix up your reading gallery, this will fulfill both your normal habits and increase your knowledge.
3. Do pilates or yoga
This one is more about me than you but it can also benefit you. There are so much benefits to doing yoga and pilates, the calming effect it has on your body is endless not to mention it helps with your physical health. Do 20 minutes a day of it and you will see the wonders it has on your health, you don’t have to limit yourself to only yoga or pilates but can do any form of stretching.
4. Journaling
This is one of my favorite things to do, it helps me to open up about what is going on in my life. Not only is it a good form of therapy but it helps you to actually see how you feel and help plan solutions. Use this to open up about how you feel, what you want to achieve and what the overall outcome will be.
Journalling is a good way to find yourself and identify what your needs are. Also an be more effective when you are able to write your thoughts down than talking about it. By no means does journalling replace therapy but can be an addition.
5. Listen to music
For many people music put them in a certain mind set which helps them function and unwind. Music is a window to the soul which is why you have to be careful about the type of music you are listening to. When you are focusing on you it is best to listen to music that is soothing or have some inspiration. I can listen to music anytime but I love to listen to Ray Charles, Bob Marley or even Beethoven.
6. Unwind from technology
I am so bad at this, even though am not on my phone as much as I use to. I am still not where I want it to be and sometimes want to just take a break from all technology. If you have a lifestyle that allows you to not live a life filled with technology, it’s wonderful. However, if you cannot afford to separate from your phone or any device, then I would say take some time off.
I was big on not being involved with technology but with friends and family around the world it’s hard not to. Overtime I have found that I am so glued to my phone and computer which does cause an harmful effect overtime to your health. I find that even one hour of not being on my phone does make me feel better and I find it easier each time to not always be on my phone.
It’s ok to put the phone down and enjoy some quiet time, better yet take nap or enjoy a nice walk outside.
7. Go outside
It amazes me that no one goes outside anymore, unless it’s work or running errands I feel like people don’t enjoy being outdoors. As someone who was born in a different country, outdoors was part of my lifestyle. I enjoyed playing outside with my cousins and friends, but I must say as I got older it wasn’t the first thing on my list nor do I make time to go outside on purpose.
This is something we can do as part of self care, which is to take time to enjoy things we use to do or don’t have time to do. Going for a walk or run have so many benefits that will improve your physical and mental health.
8. Drink Tea
Tea has so many medicinal qualities that am sure we don’t think about. There are different types of teas which includes white, herbal, black and oolong tea. Teas have been around for centuries and is loved by many people, it has many healing properties such as boosting immune system, fighting inflammation, heart disease and certain cancers. Not to mention they are loaded with ample amount of antioxidants and provides the body with energy if needed.
Be weary of the types of teas you drink and stay away from teas that makes promises such as detox tea and weight loss tea. Drinking tea should be something you can do every day or night based on your needs or just drink it occasional when you want to have a relaxing day.
9. Cook a nice meal
It is a good idea to cook a nice meal for yourself sometimes. If you are someone who already cooks for themselves, this is a good time to switch it up. Try making a meal you have never had before this is a good way to experiment and go outside the norm in the kitchen but to also introduce yourself to new cuisine.
Nothing is more delightful than enjoying a meal that you created for yourself, this is the time to get creative find recipes online while also switching out ingredients to your liking.
10. Meditate
Having a meditation session is also a good way to stay in tune with yourself. Coupled with one of the other activities on the list, mediation can be a great part of your self care routine.
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