Life can be difficult sometimes. We all deal with things that take a toll on us. Stress and anxiety have become a part and parcel of life. Whether it is heart break, work stress or family issues, we often tend to put others before us and forget to take care of ourselves. When this happens, it can also adversely affect your physical health.
Healthy living starts with taking utmost care of yourself. This doesn’t just mean that you should eat on time and get proper sleep, but also taking care of yourself when you are mentally exhausted. Practicing self-care frequently helps you to deal with situations in a calmer manner, promotes good-decision making and help to improve your overall mental and physical health.
Here are 8 self-care activities that you can implement to stay on top of your game.
- Reading and Writing
If you are a bookworm or like to play with words, this is the perfect activity for you. Reading not only helps you become knowledgeable but also helps you take your mind off stress and help you calm down.
One of the best ways to reduce stress is Journalling. You can maintain an everyday journal or write down your frustrations on a piece of paper whenever you feel anxious or stressed to avoid impulsive behavior.
- Be Artsy
Art has proven to be a great form of expressing one’s emotions and feelings. Be it painting, doodling, sketching, drawing, digital art, or even crafts, engaging in artistic activities not only helps you to concentrate on the present but also helps you to express your emotions effectively.
- Exercise
Time and again, fitness has proven to be great for self-care. What better way to take care of yourself than taking care of your body? May it be sports, a simple walk or a jog, working out at the gym, or any other form of workout, it helps to release your stress and frustrations. Frequent exercising not only helps you de-stress but also keeps you physically healthy. Moreover, having a fit body also helps to boost self-confidence.
- Try cooking
Cooking can be highly therapeutic, especially if you are a foodie or like to cook. This therapeutic took combines practice, technique, and creativity at the same time. This helps to increase your sensory awareness. It requires you to concentrate on multiple aspects at the same time which helps you to concentrate better. As it requires you to compartmentalize your thoughts, it helps your mind to focus on the present. Moreover, if you are a person who expresses your love through acts of service, cooking is a great way to cook for your loved ones and enjoy the fruits of your labor! This helps to achieve a sense of productivity and the compliments you get will definitely help you feel better.
- Movie Marathons!
Whether it was a bad day at work or an argument with your loved one, entertainment is always your buddy. So, grab your popcorn and snacks, wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket and enjoy the next two hours of action, drama, thrill, comedy, and romance. Whatever your mood, there is always a movie for you!
- Talk
Talk it all out and get it off your chest! Talking to your friends or loved ones about your struggles helps a lot. Knowing that there are people who support you and listen to you, and moreover, empathize with your situation may help you feel a lot more supported and heard.
- The Sound of Music
When you reach of complete frustration, just put on your earphones and listen to music. It can be sad, happy, hip-hop, or even death metal. Whatever you feel like. In fact, Music Therapy is a field in Psychology that uses music-based experiences to focus on the client’s problems and needs.
- Meditation
Meditation has proven to be a great tool that can help you to de-stress. Just 5 to 10 minutes of meditation a day helps you to calm yourself down, gather, compartmentalize your thoughts and refocus.
Last but not the least, make sure to set healthy boundaries. Know when to stop and prioritize your mental health during stressful situations. Give your mind and body the support, encouragement, and love it needs.
