Scheduling some you time: Self Care

Prioritizing Self Care

Self care is an act that one is thoughtfully doing for themselves in order to take care of their mental, psychological, physical and/or emotional health. This act does not have to be something grand as booking an expensive spa day (although that can be self care). Self care can be as simple as taking a 15 minute walk just for you and your thoughts. ​

With managing fast paced lifestyles, It is easy to overlook this important part of keeping us healthy. Oftentimes, it is so easy to be succumbed by work, school, or everyday life struggles. What is important to remember is that taking time for ourselves whether it is to check in or refuel our energy tanks, is vital to ensure we are maintaining our health (mentally, physically and emotionally) and to remain functioning in our busy lives!

Here are a few ideas one can do to engage in self care:

- Taking a walk outside. This can be as simple as stepping outside for 10 minutes to just walk around on a break at work or around your neighborhood. You could also go to a local park or a local beach/lake if you have one nearby. Just allow yourself to be around nature and move your body!

- Buy something small to treat yourself. When I say small I mean small;a cup of coffee from a coffee shop, a new nail polish color, chocolate covered almonds, new headband, really anything that is something that can make you smile and light up your day. A small gift from you to you that won’t break the bank. 

- Make a gratitude list. Making a list of gratitudes can help us reframe our mindset by focusing on all the good things we have to be grateful for. This list can be as big or small you feel, just make sure to dive deep. Think about the big things (family, friends, significant others) to the trivial things (having oatmilk in the fridge to pour in my morning coffee so it tastes oh so good) to everything in between (special interaction you had with a coworker at work. The options are truly endless, but only write it if you are actually, truly grateful for it.

- Give yourself those extra minutes while getting ready in the morning, just to be. When getting dressed it can be easy to zip through the steps to make sure you’re ready for the day and on time to your obligations. But take a few minutes to really pause and take a moment. Can be while you’re in the shower, washing your face or eating breakfast. Take a moment just to breathe before you start your day. 

- Watch your favorite show or movie. Yes this can be seen as a mindless activity, but it allows you to destress! 

- Read a book. No not a textbook or anything that you have to read specifically or work or school. Read a book for fun that is enjoyable and something you are actually interested in. 

- Hang out with a friend. Preferably schedule a little date with them; go grab a bite to eat, grab a cup of coffee. However, we are in 2022 where COVID-19 is still a real thing and being in person with someone isn’t always possible. If you can’t meet in person, do it virtually or even call them up just to speak on the phone. 

-Play a game. Video Games, board games, phone games, card games, you name it! The options are endless. It’s lots of fun with friends or family, but you can also play solo games like solitaire. 
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We only list a few self care ideas here, the options are endless on what you can do to help take care of you! 

Author: Eliana Rosete
Reviewed by: ZenDeva Team
Date of Last Update: 14 March 2022

​Stock photos are free stock images from Pexels and Unsplash.
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