20 Tips for Self-Care

Do you ever forget to take care of yourself? I know I do!

Practicing self-care isn't always easy. Most of us have such busy schedules that"me-time"is often put on the bottom of our agendas. But it is important to take a step back, be kind to and take care of yourself. Here are 20 of my favorite ways to show myself some love!

1. Unplug for an hour. It's extremely hard to do since we live in a world that revolves around technology but taking a break from social media for even a little bit helps lessen anxieties and stressors.

2. Stay hydrated. Remember to drink water everyday.

3. Have a dance party. With a busy life, sometimes we forget to let go and have fun. Blast your favorite playlist and dance around the living room!

4. Be active daily. Getting your heart rate up increases your "happy" hormones, therefore improving your mood. Something as simple as a walk outside or a yoga session can help!

5. Say no to others, and say yes to yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in constantly saying "yes" to others even when you really want to say no. Saying no helps keep your schedule more open and available to doing things you really want to do.

6. Put on a face mask. One of my favorite acts of self-care is a good face mask (paired with a nice glass of wine, of course). It's beneficial for not only your skin but for your well-being. It will soothe and soften your skin as well as giving your time to unwind.

7. Take a bath. Light a candle, put on your favorite spa playlist, and use your favorite bath essentials to relax and unwind after a long day.

8. Read a book. In todays world we often turn to technology for entertainment, relaxing with a good book not only gets your away from social media for a while but also helps you slow down and be more present.

9. Take a nap. Another one of my personal favorites - something I do almost daily. Napping is another way to get you relaxed and it's a way of respecting your body to help you get more done in the long run. You can't be your best when you haven't had enough rest!

10. Get rid of clutter/organize home space. Research shows that clutter increases our cortisol levels and reduces creativity and focus. Take some time out each day or a few days each week to declutter and organize your home.

11. Spend some time alone. Sometimes giving yourself some love really just means taking a break from people and unwinding alone to watch your favorite show on Netflix.

12. Take time to meditate. Not only does meditation give you a chance to reflect and relax, it's a way to be kind to yourself and others. It can help you let go of a lot of built up emotions as well.

13. Start journaling. Writing out your thoughts and feelings in a journal has its benefits, even if it's just jotting down a few things for that day.

14. Get outside. No matter how busy you are, make it a habit to get outside for a breath of fresh air even if it's just for a few minutes!

15. Daily affirmations. It might feel silly at first to look yourself in the mirror and say things like "I'm amazing" or "I'm unique and different in my own beautiful way". The truth is that it actually helps a lot, and it is really good for your mental health!

16. Get a massage. Messages are great for relieving stress and tension. There are studies that show it doesn't just feel good in the moment but has lasting effects on the body. Treat yourself!

17. Color or draw. Your mind and your body relax when they are focused on something, so grab those color pencils or a note pad and get to drawing!

18. Get proper rest. This one is a challenge . As much as we think we get proper rest, do we actually? Sleep can have a huge impact on how you feel both emotionally and mentally. Make sure your bedroom is the best possible place to get a good REM sleep! Seven - nine hours is ideal to help you feel your best!

19. Take time to do what makes you happy. This seems like an obvious form of self-care but with those jam packed work and personal schedules, it can be hard to make time to do what truly makes you happy.

20. Take a break. Working all the time causes stress not only on the body but also on the mind. If you can't go on vacation anywhere, treat yourself to a staycation to relax and rest.

Its time to add YOU to your schedule!

What are some of your favorite ways to show yourself some love?