10 Self-Care Habits To Start Implementing Today

 

Ready to start feeling like your best self?

With work and family at the top of the priority list, it can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of yourself. But putting your “me time” on the back burner is a big part of why you can end up feeling run-down, stressed, and overwhelmed. It’s more important than ever to be kind to yourself and make self-care a priority. Even small things that support your physical and mental health can improve your wellbeing.

Self-care forms an essential part of a lifestyle that keeps us healthy, happy, and more in tune with our minds and bodies. Practicing self-care has an array of total-body benefits, such as helping to sharpen your mental and physical health, boosting your self-esteem, reducing stress, and improving your quality of life.

When you take good care of yourself, you’re likely to see an improvement in many aspects of your life, including your physical health and relationships.

Below are 10 self-care habits you can start implementing today to step up your self-love game - try a few, or use them as inspiration to come up with your own. 

• Get outside in nature

Put down your phone and enjoy the great outdoors. We all need a break from technology now and again, even a small one can help your mind and body to relax and recharge. Ditching the comfort of your home for some one-on-one with nature is a great way to implement self-care and improve your mental and physical health. Similar to meditation, spending time out of doors benefits the brain.

Enjoy a walk in nature, take your home workout outside in the garden, or go grab an ice cream with a friend. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Digital Detox: How To Unplug When You Need A Break

• Breathe it all out

Practicing breathwork is a great way to bring calm to your inner self  - especially if you’ve been feeling tense, agitated, or overwhelmed lately. Our breath is an indicator of anxiety, mood and overall state of being. When we know how to work with our breath, we can change so much - our mood, panic attacks, insomnia, and even blood pressure. In this episode of my Flourish & Fulfilled podcast, I speak with my friend and breathwork coach Nicola Laye on what breathwork is, how it can reduce stress and release trauma, and how to start using the breath. Listen here > 

• Move your body

Many of us like to work up a sweat because we want to feel good, get stronger, and of course get that rockin’ bod. The good news is that a great session can do all that, plus much more! Exercise has a number of benefits for the whole body, including improving your mental health, sleep and skin! Take a look at some more benefits of exercise here - some of them may surprise you!

• Get enough rest 

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Not only does sleep impact your productivity, but it enhances exercise performance, weight loss, cognitive health, metabolism, and long-term health. Sleep is the action that keeps your body running at its fullest potential, and it should not be taken lightly. So try and get plenty of it, girl! Struggling to get your eight hours of zzz’s a night? Check out some of our tips on how to get better sleep. 

• Laugh out loud

Literally, LOL.

Laughter really can be the best medicine, and science has shown time and time again that laughing out loud benefits our mental and physical health and reduces stress. By regularly having a good laugh, being jovial and positive in life we will connect with the people we laugh with  (because who doesn’t want to be around a funny easy going person) and foster better and deeper relationships.

• Quit the negative self talk⠀⠀⠀

Change the narrative you have with yourself. Talk to yourself and your body the way you would talk to your best girlfriend. Positively. When you have a negative thought, notice it, and turn it around into a positive one. Affirmations are a powerful source to reminding your body and soul how strong you are. They are the backbone of creating your reality. Affirmations are your self-talk and because of this, you want to make sure they are positive, encouraging and inspiring. Repeat these loud and proud today and every day:

1. I am love. I am purpose. I am magic
2. Everything I am looking for, I can find in me
3. Nothing can dim the light that shines within me
4. Opportunities are all around me
5. Something wonderful is about to happen to me
6. I deserve the best and I accept the best
7. I will consciously create my future
8. I am in charge of how I feel and today I choose happiness
9. I know my worth
10. I have the power to create change

• Practice gratitude⠀⠀⠀

Gratitude is so powerful and it’s something I put into practice everyday using my Flourish & Fulfilled Gratitude Planner. Practicing gratitude reminds you of the beauty in the little things in life that you currently have. It helps you look at situations in a more positive light, build stronger relationships with people you love, and helps improve your mental and physical well-being. Take a moment first thing in the morning, and/or each night, to think about how grateful you are for your life, your people, and the person that you are. It’s a beautiful way to start and end your day.⠀

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Benefits Of Gratitude

• End all toxic relationships ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life.If you're starting to question or feel like a friend/relative/partner is no longer the best thing for you, chances are you're in a toxic relationship. This kind of friendship has a tendency to sneak up on people because the signs are often subtle. But generally, a toxic friendship emotionally harms you, rather than helping you. Being in a toxic friendship can do a real number on your mental health by depleting your energy, making you lash out on loved ones, and even lose sleep. So if you aren't getting what you need from a friendship, then it may just be time to leave it in the past. As hard as it may be, it is necessary - not only to you, but to them also. 

In this Flourish & Fulfilled podcast episode, I chat with my dear friend and coach Nicola and we talk about how important it is to recognise toxic friendships and relationships in your life and knowing when it's time to let them go. Listen here >

RELATED ARTICLE: Are Your Friendships Toxic?

• Check in with yourself

In order to be the best version of yourself, you need to take care of both your mind and your body. Check in with yourself daily - a self-reflection journal is a great way to reflect on your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Try checking in with yourself with these journal prompts -⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

💞 How am I sleeping?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

💞 When did I last drink water?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

💞 How am I feeling?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

💞 What will bring me joy today?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

💞 What am I grateful for today?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

💞 When did I last breathe deeply?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

💞 When did I last talk to someone about my feelings?⠀

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Journal Prompts To Manifest The Life Of Your Dreams

• Drink more water

Staying hydrated is a crucial act of self-care. Water makes up a whopping 60% of the body and has a multitude of functions, such as dissolving and transporting substances around the body, lubricating tissues like eyes and joints, regulating body temperature, providing minerals, flushing out toxins, and building cells, to name a few. So make sure you’re drinking at least 2L of water a day! Your body will thank you for it!

Final note

Remember, amazing things happen when you put yourself first and love and care for yourself unapologetically.

Paying attention to your needs isn’t selfish—it’s crucial for your wellbeing. Making changes to your routine that support the way you want to feel can boost your mental and physical health. Prioritise your self-care, and you can create a happier, healthier life.

What’s your favourite way to practice self-care? Leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram @flourishandfulfilled