How to Practice Best Self-Care for Good Health

How often does one feel tired? Stressed? Low energy or un-inspired? Though there are many lifestyle and mindset factors that play into each of those feelings or experiences, there’s often one key thing that’s missing from the equation: self-care.

Self-care is any activity that contributes to your overall physical and psychological state by offering relaxation, detoxification, inspiration, or increased connection to yourself and your loved ones.

Regularly practicing self-care activities is hugely important for maintaining your overall physical and mental well-being. Though it’s not always consciously intended as “self-care,” making time for activities you enjoy helps to make a satisfying life during which you're better ready to deal with any stress, overwhelm or sadness which will come up.

Certain times of your life may necessitate more emphasis on self-care to remain in balance, but generally we recommend aiming for a minimum of quarter-hour of intentional self-care activities every day . that would be quarter-hour of yoga before work, an episode or two of your favorite television program within the evening, or a special nightly beauty routine before bed. Your idea of self-care could even include an extended run every weekend or a spa day each month—those are great options too, though we still recommend alittle effort of self-care every day also .

Don’t feel that there are specific belongings you got to do to relax or rejuvenate—it can totally vary by person, and self-care is merely effective if it’s something you personally enjoy and find fulfilling. So, if you don’t like yoga otherwise you don’t find it relaxing to take a seat still and meditate—no problem! Maybe going for a run or taking a boxing class is more your style.

Check out the list below for ideas which will work for you. This list is by no means exhaustive, so plow ahead and incorporate other self-care activities if you prefer!

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Time you enjoy wasting isn't wasted time. 

SELF-CARE ACTIVITY IDEAS

Here are a variety of ideas for self-care activities you'll enjoy—take a glance , try a replacement option, and see what feels good to you!

RELAXATION
Listen to a guided meditation from an app like Headspace

• Attend a yoga class
• Follow a guided yoga practice from an app like Daily Yoga or Down Dog
• Listen to a soothing Spotify playlist
• Plant and lookout of a garden (or houseplants!)
• Take a nap
• Spend time crafting: knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc.
• Burn a (naturally-scented!) candle 
• Clean your home
• Get a massage
• Go to bed early or sleep in
• Sit on your porch, stoop, patio, or a bench within the park… and just be still and luxuriate in your surroundings
• Switch all of your devices to airplane mode and unplug for one hour 
• Play together with your pet
• Hug someone you're keen on 
• Go for a walk or run
• Enjoy a hot cup of tea
• Sit in “legs up the wall” pose for 5-20 minutes
• Try an alternate therapy like acupuncture or chiropractic

INSPIRATION

• Create (or add to) a Pinterest vision board
• Read an honest book
• Read an inspiring blog on a subject of interest
• Listen to your favorite feel-good music and have a dance party
• Watch a funny movie
• Go to the park and play on the playground—be a child again!
• De-clutter an area in your home
• Look through your favorite cookbooks or food blogs and plan out a tremendous menu for the week
• Cook and luxuriate in a flowery meal
• Have a picnic during a beautiful park
• Go to a museum
• Enjoy some quality in-store or online shopping
• Write in your gratitude journal
• Write down compliments you’ve been told and belongings you love about yourself
• Volunteer for a cause you’re hooked in to 
• Spend time with a mentor who inspires you
• Practice creative writing
• Enjoy your favorite food 
• Paint or draw something
• Play a game you enjoy
• Go on a walk around your neighborhood and take pictures of things that intrigue or inspire you
• Call a lover you haven’t talked to during a while and catch up

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BEAUTY & care 

• Paint your nails (non-toxic nail enamel , of course!)
• Give yourself a facial
• Dry brush
• Take a detoxing bath with Epsom salts
• Floss your teeth 
• Use a cleansing mouthwash
• Use a tongue-scraper
• Lotion your skin 
• Roll out sore muscles with a foam roller
• Go through your care products and switch them out for non-toxic alternatives

FOUR WELLNESS TIP

Choose a couple of of the ideas above and add a minimum of quarter-hour of self-care into your schedule every day . (More is great too!)