In the whirlwind of our chaotic, fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in caring for everyone else—except yourself.
This year, on 24 July, International Self-Care Day is the perfect opportunity to start prioritising yourself and your well-being, serving as an important reminder that health and happiness should always be at the top of your to-do list.
Whether you’re new to self-care or looking to enhance your existing routine, join us in celebrating this special day that’s all about you with 10 simple, effective tips to help you start putting yourself first and rediscovering the joy of taking care of yourself.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is the process of taking proactive steps to nurture and maintain your overall well-being by intentionally engaging in activities and habits that nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
Whether this means exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, getting a good night’s sleep, or simply taking time to relax and unwind, at its core, self-care is about making sure you’re taking care of yourself so you can be your best self—Both for you and those around you.
Remember that self-care isn't just a luxury—It's a necessity.
Mindful Tips for Practicing Self-Care in Our Daily Lives
1. Give Yourself Grace
It’s true what they say—We are our own worst critics. Constant self-criticism, however, can take a toll on your well-being and is more destructive than helpful. Remember that nobody is perfect, so give yourself the grace and credit you deserve.
Take time every day to recognise the positive attributes that make you the unique individual that you are, as well as the accomplishments you’re proud of, whether big or small.
By aiming for progress rather than perfection, you are able to set attainable goals that allow you to appreciate who you are and what you are capable of.
2. Make Time for the Things That Make You Happy
Part of self-care is setting aside time for yourself and the things in life that make you happy.
Much like the way that you dedicate time to your loved ones, encouraging them to pursue their own happiness, you must do the same for yourself.
If you enjoy being in nature, go for a short stroll around the lake. Watch an episode of your favourite show, bake a pie, soak in a relaxing bubble bath, or paint—Whatever it is that makes you happy, make a little time for yourself every day to the things you love.
3. Practice Positivity
It is easy to focus on the negative, rather than looking at the positive, especially when you get caught up in overwhelming emotions such as stress, anger, and sadness.
However, dwelling too much on the grim bits of your life can cause you to be consumed by negativity, missing out on all of the positive parts.
Contrary to what some people may think, being positive doesn’t mean plastering a fake smile on your face and morphing reality into a fairytale. Being positive simply means adjusting your perspective on reality by focusing on the positive side, instead of the negative.
Whenever you find yourself bombarded with negative thoughts or emotions, take a moment to challenge them by shifting your point of view of the situation to a more positive outlook.
An Example of Countering Negative Thoughts:
Situation: You are moving to a new city.
Negative Thought: “I hate moving. I don’t know anyone there. I’ll have to start everything all over again.”
Positive Thought: “This move is an opportunity for me to meet new people and make new friends. I will get a fresh start and gain a lot of new experiences.”
4. Set Boundaries and Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”
It’s easy to overload yourself with too many commitments because oftentimes, saying “yes” to a person seems less problematic than saying “no.”
However, taking on too many tasks can leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and irritable, which only leads to burnout and self-neglect.
This is why setting boundaries and allowing yourself to say “no” is so important in protecting yourself and your well-being.
Establishing boundaries and saying “no” allows you to protect your time, energy, and mental space from activities or commitments that can drain you. Furthermore, it empowers you to prioritise what truly matters and to focus on activities that align with your values and goals.
By honouring your limits and respecting your own needs, you can cultivate healthier relationships, improve your productivity, and ultimately enhance your overall quality of life.
So, next time you feel that familiar twinge of guilt when you have to say “no” to someone, rather than viewing it as saying “no” to others, think of it as saying “yes” to yourself instead.
5. Remember to Rest and Recharge
In order to be healthy both mentally and physically, it is essential that you give your body and mind the proper rest it needs to recharge.
Without the necessary rest and recharging that your body needs, your overall health will suffer, leaving you feeling drained and irritable.
This means that you must make sure that you are getting enough sleep, as well as setting aside time to rest and take breaks mentally.
6. Recognise the Things That You Can’t Control and Let Them Go
Although it is frustrating, there are some things in our life that we have absolutely no control over. This is something that we must acknowledge and accept for our own peace of mind.
Rather than wasting your time and energy obsessing over the things that you can’t control, spend your time focusing on the things that you can control. This is a much more productive use of your time, as you can channel your energy towards creating positive change.
7. Nourish Your Body with Healthy Food and Exercise
The mind and body are a team, so naturally, taking care of your physical health also improves your overall well-being.
Nourishing your body with food that’s high in nutrients not only provides you with energy for the day but also helps fuel your mind.
Similarly, when you exercise, your body releases chemicals known as endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body and reduce the perception of pain in your brain. Besides the release of endorphins, exercise is also beneficial for decreasing stress, boosting self-esteem, battling anxiety and depression, and improving sleep.
Remember that self-care entails taking care of your body as a whole.
8. Stay Connected with Others
Amid our busy lives, fostering meaningful relationships with friends, family, and community members is crucial for our emotional well-being.
Maintaining meaningful relationships and fostering social connections not only enriches our lives but also plays a vital role in our overall well-being, as studies consistently show that strong social ties can reduce stress, boost immunity, and contribute to a longer, happier life.
Whether it's sharing experiences with loved ones, seeking support during challenging times, or simply enjoying moments of laughter and camaraderie, staying connected with others provides emotional support and a sense of belonging that serves as an integral part of our overall health and happiness.
9. Make a List of What You’re Grateful For
Oftentimes in life, we get so caught up in what we don’t have that, rather than being grateful for what we do have.
Whenever you feel consumed by negativity, take a minute to make a list of all of the things you are grateful for.
Do you have access to food? Clothes on your back? A bed to sleep in? People that love you? Our lives may not be perfect or even close, but there are countless things in life to be grateful for if you take the time to notice them.
10. Ask for Help When You Need It—You’re Not Alone
Remember that we are all only human—All of us need help once in a while, and this is nothing to be ashamed of.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need, whether that means talking to a therapist or a trusted family member or friend.
You are a person with value and purpose in this world, and there is always someone out there who loves and cares about you and what you’re going through. You are not alone, and you can do this.