The holidays tend to be a busy time, one that includes family obligations (and fun, of course), a calendar full of glittering soirées, the collecting of self-care ideas, and the wrapping up of work projects along with gifts. If one of those items seems out of place, you’re not wrong: in stocked and stressful eras, self-care tends to fall off of our radar entirely. But as it turns out, ghosting your own well-being does more harm than good, and the season is the perfect time to celebrate yourself, too.
“Life is short, and we should not have to suffer—we should treat ourselves!” says New York-based CBT psychologist Dr. Terri Bacow. “Self-care is essential for preventing as well as addressing burnout, which allows us to be more effective.” Bacow adds that caring for yourself allows you to adequately care for others.
Meeting our own needs is so simple that it can be easy to forget, but coming back to (or creating) a foundational self-care routine is far from selfish—it’s vital. “Cultivating self-love, reducing self-criticism, setting boundaries, getting rest, eating well, and caring for our body, mind, and spirit through self-care practices is a transformative journey that empowers us to lead fulfilling and balanced lives,” says psychiatrist and executive coach Dr. Anna Yusim. That said, the pursuit of self-love should not be stressful or too serious. Consider what brings you happiness and serenity and let that inspire your chosen forms of self-care.
Should you need some inspiration, here are 10 self-care ideas to bolster your mental, physical, and emotional health.
1. Take a Deep Breath (Or Several)
Let’s start slow. Incorporating deep breathing into your daily life is basically what being a human is all about. We inhale and exhale all day long, but a touch of intention can elevate the practice, quickly calming a racing mind and furthering physical health. “Breathing can instantly soothe the nervous system by bringing oxygen to your entire body,” says Bacow. “It can be done anytime, anywhere—breathing is free, and you can’t leave your breath at home!” You have the tool…why not use it?
2. Rethink Social Media
A fact we all know in our bones: constant scrolling does not make for a happy mind. Deleting the apps for a short or extended period provides a solution, should you have the freedom and willpower. And while many of us must remain somewhat bound to our feeds for work purposes, there are practices that can make the apps a more positive place to be. Start by limiting screen time and unfollowing accounts and content creators that instantly cause your stress levels to rise.
3. Grab Your Journal
“Journaling helps with reducing stress, clearing your mind and providing a roadmap for you day and emotional landscape,” says psychotherapist and wellness practitioner Alyssa Mancao. Scribbling in your very pretty notebook also increases self-awareness and is the perfect place to foster gratitude, a practice that Mancao says promotes resilience and healthier relationships, and is also linked with a decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression.
While you’re journaling, take note of of how speak to and about yourself. “The use of supportive and comforting self-talk is key for letting go of self-judgment, silencing your inner critic, cultivating self-compassion, and reducing anxiety,” says Bacow. In short, make sure that your journal (and your brain) is a safe space.
4. Prioritize Rest
Similarly to breathing, rest is integral to being a person. Getting enough sleep reduces risk of health conditions, disease, and disorders, allowing your body’s systems with time to repair and detox. A good night’s sleep improves mood and mental well-being (and function), too—a fact that most of us have learned the hard way. “Through ample rest, we replenish our vitality and enhance cognitive function, empowering us to navigate challenges with clarity and resilience,” says Yusim.
5. Do Something You Love
Self-care activities don’t have to be unfamiliar to be effective—often, simply making time for a hobby that lights you up is all that’s required for a mental health boost. “The activity itself does not matter, as long as you truly enjoy it,” says Bacow, who throws out gardening, puzzles, cooking, and knitting as examples. “The ideal activity is easy to do, brings you pleasure, does not take up too much time, and gets your mind off of your worries. It can be literally anything that is stress relieving.”
6. Delegate Tasks
“I often tell my clients that sometimes the best self-care does not involve adding something to your routine, but rather taking something off your plate,” says Bacow. “Ask yourself, what can you give away?” Bacow posits that learning to ask for help and delegate tasks are essential life skills—and this is the perfect time to hone them. “Ask a loved one, friend, or family member to do a chore for you, like pick something up for you from the grocery store, take care of your child or pet, or do a household task,” she suggests. “Often, not having to do something is priceless and truly the best way you can take care of yourself.”
7. Say Yes to a Spa Day
So indulgent! Who has the time? You do. Schedule an appointment with your go-to facialist or massage therapist (the active removal emotions and tension stored in your muscles is a physical activity, too), or just make space for a manicure or pedicure. If baby steps are required, apply a face mask and let it do its thing while you check your email.
8. Get Stretching
Exercise of any sort will boost serotonin, and stretching is the best way to unwind before, after, or in lieu of physical activity. Tension can be caused by emotional and mental stressors along with physical factors, so slow down and stretch it out, the better to enhance flexibility in all areas of your life.
9. Opt for Fresh Air
Hot girl walks are here to stay. “Walking has been linked to improving sleep and stimulating endorphins, the body’s natural mood-lifters,” says Mancao. That said, not all walks are created equal. “A walk in nature will feel better than a walk on a busy side street, so opt for the nature walks if possible.” If you make your home in the city, just head to a local park or community garden, as connecting with nature can help increase your sense of mindfulness, connection, peace, and purpose. Want company? Tune into a mental health podcast while you stroll.
10. Lean on Your Community—And Give to Others
Check in with your people near and far—for your benefit and theirs. “Being in community—having a support system—is helpful to feelings of belonging, fostering psychological safety and resilience,” says Mancao. And given the global nature of our modern world, your community is not limited to your loved ones or those within immediate proximity. Give back through volunteering, donating, or self-education, the better to ramp up empathy and connectedness.
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