5 Ways for Self-Care and Stress Reduction

It’s easy to fall into the routine of being present for everyone but yourself - helping the kids with their homework, walking the dog, supporting a partner, or all of the above. After a while, the lack of “me-time” can be frustrating, not to mention exhausting and detrimental to your physical and mental health. That’s where self-care comes in. First things first: self-care isn’t selfish or self-indulgent. It’s an important component of maintaining a happy, healthy lifestyle.

There are so many ways to practice self-care and getting your daily dose could be as simple as reading a book. It all comes down to you - what leaves you feeling recharged? While self-care may look different for everyone, the important thing to remember is just how essential it is. Self-care is an essential part of any wellness journey. So, while you plan your workouts and meals for the week, be sure to pencil in some time for daily self-care too. 

In a nutshell, self-care is anything you want it to be, never a one-size-fits-all. For some, that’s meditation; for others, it’s doing a face mask while listening to a podcast, and there are those who need a daily workout for that me-time. No matter your preference, we’re big believers in a daily dose of self-care, even if it’s just 10 minutes.

Here are 5 Self-care Ideas to Try…

1. Daily Movement. Regular exercise, whether you’re into HIIT classes, yoga, or walks these all reduce stress, improves sleep, and boosts those feel-good emotions. And if you’re ready to get sweaty and get your heart pumping, rigorous exercise can also sharpen your memory and cognition. If you’re new to fitness, we recommend starting with a few minutes every day and upping the amount by five to 10 minutes each week until you hit that NHS recommended 150 minutes per week. 

2. Find What Brings You Joy. Take stock of what you do every day, making a mental note of the things that make you happiest, whether it’s your workout, trying new recipes, or giving yourself an evening pamper routine. Don’t worry about what you think you’re supposed to do. Focus on what you actually enjoy because the more you love it, the more likely you are to make it a habit.

3. Get Out in Nature. Studies show that being in nature has a profound impact on mood and overall health. Calm your mind by taking a long walk in a beautiful, scenic location (it’s also a great way to get some exercise in!). If you live near the beach or the countryside, take a bike ride along the path and soak up some Vitamin D!

4. Clean Your Space. Research shows that living in clutter can increase stress levels. A great act of self-care is spending some time organising and tidying up. Plus, it will feel so insanely good to finally declutter and enjoy your space. Check out our tips for a improving your desk job.

5. Meditation. Much like self-care, meditation doesn’t fall under one definition. It doesn’t have to be a daunting, hours-long session. It can be a 5-minute morning meditation while lying in bed or a walking meditation on a hiking trail. No matter your method, it’s all about mindfulness, which has been linked to improving mood and reducing cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

‍
Self-care is an important part of maintaining our overall health. Don’t wait to begin your self-care routine. With these simple yet effective daily self-care ideas, you’ll be feeling healthier and happier in no time!