13 Ways to Practice Self-Care Every Day

Be by yourself with your own thoughts in peace and quiet so you can relax and energise your soul. Take a hot bath or shower in the dark, curl up with a book (or your remote) on the couch, or take solo time to cook a healthy meal.

Sweating and pushing yourself during exercise releases all those happy hormones so you feel good during and after your workout. It makes you feel strong physically and emotionally, keeps your heart and lungs healthy, boosts your immune system, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Find a workout you look forward to, such as a CrossFit class, running with some friends, or getting outside for a bike ride.

Snuggle into bed early and get seven to eight hours of sleep. Skip staring at a screen and read a book, knit, or do some yoga to wind down.

Whether it's reading a new book on your lunch break, playing a little guitar, or dancing in your living room, even 15 minutes of doing something you enjoy will fill you up with joy.

Before bed, take a few minutes to reflect on your day and write down a few things that made you happy or things you are grateful for. Write down things you're proud of, goals you have, and steps to get started. It's one way to take care of your mental health and help you go to bed with a smile.

Sometimes your friend knows you better than you know yourself, and taking time to catch up, even if it's a five-minute phone call, can make you laugh, uplift your spirit, and encourage you to be yourself and follow your goals.

You do so much, and if you stretch yourself too thin, you won't have enough time to do the things you need to or to do them well. When your boss asks you to take on another project, a friend needs you to watch their dog, or your child's teacher needs your help cutting out tiny letters for an art project and you just don't have the time, it's OK to say no.