Self-care isn't optional. It's essential to your health, happiness [1], and well-being. If you feel like you're one of those people that takes on a caregiving role and spends all your attention on others, it's time to put some of that energy toward you. Here are the things you should be doing every single day to take care of yourself.
Have Alone Time
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.
Eat Your Veg
Full of vitamins and antioxidants, vegetables will make you feel good. Try to include them at every meal, even breakfast! If the idea doesn't excite you, enjoy veggies that don't taste like them, like this strawberry broccoli smoothie [2] or this veg macaroni and cheese [3] (that's dairy-free!).
Move It!
Sweating and pushing yourself during exercise releases all those happy hormones [4] 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 [5], running with some friends, or getting outside for a bike ride.
Get 7 to 8 Hours of Sleep
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 [6] to wind down.
Indulge in the Foods You Love
Savour your favourite treats once a day, like a little brownie bite [7], a handful of chips, or a small glass of wine. Indulging is good for your soul.
Take 15 Minutes a Day to Do What You Love
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.
Breathe and Stretch
Do a little yoga ever single day! Maybe some days you have time for a 90-minute class, and other times you sneak in some hip openers [8] before bed. Make a point to stretch a little every day to improve your mood and make you feel more open.
Start a Happiness Journal
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 [9]. 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.
Get Your Daily Fibre
One way to take care of yourself is to make sure your digestive system is happy. Getting enough fibre, 25 to 30 grams a day, will keep you regular, so include lots of fresh fruits and veg and whole grains, and throw some flaxmeal in your smoothie or oatmeal [10].
Buy Yourself Flowers
Why wait for someone else to surprise you with a bouquet? Head to the nearest florist and close your eyes and smile as you take in the flowery aromas. Then buy yourself the ones you love best to not only remind yourself that you're loved (by you!), but also that life is amazing and ever-changing, just like those blooms. If flowers aren't your thing, find another way to gift yourself something to show love and gratitude for yourself.
Get Outside For 10 Minutes a Day
Whether you go for a run in your neighbourhood or take a walk after lunch to run an errand, getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine can greatly boost your immune system and your mood.
Connect With a Friend
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.
Say No When You Need To
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.