Life is crazy. I’m certain that’s something we can all agree on. No matter if you’re a student, a twenty-something year old trying to create a successful professional career, a parent, or retired – life is crazy all the time. Amidst all the craziness, our self care is the first thing that tends to fall to the wayside. But self care is the best thing we can do for ourselves! This is definitely something we need always, but even more when life gets crazy! Recently I took a challenge with Day Designers called 30 days to your best you. Each day, they share a new task for you via email. They recommend that you do every task each day plus the one from each previous day. By the end of the 30 days, you’ll have 30 new habits! They’re simple, yet life changing habits to create.
Today I’m sharing eight simple tips in order to make your self care a priority, no matter how crazy your life is. The challenge with Day Designer hasn’t started yet, but it has me feeling extra inspired! These are all tasks I’m working to incorporate into my own routine before my new challenge starts.
Let’s do it!
Water
When you wake up, drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. Keep a bottle next to your bed through the night so it’s right there for you when you wake up. Hydration is so important for our overall health, especially if you participate in any kind of exercise program. Drinking cold water first thing also boosts your metabolism. Very few of us get the water we need daily, so by waking up with a bottle of water, you’re already off to a great start!
Try getting the recommended 64 ounces a day, or boost it up to a gallon if you’re really trying to shed pounds.
Stretch/Yoga
In my post about healthier living, I talk about the importance of working out in the morning (and some other great tips for healthy living). I understand that getting the gym or a barre class before work isn’t always feasible, so at the very least, stretch! Stretching or doing a variety of yoga moves will wake up your body and get you ready to start moving for the day. I recently ordered these Gaiam resistance bands
Thankfulness Journal
At the end of each day, spend 5 minutes journaling about the things you’re thankful for. Whether it’s a pretty sunrise or the kids cleaning up after dinner, write down anything and everything you appreciated throughout the day. By writing down every thing we’re thankful for, we are more appreciative of the little things and tend to not focus so much on things that bog us down. When I stick to this, I truly am so much more relaxed and especially appreciative of the little things. I really do notice the sunset or sunrise every single day and I could not be more thankful for how beautiful our world is.
Make Your Bed
Growing up, my mom always taught us to make our beds every single day. I always thought it was just in case we had company, the rooms always needed to look nice. A few years ago she told me we should make the bed first thing when we wake up because it sets you up for a productive day right away. You’ve already completed something you probably didn’t want to do even though you’ve only been awake for 10 minutes! In addition, people who make their beds sleep better than those who don’t. Another bonus – it just feels so much better getting into a fresh bed at night than a messy, unmade one.
Time Outside
Recently, I started walking during my lunch break 3-4 days a week at work. Only for about 15 minutes, but it makes all the difference in my day. It’s a simple stress relief that is so necessary and I’m able to get some much needed vitamin D!
At the beginning of the spring, I also started eating lunch outside every single day. No matter if it’s hot or cold, the only time I’m not outside is if it’s actually pouring down rain. Escaping reality for just 30-40 minutes this way has improved my happiness immensely. Fresh air and sunshine are the best medicine!
Obviously there are thousands more ways to spend time outside but these are two that I do regularly and that have improved my overall attitude. Please try one or both as much as possible!
Create a Schedule
Y’all already know how much I love planning and being organized so this is a no brainer. I recently purchased my Day Designer planner for next year and I am SO excited to continue putting in important dates and using it daily. They have beautiful cover designs and detailed pages on the inside. You can use this Day Designer link to order your own today. Let me know which design you choose!
Every Sunday, I set time aside to plan out my week. I plan the times I’ll go to Pure Barre, jot down date nights and girls nights, family events, work events, and everything in between. You don’t have to be a planning enthusiast to create a schedule that works for you and any planner works! By writing down my barre times, it holds me accountable each day. Also, by having the dates and times of things right in front of you, you’re so much less likely to miss the important stuff!
There’s always room for spontaneity, just use a planner to keep track of the important stuff. By writing down the things you can’t miss, you’ll also free your mind of the stress to remember! This will allow you to focus on daily tasks instead of Aunt May’s 90th birthday party next month. It helps!
Nix Your Phone
The further you leave your phone from your bed, the better. We’re all tied to our social media platforms and connected with the world every second of every day. Put your phone on the other side of your room while you sleep and try not to use it an hour before bed. When you wake up, resist the urge to check email and Facebook right away. You’ll sleep better and feel much more relaxed if you start the day by making your bed and stretching, rather than replying to work emails right away.
Let Go
Is there something that’s been bothering you lately that you just can’t get off your mind? Just let it go. Forgive yourself or forgive the person who hurt you. Chances are, worrying about it is only going to make matters worse. Relieve yourself and free your mind from the emotional distress. You’ll feel 20 pounds lighter and your attitude will likely improve. Even if it’s just one thing that’s driving you crazy, write it down on a piece of paper, place it in a drawer, and let it go. Drop your shoulders, take a deep breath and start fresh. Just relax, close your eyes, and listen to music. Try Amazon Music Unlimited 30-Day Free Trial
Your Turn!
These are only a few ways to improve your self care. There are tons of ways to better yourself, your attitude, and your life and hopefully these eight ways will help lead you in the right direction! Create these daily habits and watch your life change.
Has anyone else done a self care challenge? What other ideas do you have to improve your health and your wellbeing? Share them with me!
Good luck!
1 Comment
These are really great tips! Self care is so important and still so easy to neglect! Which is a shame because it can really be so simple – I love that the first point on your list is simply, “Water”. Yes! Something so simple, but being mindful of it can really help!