Self Care Tips Everyone Can Use

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I don’t know about you, but when I feel run down or sad the first thing I usually do is think about indulging myself with comfort food – something like pizza or a bowl of macaroni and cheese (usually out of a blue box). I usually stop myself before too much damage is done but it got me thinking. Surely there are much better ways to care for myself when I’m feeling blue or just tired. In today’s world it’s so easy to reach for that instant gratification or comfort only to find that those things we reach for out of habit maybe aren’t so good for us.

So I got to thinking, what are some really great ways to care for myself? What are things I can do for me that is good and will help me feel good about the choices I make, instead of make me feel guilty for indulging my love of empty carbs? I came up with a lot of great ways to take care of myself that don’t include sweat pants.

Self Care Tips Everyone Can Use

  1. Acceptance – Sometimes you just don’t have any control over people, events or their outcomes. Sometimes, you just have to accept things for how they are and move on. It’s not always easy, but letting go is much easier than being dragged, kicking and screaming when nothing you do will change the outcome. You can either let go or be dragged.
  2. Exercise – A twenty minute walk each afternoon can be a wonderful way to let go of a day that has been stressful. It can also be a great exercise in letting your mind wander. While I love walking to music there are times I prefer silence so I can let my thoughts wander to wherever they want to go. I’ve come to some great realizations on my walks.
  3. Avoid Toxic Relationships – We’ve all got that one friend or family member who craves drama and is always demanding time and energy from everyone else. The world often revolves around them if we allow it to. Don’t allow that to happen. Choose relationships where you get as good as you give and refuse to accept any less. Sure there may be times when a friend needs to lean on you more than they can reciprocate at the moment, but you should be able to count on them when you need a hand to hold on to, too. Choose friends wisely.
  4. Be a Positive Force – These days it seems as though there is so much negativity. The internet is filled with name calling, and bullying and real life at times isn’t much better. Find something positive in each person you meet and share it with them. No one is 100% bad so find the best in everything, even if it’s only a small bit. Positivity is contagious so the more you share it with those around you, the more they will find things to be positive about as well.
  5. Unplug – It can be difficult to be a positive force if you spend too much time on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Take time each week to unplug for day. It might be difficult at first but soon you’ll be looking forward to that one day of the week when you don’t have to log in.
  6. Experience Nature – Get outside. Whether you live in a city like Chicago or in a nearby suburb like Evanston, make an effort to get out of the rat race and just enjoy the peace and tranquility of a lake or rolling field. Take a drive along the lake or pack a picnic and spread out with a book at one of the many parks in the Chicago area. Turn off your phone and pay attention to the breeze, the birds chirping and the squirrels doing whatever it is that squirrels do. Just be part of the moment and you’ll feel refreshed in not time at all.
  7. Breathe – If you’re unable to get out, take a walk or unplug you can still take a few moments and breathe. Click here for a step by step instruction for a mindful and relaxing breathing technique.
  8. Spend Time with Friends – Have you ever noticed when you’re out with a dear friend that the time seems to just fly by? You aren’t worried about your job, your bills or your significant other when you’re having a wonderful time with a dear friend. As we get older and busier with work and family we tend to fall away from friends. Call up that bff you haven’t seen in a while and make plans for coffee. You’ll be amazed at how wonderful you feel spending time with a good friend.
  9. Laugh – Laughter really is the best medicine. Call up a friend who makes you laugh, watch silly cat videos on Youtube, or queue up some old episodes of I Love Lucy to get those endorphins flowing.
  10. Stop Over Thinking Things – Learn to go with the flow. Don’t overthink or overanalyze things. Just do it. Take a risk every now and again, you’ll feel exhilarated and your confidence will soar. Stop pondering and start doing.