Basic self-care:  daily tips for your wellness.

Need a basic self-care routine but you can’t seem to find the time?  Learn why basic self-care is important and how you can create a simple routine for yourself at home.

Do you ever feel guilty for wanting to take time to care for yourself?  I used to feel this way for a long time and the feeling still lingers inside.  I grew up in a 2-income household and started working odd jobs at age 11.

I grew up with the mentality of putting others first before my own well-being.  However, I had to unlearn certain limiting beliefs so I could finally start caring for myself.

Why is basic self-care important?

It seems selfish to focus on yourself, doesn’t it?  But you need to practice self-care in order to function properly.  When you’re groggy or low in energy, your mind is fuzzy and it’s hard to think clearly or make rational decisions.

We live in a world that is more connected than ever.  We are also up at all hours of the day, which can sap our energy.

Basic self-care can help boost your energy.  It takes effort, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated.  Taking a few moments in your day for basic self-care can make a huge difference in how you feel.

What are the categories of basic self-care?

Self-care can be broken down into several, basic categories.  I outlined 6 different areas, with tips below each one, to help you craft your own basic self-care routine at home.

6 categories of self-care

PHYSICAL

Physical self-care is putting in the effort to treat your body well.  This means getting enough rest each night, eating and drinking something healthy and exercising each day.

Your self-care starts with getting enough rest.  Be sure to get a restful night’s sleep as much as possible.  Or even take a nap during the day if you have to.

How you eat is as important as what you eat, so be sure not to rush through your meals or snack times.  You can start by taking just a minute to notice the food in front of you.  Use all of your senses to fully experience your meal before, during or after you consume it.

The same goes for your exercise.  Don’t just go through the motions of exercise to get it out of the way.  Make it more meaningful.  Start with just a simple walk.  Pay attention to your surroundings.  Notice how your body is moving and any sensations that arise.  You might even become amazed at how your body is able to carry out all these functions simultaneously.

• Eat healthy meals mindfully and slowly.

• Take a walk mindfully.

• Get enough sleep.

• Drink healthy fluids.

• Do some deep breathing.

EMOTIONAL

Your emotional health is a very important part of your overall well-being.  Learn to embrace all your emotions and then let them go.

This is not always easy to do because it can be hard to reconcile with difficult emotions.  With practice, however, you will start to become aware of your emotions and let them go with ease.

• Set healthy boundaries.

• Learn to forgive.

• Learn to let go.

• Be kind to yourself and tell yourself “I love you.”

• Practice gratitude.

MENTAL

Another facet of your basic self-care routine that should not be neglected is your mental health.  Your mental and emotional health are intertwined.  The way your mind perceives and processes information can stir up feelings of worry and anxiety.

The mind can be very complex, so if you’re having trouble with reasoning, making decisions or basic functioning, talk to someone or seek professional help.

• Meditate.

• Talk to someone.

• Get professional help.

• Start journaling to self-reflect.

• Drop any limiting beliefs and change your perceptions.

SPIRITUAL

Spiritual self-care can mean different things to each person.  It can be a religion, a belief, an ideology, a practice, or pretty much anything that connects you to your soul and lifts you up.

It gives meaning and depth to your life and it can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, watching the sun rise every day, or praying.

• Do something you enjoy everyday.

• Take a walk outdoors or in nature.

• Do a random act of kindness for someone or say something kind to yourself.

• Pray to communicate what is in your heart or to ask for something.

• Practice yoga.

SOCIAL

Humans are social creatures by nature.  So, it is important to cultivate relationships that nurture you.  Be sure you surround yourself with people who support you because connecting with others in a way that is positive can lift up your spirits.  It doesn’t have to be a huge event either.

Look at your schedule.  Assess how you like to spend your time.  Social self-care is personal for everyone and you can seek out with whom and how you want to spend quality time.

Determine whether or not you like big or small groups.  Do you like to hang out often?  Or just a few times a year to keep in touch with a close friend?  Here are a few suggestions:

• Have a conversation with your best friend.

• Connect with like-minded people.

• Go for a walk with your significant other.

• Find a support group, if you are in need of one, and be sure it’s a good fit.

• Smile at a stranger, it takes courage but it goes a long way.

INTELLECTUAL

Intellectual self-care allows you to grow and evolve as a person here on this planet Earth.  It sparks your natural curiosity and creativity.  You don’t have to go back to school to take care of your intellect, either.

Is there something you always wanted to do or learn about?  Or perhaps you always wanted to take on something challenging, like a marathon, which involves various styles of learning.  Here are some ideas you might want to try out.

• Learn a new language

• Read a scintillating fictional novel.

• Break an old habit and replace it with a new one by keeping track of it.

• Take up a new hobby or craft.

• Watch a documentary.

A basic self-care routine doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time.  You can start with just one or a few practices.  Over time, they will help keep you balanced in your mind, body and spirit every day.

Thanks for reading until the end.  I love feedback, so please leave me any questions or comments.