Self-care practices to take better care of yourself

What exactly are self-care practices?

Self-care is often misunderstood. It is cast as a “nice to have,” somehow a “woman thing,” or a luxury, like a spa treatment. But self-care practices are any actions you take to improve your mental, physical, or emotional well-being. Everybody needs them to function at their best. 

Simply put, self-care practices are intentional steps to take care of yourself. Self care practices put deposits into your wellness “bank account.” Consistent deposits give you more internal resources to draw upon during stressful times.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”

Self-care looks different for everyone. Some people thrive on social connections while others need lots of alone time. Some people love a vigorous workout, and others would rather a slow, mindful yoga class. There are those who find cleaning therapeutic, and others who find it draining.

Your self-care practices, then, will look different than everyone else’s. So how do you figure out what works for you? You can start by asking yourself these questions:



• When I feel overwhelmed, what’s the first thing I want to do?
• When do I feel my best?
• What makes me smile?
• What do I daydream about doing?
• What do I want to do that I never get to do?
• How do I want to feel?

Self-care practices for your mind, body, and soul that fit into anyone’s busy schedule. 

• Acupuncture is one of the best self-care ideas and treatments for various body ailments. Fine needles are inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and regulate the flow of vital energy, and restore a healthy energy balance. The goal is to relieve a health condition or symptom, such as pain. This practice comes from traditional Chinese medicine and various scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness.
• Turn off your mobile phone Turning off your phone is one of the best self-care ideas to calm nerve centers in your brain. Turning off your phone stops the bombardment of messages, emails, social media notifications, people, and apps vowing for your attention, and not allowing you space to concentrate on tasks on hand or just taking sweet old time to relax, de-stress, and just be in the present. Turning the off button immediately lowers stress and increases physical and mental health, as well as energy levels.
• Zone out for a while Need permission to just turn your brain off with a movie or series? Here it is. Zone out and have some much needed you time.
• Take your vitamins. This is easily overlooked, but over time can make a big difference in how you feel. Vitamins can reduce fatigue and support your immune system.
• Drink a glass of water. The effects of dehydration can look like fatigue or anxiety. A glass of water might be all you need to perk you back up.
• Practice mindful breathing. Meditation doesn't have to take a huge amount of time. Try watching your breath for a whole minute (about seven deep breaths). Note how you feel before and after. See below for self care health apps.
• Clear a spot. We often think more clearly when our spaces are more orderly. Declutter your nightstand, desk, kitchen counter, or your sofa.
• Give yourself daily affirmations If you set an intention earlier for how you want to feel, try turning it into a affirmation. It could be as simple as “I’m doing my best” or “I am at peace.” Never forget the benefits of talking positively to yourself, how we talk to ourselves is so important and has a massive effect.
• Receive or give a hug. Physical affection reduces our stress levels and makes us feel more connected.
• Give up on something you feel like you ought to do. The things we “should” do are mental clutter. Sometimes it feels good to complete them.
• Accept an offer of help. Turning down help can become an automatic reaction, even if we crave support. The next time someone offers their assistance, even in something small, surprise yourself by saying yes.