We all experience doubt, busy days, and stressful situations. When our friends turn to us for comfort, or our family members need propping up, we don’t hesitate to lend a shoulder, lend a hand, or lend an ear — sometimes all three! You would never tell a struggling loved one that they need to forget how they feel and work harder, or that they just needed to push through a stressful situation despite their feelings, or any of the other harsh things you tell yourself on a daily basis. So, why do you expect all these things of yourself?
Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself and having “me-time.” It’s about radical self-love. It’s about telling yourself that you are worth it and reaping the benefits that come from that kind of mental outlook. CaptivateTeacher.com presents some advice you need to consider.
Care for your body
The first step to practicing radical self-love through self-care is to treat your body like the temple that it is. Wash your face, and clean your skin. Show your body you love it by giving it healthy nutrients and improving your posture. By balancing the foods you eat and making sure you’re getting enough of the good stuff — even if it’s a quick, on-the-go nutrition bar or protein shake — you can make your way to being more balanced in other parts of your life, as well.
Exercise is also a great way to relax and get your physical self in the right place. Yoga, in particular, has been proven to have mental health benefits as well as physical. As long as you work on doing movement that is meaningful to you, that will have a positive impact. And a yoga practice doesn’t have to be long — even just 20 minutes every morning can be beneficial.
Care for your mind
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love,” educator and self-love enthusiast Brené Brown once said. Treating yourself the way you treat your loved ones is a learned art, but it has a real impact on your mind. After all, you should love yourself. You are who carries out all the day-to-day activities of keeping yourself afloat.
Your mental health is just as important as physical. Getting a good night’s sleep, practicing mindfulness, and learning how to put your needs first — in other words, learning how to say “no” — are all integral parts of mental health care.
Care for your environment
Self-care is also exhibited in the way you treat your home. Keeping a clean home helps you keep a clean mind, and has been shown to decrease anxiety — there is some truth to the adage that clutter in the environment often leads to clutter in the brain. Maintaining a stress-free environment is key, and there are several ways you can ensure that your surroundings aren’t contributing to your anxiety. For one, you should spend some time decluttering. One room at a time will do it, even — small steps lead to big ones. You can also infuse your home with positivity by bringing in greenery like succulents, which have been shown to decrease stress.
One step at a time
When you get yourself right, you have more time and energy to devote to others. So when it comes to making sure you get the attention you deserve, you should consider the impact it’s going to have not only on your own psyche, but on your ability to support the people around you. Self-care can also lead to better productivity, among other important benefits.