Modern life’s fast pace has left many of us struggling to cope with challenges. Stress, depression, as well as anxiety have gone up across the board worldwide. So what can we do to help us get on our feet and avoid feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks? The answer: self-care.

Keep reading to learn the definition of self-care, what self-care practices you can do, and what benefits you can reap from them. Surprisingly, self-care doesn’t have to be grand or pricey – it’s something you can try every day so you can slow down and unwind!

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care chiefly means giving yourself time to do things that improve your life, as well as your mental and physical health. Self-care practices encourage you to have a kinder, better relationship with yourself. It can encompass a whole range of practices that especially put focus on managing stress well and learning to decompress.

Self-care is not selfish, overindulgent, or expensive. So long as you’re taking care of yourself through the things you do, it’s a form of self-care. Here are some examples of things that are considered self-care!

What Are Examples of Self-Care Practices?

Because many people equate self-care with pampering or luxury, there is a misconception that self-care requires big spending or long periods of time away. However, self-care can be practiced in many small but impactful ways.

Here are some examples of self-care practices that will ease your mental stress and improve your physical health!

• Improve your sleeping habits. A good night’s sleep will help you feel calmer and give you more energy to face your day.
• Drink more water. Dehydration causes headaches, bad skin, and muscle cramps. So take care of your body and stay hydrated!
• Take a relaxing bath. Light some candles and use a nice bath gel. Then turn the water to just the right temperature to help your muscles relax. Bath time should help you feel peaceful and rested.
• Refuse to do something you don’t want to do. One of the biggest yet little-noticed things that we do that harms our mental health? Giving in to the need to please and saying yes to something we don’t want to do.

Turn down that party invite, refuse to do uncredited extra work, and also keep yourself from        volunteering to do something that will stress you out anyway. Your mind will thank you for it.

Self-Care Improves Psychological And Emotional Wellbeing

Regularly practicing self-care is known to have incredible benefits for one’s psychological and emotional wellbeing. By putting themselves first and setting aside multiple responsibilities, people eventually learn to value their time, energy, and health. It also reduces the incidence of burnout and helps you with how you manage your job and relationships.

Do these self-care practices and see how you undeniably become attuned to your body’s needs. Your nerves will unquestionably be calmer, your self-esteem will improve dramatically. Self-care isn’t a substitute for those who need professional help. However, everyone should behave in ways that promote their health and happiness.