My Top 7 Self-Care Tips
Updated: Jul 20, 2021
For those times when there just aren't enough hours in the day
Self-care is one of the most important habits we can develop for our well-being, and the well-being of those around us, be it family, friends, work colleagues and even those who cross our paths during our day.
I know there are days when it feels like there simply aren't enough hours in the day to take care of everything we 'need' to do, let alone take care of ourselves. That's why I'm sharing my Top 7 Self-Care Tips, if you can manage anything between five minutes and 15 minutes out of your busy day to create some time for yourself, you'll soon start to see the benefits in the world around you.
1) Take Time For Quiet Contemplation
Taking time out of our stressful day to enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation is a great way we can nurture ourselves.
We all make a cup of our favourite brew at some point during the day. It's easy to put your phone on silent, take yourself off to your favourite space in your house or garden and just sit in quiet contemplation. Watch your thoughts come and go, without attaching any importance to them.
Listen to the sounds of nature, or the silence of your bedroom while you drink your tea or coffee, or even fruit juice, in peace.
2) Finger Meditation
This is my go-to meditation when I feel the need to calm and recentre myself. It's a great way to release any stress or tension, and come back to the present moment, and only takes a couple of minutes.
Simply hold your thumb your index finger, focus on your breath and take 3-5 slow, deep breaths, or as many as you need until you feel ready to move on to your middle finger. Do the same for all four fingers in turn.
The beauty of this exercise is that you can do it almost anywhere, any time you feel the need to - walking, watching TV, traveling, etc.
3) Read for 15 Minutes
Reading helps take our minds off of the stresses and strains of our daily lives, allowing us to escape our reality for a while and get lost in whatever world we find at our fingertips.
Taking just 15 minutes out of our day to lose ourselves in a book helps our brain disconnect and relax, leaving the cares of the day behind for a while.
4) Take Time to Appreciate the Beauty of Nature
Appreciating the beauty of nature is something we can all do to improve our well-being, all of the time.
Every time you glance out of the window or walk down the street you can take a moment to appreciate the beauty of that tree, the colours of the flowers, the clouds in the sky - doing this brings us to a place of peace and wellbeing, even just for a moment.
5) Conscious Breathing
Our Breath is what connects us to the Present Moment, where no fears, stresses or worries exist. Simply take the time, 2 or 3 times a day to focus on your breathing, allowing all thoughts to come and go, just noticing them without engaging. Breath slowly and deeply for between 3-5 breaths. We can do this any time, whilst washing up, cleaning house, working at our desk, gardening, watching tv...just bring your attention back to the Present as often as you can during your day.
This is all meditation is, focusing on our breath for as long as feels comfortable. If you can build up to 15 minutes in the morning, and in the evening too you will soon start to feel and see the benefits in all areas of your life.