My Top 7 Self-Care Tips

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.

6) Journal Your Day

Journaling before sleep is a great way to let the emotions of the day out, enabling you to sleep peacefully knowing that tomorrow you can start afresh.

This is a very effective way of releasing any negative emotions or experiences, just write whatever you feel to, there are no rules!

Releasing is one of the most effective ways to take care of ourselves - do you really want to carry all that anger, frustrations, fear or disappointment with you every day?

7) Treat Yourself a Luxurious Bath

We all have to keep ourselves clean right? So why not take advantage and create a luxurious atmosphere for yourself with candles, essential oils and soft music.

Add Epsom salts to your bath water—they draw out sluggish energy and relax you. Cleanse your skin with a scrub, one that includes salt or essential oils, like lavender, which induces calm feelings would be great if you have it.

As you sit in the bath, imagine the water purifying you and removing excess emotions from wherever you may be holding on to them.

When you finish your bath, visualize all of these unnecessary feelings going down the drain with the water. Complete the ritual with a cup of your favorite tea.

I hope you find something in here that you can put to use in your everyday life, every day! You don't have to do them all, find the ways that resonate with you, appeal to you most. You can mix them up each day as well so that it doesn't start to feel too much like 'routine'. Don't get me wrong, getting into the routine of looking after your self, making time to treat yourself and relax is one of the most imprtant things you can do - both for yourself and all those around you.

Enjoy!