6 Little Ways To #TreatYoSelf When You’re In Need Of Self-Care

Chances are, you’ve heard that self care is super important and that if you aren’t taking time for yourself, you are going to get majorly burnt out on life. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard that oxygen mask analogy way too many times.

Despite how compelling all of that is, most of us still aren’t doing it. We look at the world around and think, “there are famines, wars, and tragedies happening – and I’m supposed to go get a pedicure????” I’m with you. It seems heartless & just plain wrong.

But let’s come back to the truth that you can’t pour from an empty cup (yep, that’s another self care analogy). If you’re looking for ways to practice self care that don’t feel like taking a bubble bath with candles and a glass of champagne while the world is burning, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 6 ways to #treatyoself.

Stay up to date on your medical visits.

Ick, I know… but visiting the dentist, eye doctor, and getting a physical regularly keeps you healthy so you can continue doing good in the world.

Make a healthy choice.

Real talk – what are you eating and are you moving your body? Take regular walks – no joke, a walk while listening to music you love will change your mood and health in a lot of ways. Take the stairs sometimes. Enjoy a good natured fit bit competition. Eat more fruit and vegetables. And drink a heck of a lot more water.

Journal.

This is the #1 piece of advice I give to all my clients that everyone already knows but no one is doing. So… how about you give it a try? Write out everything that is stressing you out and let the paper worry about it – sounds crazy but is actually awesome. Or google journal prompts online and use those for inspiration.

Breathe.

You’re already doing it right now, but did you know there are actually different ways to breathe? And that breathing controls your heart rate? And that altering your physical state in this way actually alters your mental and emotional state – I know, right?! My favorite breathing technique is called square breathing. Breathe in to the count of 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, and hold for 4. Do this over and over until you’re nice and calm.

Call a friend.

Not text, call. If you can get together in person, even better – bonus points if you go for a walk while you talk! Don’t just talk about all your other friends, or shallow topics like celebrities and reality tv. Warm up with that, but then get into what is on your mind, what you’re struggling with, and ask for help if you need it. Let your friend vent too, and ask “how can I help?” There’s nothing that brings a friendship closer together than sharing struggles, asking for help, and being there for each other.

Dance it out.

Take 5 minutes to play your favorite song at 10 (or whatever the max is on your speakers) and dance, baby, dance. Close your eyes. Flail around. Twerk. Accidentally run into the couch. The sillier and more wild, the better.