There’s no way to say exactly what counts as self-care, because everyone’s definition is their own and unique.
The underlying rule is that it’s something that brings you lasting, long-term joy, says Courtney. And while there are many examples of self-care that seem to walk a fine line between health-promoting behavior and self-pleasure, self-care doesn’t have to be about filling your calendar with luxurious experiences or activities that cost money. (although it’s certainly possible).
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Consider a manicure, massage, or other wellness activity. This may seem indulgent, but if the activity helps you de-stress and taking time for yourself counts as self-care, says Amsellem. If weekly manicures or monthly spa days are beyond your means, they will likely add stress to your life in the long run. So there are many other self-care practices you can adopt.
“Self-care doesn’t cost anything: it’s just about doing things you love. And a lot of things that we enjoy or that bring us fulfillment don’t cost anything,” says Amsellem. “Going outside and breathing deeply, for example, might be the greatest act of self-care. »
Even if you can’t spend a lot of time and money, Gill Lopez says you can still take care of yourself several times a week by turning the things you do daily into self-care practices.
Maybe you try to be more mindful of your thoughts while you’re on the go, or maybe you find ways to make everyday tasks, like taking a shower, more enjoyable. Choose a soap with a scent you like and focus on the physical sensations of showering. Gill Lopez says: What does your shower smell like? What does it look like ? How does hot water feel on your skin? “For about 10 minutes in the shower, which I have to do anyway, instead of letting my monkey brain run wild, I’m here,” she says.
Daily tasks like making your bed in the morning are also examples of self-care – or can be. “This is where that individuality comes in, because for some people, making a bed doesn’t feel like self-care — it can just feel like a chore,” says Amsellem. But if it helps you take charge of your day and gives you a sense of accomplishment from the start, you’ll have it with you even if the rest of the day goes off the rails, says Amsellem.
Just making your bed in the morning probably isn’t enough to take care of all your self-care, she says. You may need to regularly devote time and energy to other self-care practices, she adds. “But if there are days when you feel out of control, on those days, starting the day by doing what you wanted to do for yourself might be one of the greatest forms of self-care you would take that day.”
And sometimes, when all of our other self-care plans are upended (you made your yoga class, your friend canceled your coffee date – we’ve all been there), it’s these little self-care practices that provide just enough calm to help us get through the day and wake up in a better mood tomorrow.
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