SELF-CARE FOR THE BODY

W hen did you last get an early night? Or prioritise an hour in the day just for you to do something that nourishes and fulfils you?

Chances are it might have been a while ago.

Putting ourselves first can be hard – life is just so full on with work, children, activities, when is there time for you?

The problem is, if you don’t make the time, you’ll likely end up flat on your back from exhaustion and operating in a mental fog, making it hard to care about anything or anyone.

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be costly or time consuming, but you do need to consciously make changes in order to put yourself at the top of the list.

I’ve put together some easy self-care activities below.

Choose one from each category and include them in your life this week.

SELF-CARE FOR THE MIND

Tick off a “lurker” from your to-do list.

You know those tasks that have been there for ages and you’ve been putting them off? Well, now’s the time to get some of them done.

Take another route to work. By mixing up your routine in small ways you’ll be creating new neural pathways in the brain to keep it healthy.

Do a mini-declutter. Give away three things from your wardrobe that you don’t love or regularly wear.

Switch off all devices. Have some screen-free time for an hour during the day or the last hour before bed to remove the constant dings and bings.

Fix something that’s been annoying you — a blown lightbulb, a button that’s come off, a drawer that’s stuck.

Drink more water. If this is hard, just start by drinking one glass of water when you wake up.

Prioritise sleep. Get to bed at least 30 minutes earlier every night.

Move. You don’t need to go for a long run if that’s not your thing, just move your body somehow – walk, go up and down the stairs three times, plank in the ad breaks.

Get 15 minutes of sun. Sun always brightens your mood, so step outside even for a short time.

Stretch. Take 10 minutes to stretch out and your body will thank you for it.

Help someone. Carry a bag, make a cake to give away, or pick up some extra milk for your neighbour.

Write down your feelings. Spend 15 minutes at the end of the day putting on paper how you feel and what you’re grateful for.

Choose who you spend your time with. Be around positive and enthusiastic people, not those who leave you feeling drained.

Have a self-date. Spend an hour on your own doing something that nourishes or fulfils you. That could be reading, gardening, visiting a museum or park, or getting out in nature.

Get positive feedback. Ask three good friends to tell you what they love about you.

If you manage to include at least three of these in your week, you’ve done a great job and will no doubt feel all the better for it.

You are worth it and you deserve to be the best version of yourself.