SOME SIMPLE HACKS FOR BETTER SELF CARE

WHILE we do know that empowerment starts from within

– the concept of “self-care” gets thrown around a lot – it’s not as trite as simply having a bubble bath or eating some chocolate. In fact, self-care goes deeper than that. Here are some simple hacks to better self-care which will give you the energy and drive to start effecting positive change in the world around you:

1. Think of one thing to do for yourself that doesn’t

involve work, family or fitness.

This can be tricky for us busy people. Perhaps you feel that you barely have time to fit in a run, care for your family and meet all those work expectations?

But this one extra thing doesn’t have to be a significant

time investment.It can be as simple as 30 minutes before bed, where you light a candle and meditate, or listen to a podcast from one of your favourite thinkers.

2. Squeeze in something that’s “just for you” and watch

how much better this makes you feel.

Organize your world. Does this sound like yet another chore? Well, once it’s done, you’ll be amazed by the difference it makes.

Start with something you use every day: your clothing and shoes. There are many blogs these days focused on making your wardrobe work better for you: pass on items you no longer wear, figure out what’s missing, refold items so you can see them all at a glance.

3. Express yourself.

Keeping feelings bottled up harms your mental state. If someone has said or done something that upsets you, tell them this in a way that benefits both of you.Don’t fly off the handle, but take some time to consider why

you’re upset, and then approach them tactfully.

4. Say “no”.

us to do. If you are a professional multitasker and people pleaser, you are probably the person who takes on too much.

Organising all the eats at the next school function, arranging a surprise birthday party for a friend, dog

sitting your friend’s pooches for three weeks while they

are away – on top of your everyday duties for family and work – can quickly become overwhelming.

Learn to say no with kindness and meaning, protecting the sacred space that is your wellbeing. Whether this is no to social occasions, no to extra duties, or even saying no to friends or family who bring only negativity with them – doing this will help you feel more empowered, and more content within yourself.

5. Disconnect.

We all know that we need to do this more, but try and schedule this into your life in a practical way.

Put your phone away in a drawer for three hours or turn it off after a certain time each afternoon.

Take social media apps off your phone so you can only access them via your desktop.

Some advocates are even recommending one day a week free of all connectivity, like Tiffany Shlain does in her book 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week.