Who doesn't love a good massage or hot bubble bath in their self-care routine? Most self-care habits provide relaxing and often immediate benefits. Unfortunately, most of these benefits are temporary unless repeated often.
Here are a few simple self-care practices that you can add to your routine for more long-lasting benefits!
1. Drop a habit that no longer serves you
What are some of your daily habits? Are they benefiting you? Often times we get caught up in completing day to day tasks because they have become part of our routine. Try taking a step back and looking at these habits from another angle. Do these habits align with your life or have they become just that, habits? I encourage you to look at your daily habits and adjust them to better align with your current and future goals. Just because you've had a habit for 10+ years doesn't mean you have to keep it forever - don't be afraid to drop those habits that no longer serve you to make room for ones that do.
2. Pick up a new hobby
Have you been wanting to join a pick-up league or take up knitting? Set aside some time each week to get involved in a sport, craft, activity, or cause that you're passionate about! Finding a new hobby that you enjoy can provide you with some good energy and give you something to look forward to each week!
3. Practice setting boundaries
This one can be a bit challenging. Whether you find yourself always taking work home or frequently overextend yourself with your social life, finding a balance can be hard. Boundaries can help us be more present and stop stressing over what other things we should be doing. Figure out what's important to you and set boundaries accordingly.
4. Declutter one space
It doesn't have to be crazy. It can be a big space, small space, red space, blue space... whatever space y0u choose! Maybe you clear off the kitchen table or finally clear out that expired food from the fridge or pantry. Feeling super motivated? Maybe clean out your closet and pack up old clothes to donate or get around to properly organizing and storing those holiday decorations you've had sitting out for the past 6 months (looking at you, mom). Whatever space you decide to declutter, do it with the intention of getting rid of what no longer serves you.
5. Say no when you want to say no
...and move on. You're never going to please everyone so if you want to say no, say no!
