Self-care has become a bit of a buzzword recently, evoking images of candles and spa settings. But there is very good reason for self-care to be becoming all the rage – it’s critical for your mental and physical health. It doesn’t have to be all sauna sessions, ayahuasca retreats, and overpriced merchandise from The Goop though. Self-care is much simpler and more practical than that. Self-care means giving yourself the space to recharge, the time to rest, the opportunity to break the monotony with something you truly enjoy. Most importantly, self-care is anything but selfish. Without it, it’s impossible to show up at your best for yourself and for those you care about.

What Self-Care is Not

One thing about self-care is that if it’s something you do because you have to as a responsible adult, then it’s not really self-care. Whenever I have a client say, “well I really like cleaning so that’s my self-care” or “I really enjoy cooking,” I ask them if it’s really enjoyable when they’re doing those things out of obligation even if they don’t feel like it. When you’re exhausted from a long week but you’re still cooking dinner for 3 other people when you’d prefer to order takeout, that’s not really caring for yourself and it sure as hell takes all the pleasure out of it. Self-care is not obligatory activities.

Some Ideas for Self-Care

If you are new to self-care (hello, rundown, busy, stretched-too-thin moms!), it can seem really difficult to come up with a self-care routine, especially if cleaning and cooking don’t cut it. But, as I said, self-care is much simpler than you think. Here are some ideas for self-care activities you can start engaging in right away.

• • Meditation – even just 5 minutes 
  • Read your favorite book
  • Journal
  • Art – whether it’s painting, knitting, drawing, coloring etc. (and, no, you don’t have to be good at it!)
  • Listen to your favorite song – especially helpful when you’re in a time crunch and need that pick-me-up
  • Listen to your favorite podcast – reserve some time away from your work to really enjoy it!
  • Watch your favorite show – I am the queen of horrible TV and it makes me so happy
  • Play an instrument/make music/sing
  • Bake – I see this as different from cooking because it’s rare that you HAVE to bake…unless you’re a baker
  • Go shopping
  • Call your best friend (yes, call, like on the phone)
  • Get some fresh air – go for a walk or sit outside and just enjoy the sunshine and air
  • Go for a drive (unless road rage is your thing)
  • Practice positive affirmations – another one that’s helpful when you’re in a pinch and only have a few moments. Check out these examples to get you started
  • Get your favorite workout in
  • Make time for some physical activity, like hiking, biking, etc. You can also share this with those you care about
  • Take an extra long, hot shower
  • Enjoy a cup of tea
  • Take a cat nap
  • Do a puzzle