Ways to Create a Daily Self-Care Routine
We don’t know about you, but 2019 sprinted out of the gate and shows no signs of slowing down. While we’re thankful for the enormous amount of growth and support that has come with the launch of this Well Spirit Press imprint, we’re still humans, In order for our imprint to grow, we have to take time for our own personal growth, and the same goes for you and all of your endeavors.
New opportunities arrive with endless hours of work and preparation, so it’s important to dedicate at least one hour per day to your self-care to help ease stress and prevent burnouts. Whether that means reading, bingeing on Netflix, working out, meditating, cooking, or whatever it is that isn’t ‘work’ to you, do it. Here are some of our favorite remedies for daily self-care:
Read
We’re a publisher, so it’s safe to assume we love books. For many of us reading is a relaxing experience, but if you consider reading more of a task than a remedy, here’s a trick: Put down the Kindle/IPad/E-reader. If you work a job that requires a lot of work on a computer, your eyes are focused on a screen for a large majority of the day. When you read on a screen at night, your body defaults to work mode, eyes strained and body more tense than relaxed. The pages of a printed book are easy on the eyes, and the repetitive act of turning a page can get your brain ready for a good night’s sleep.
Tip: Read a physical book. Get comfortable. Read in the bath, in bed, somewhere where your body can relax and your brain can associate reading as a comforting experience, not a task.
Work Out
I know what you’re thinking. Working out isn’t self-care. It’s a chore and is absolutely not relaxing. I used to 100% agree with you, but as soon as I started going to the gym for stress relief, rather than as a chore or because I thought I had to lose weight, everything changed. Now the gym is one of the best parts of my day.
Find a workout that you look forward to, or, mix up your routine so your workouts don’t start to feel like work. (Example: In addition to the gym, I take kickboxing and yoga classes when my schedule allows.) Finding enjoyable activities that allow you to exercise without pressure from yourself or anyone else make working out fun instead of daunting.
Tip: Kicking and punching a bag really helps you let go of any anger from that day, trust us on this.
Meditate
We don’t have to tell you how important meditation is to your well-being. Its many emotional and physical benefits have lasting effects on your overall health, but many of us think that we have too much going on in our minds to carve out even three minutes a day to meditate. The good news is that many apps or helpful articles teach you how to start meditation with just three minutes.
Tip: Try using a guided meditation app like calm or headspace, that allows beginners to start meditating in as little as 3 minutes.
Treat Yourself
We don’t always realize how much we put our bodies through, both mentally and physically, and that’s why it’s essential to take time off every once and awhile. Don’t be afraid to use those vacation days, even if you’re not traveling anywhere, to give your body the break it needs.
If you don’t have time to take an extended vacation, give yourself the spa treatment at the end of each day. Put on a face mask, draw a bath with bubbles, paint your nails, watch your favorite movie or something else you find calming and relaxing. Do whatever you feel is a treat to yourself. You deserve it!
Tip: Wine is optional for this remedy. ;)
Our minds and bodies are hard at work all day every day. In order to prevent burnouts, we need to remember to give our bodies the necessary breaks they need. These tips are just some of our favorite remedies, but treating yourself is whatever you want it to be. Just know that self-care is so important and should be practiced daily!
Kesley Smith is the Corporate Communications and Business Development Manager of Greenleaf Book Group, Urban Wellness Mag’s partner in a new health and wellness publishing imprint, Well Spirit Press.
Kesley holds a Masters degree in business and is an avid all seasons outdoor enthusiast enjoying wakeboarding, wake surfing, snowboarding and skiing. Connect with her online @GreenleafBookGr and @wellspiritpress, or on her personal Instagram, @kesleysmith.