Self-care is not just about pampering yourself with a long body massage or indulging in your favorite dessert. It’s not just something you need to do when you feel mentally or physically exhausted. Sometimes, it also involves doing the things that can help create a life you don’t need to regularly escape from. In other words, self-care is not a one-time deal. It’s about taking care of yourself, your goals, your desires and more. Here are 14 ways you can practice self-care:
Love yourself for who you are
Compliment yourself. Focus on the positive things and forget about the things you lack. You are good enough and it’s never too late for you to be a better person.
Accept your failures and do something about it
Don’t be afraid to face your mistakes and disappointments. Accept them and move forward. Figure out how you can do or be better.
Fulfill your own needs
Make things happen and meet your own needs so you don’t have to depend on others. Be brave. Be confident. Believe in yourself.
Let go of the past and don’t worry about the future
What matters most is right now. Focus on the present and make the most of it. What you do (or don’t do) with the time you have now will have an impact on your future, so choose wisely.
Live the life you want
Stop letting people dictate your life. Do what makes you come alive and happy. You don’t have to be like everyone else. Be yourself and live your life on your own terms.
Become the person you’ve always wanted to be
Don’t let circumstances or people stop you from becoming who you have always wanted to be. It’s not impossible to start fresh. Your time is now.
Stop caring about what people think about you
It’s okay to be different. You don’t need validation or approval from others. Just be true to yourself, what you want and what makes you happy.
Have some fun once in a while
Call up a friend you haven’t seen in ages. Give yourself a chance to laugh. Dance. Let your hair down and just enjoy the moment.
Stop procrastinating or putting things on hold
Clean your space. Get your car fixed. Keep track of your debts. The more you put things on hold, the more unsettled you will feel. Get them over and done with.
Be selfish
You have the right not to do the dishes immediately. You have the right not to accept an invitation. You don’t have to force yourself to do something you don’t feel like doing.
Get rid of toxic people
Some people drain you, suck all the energy and life out of you, or add nothing but drama and negativity to your life. You’re better off without them.
Get out of your comfort zone
Take risks. Challenge yourself. Try something new. Discover foreign places. Fall in love. Don’t be afraid to live.
Spend some time alone
Take a break from everything. Reflect. Enjoy your own company. Take yourself on a date. Do the things you enjoy. Relax. Read. Listen to music. Forget about people and social media once in a while.
Do something productive
Cook. Pay your bills. Do your laundry. Clear your desk. You will feel better when you accomplish a task. Try doing something productive every day, no matter how small.