Do you remember the last time you felt overwhelmed?

Do you remember the last time you felt exhausted?

Do you remember the last time life was too much to handle?

Tasks add up quickly. Life can be a never-ending battle of juggling ideas, relationships, and responsibilities. It’s easy to put yourself on the backburner. Maybe you’ll skip a meal. Maybe you’ll skip dinner plans with your friends. Maybe you’ll skip the workout class you love.

You’re not alone.

We are so quick to put ourselves last on the to-do list. We prioritize work and school over mental health. We prioritize our busy brains over a fresh breath.

Self-care is one of the most important things you can offer yourself. One of my favourite quotes when referring to mental health is, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Before you can change the world or be the best at your job, you have to be capable of being your best. FOR YOU.

When life starts gaining momentum, remember to take some time to sit back, relax, and put yourself first.

Try these self-care tips:

Positive self-talk

Your thoughts have more power than you think. Be your biggest fan.

Morning care routing

Wake up 30 minutes early. Take the time to have a cup of tea. Make your bed. Pick out an outfit that makes you feel great. Don’t be rushed.

See a therapist

At least try it! I know a lot of people don’t do therapy – but you should try. Having open lines of communication with an unbiased person might be what you need.

Sleep

Don’t sacrifice your sleep. You’ll be more productive if you’re well-rested. Get 6-8 hours every night.

Crush easy tasks first

Pat yourself on the back when you’ve completed them! Build your confidence up for the more difficult tasks ahead of you.

Set realistic goals

Busy week? Set a realistic goal of getting to the gym twice this week. Celebrate when you meet your goal!

Get outside and WALK!

Appreciate the leaves. Appreciate the fresh air. Appreciate the kids playing outside. Not to mention, exercise will release endorphins (which in itself, will improve your mood).

Have a mini dance party

I mean it. There’s something to be said about a dance party in your kitchen.

Volunteer

Even if it’s just for one hour a month. Offer yourself to a local shelter or hospital. Mow the lawn of a neighbour.

Unplug

Turn your phone off. Put your laptop away. Unplug and read a book. Quiet your mind of constant communication.

MORE. WATER.

And then drink a little more…

Take a bath

Throw in some bubble bath and a bath bomb. Dim the lights and play your favourite artist. Clear your mind and relax.

Sit outside and just LISTEN

Listen to the birds, water, wind blowing, kids playing. Take in whatever sounds you hear.

Watch the clouds

Remember when you were a child and you would find shapes in the clouds? Take yourself back there.

Do a mini de-clutter

Less mess equals less stress.

Be kind to the people around you

Let it boomerang back to you. Hold the door open for strangers and say hi to other people waiting at the bus stop! Lead with love.

Stretch

Especially if you haven’t in a while!

Write

Write down everything you’re thankful for. Write down all of your thoughts. Write down your goals.

Try a new exercise class

Get out of your comfort zone!

Eat your favourite meal

Craving ice cream? Have it. Do you want spaghetti? Tonight is the night for that, too.

Spend time with a dog

There’s a reason that therapy dogs exist. Just spend time petting a dog.

Meditate

Take deep breaths and clear your mind. You can repeat a mantra in your head if you’re struggling to stay focused.

Book a massage

At a nice spa where they diffuse oil and play music of waves crashing at the beach.

Buy yourself flowers

Brighten up your bedroom!

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Self-care is a journey. You have to consistently work on it. Learn to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones, and allow yourself to be your biggest fan.

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to learn how to balance your work/school life with your relationships with other people and your relationship with yourself.

What self-care activities are you going to do today?

Written by Celina Dawdy