July 24th 2020 is International Self Care Day, a day for spending time in whatever activity brings you joy, relieves stress and lays a foundation of wellness. Whether you spend it on a hike, with your pet, or curled up with a good book, taking time to care for yourself will go a long way towards improving your mental health.
Sometimes, when expectations are high and there is so much pressure to be over-programmed and on the move, taking time to connect with yourself is the last thing on in your jam-packed to-do list. When you are stretched too thin, spending time on yourself may seem like the lowest priority. And, when work tasks, family commitments and life in general pile up without a break, it can create a tornado of stress and anxiety. (ICYMI: burnout is real.) So, taking time for yourself is anything but selfish.
Self-care is far more than simply spa nights and taking an extra nap. Self-care can be checking in with yourself to notice how you are feeling, it can be pushing yourself to get involved in a new community, or it can be prioritizing a morning routine that sets you up to crush the day.
Self-care is everywhere and is for everyone. It is in the way you show yourself love and compassion and in the way you check in with the people around you. Here are some ideas of how to spend your day:
Self Care Ideas to Put into Practice
- Reconnect – Take time to connect with the people who matter to you. Sure, you can plan the perfect friend date. Or, you could also simply send a text to let them know you are thinking about them. Even better, find the perfect GIF or MEME you are certain will brighten their day.
- Get some sleep – turn your room into a sanctuary and get some extra shut eye. Turn off all distractions and get to bed early.
- Get outdoors – Spend time outside and reconnect with nature. You can hit the beach, go for a walk at lunch, meet up with friends and socialize outside from a safe distance
- Workout – get your sweat on to help improve your mental and physical health. Try a new activity, push yourself to meet and exceed a goal, and increase your confidence.
- Pet Time – spend time with your pets, go for a walk, play in the yard
- Meal Time – eating right through consistency and lifestyle changes. This means balanced meals, meal planning and prepping, and check in with your body through mindful eating.
- Art – When is the last time you spent time coloring, painting or played an instrument? Art is a great way to connect with ourselves and the world around us. Some ideas include painting rocks, learning to play a song, exploring new music, or journalling.
For more ideas and info, visit: https://www.selfcareday.com/
SELF-CARE DAY IS A PROJECT OF CRISIS TEXT LINE. IN CRISIS? TEXT HOME TO 741741 IN CANADA.
Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.