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mdoesselfcare

Self Care 101: 8 Ways to Add Self Care to Your Day

Updated: Nov 19, 2023

One of the first things that I talk to my clients about as a therapist is adding self care into their daily routine. No matter what the issue is when a client comes to see me, there is always room for more self care.


Self care is important because we live in a culture that promotes being busy and productive above everything else. I have found that so many women struggle with taking care of themselves. Usually these women are taking care of everyone and everything: performing at a high level at work, taking care of kiddos and a home when not at work, and then trying to find the time to do everything else.




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When women like this come into my office, we always have the self care conversation. Almost every time, they say that they know they need to prioritize self care but don't have a plan to do it. Here are the 8 things that we usually discuss that can add in a bit of kindness to yourself on a daily basis.


Hydration: I know that when I am at work and things are busy, it is so challenging to remember to stay hydrated. Research shows that being well hydrated helps everything in our bodies, from keeping our organs functioning properly to making our skin look radiant. I usually take a big water bottle with me to work and try to remember to drink regularly throughout the day.





Eat Good Meals: When my week is busy, it is so easy for this to slip by! Some nights, after I have served my kiddos a healthy dinner, I don't have the energy to make anything for myself beyond a peanut butter sandwich. I know that I feel my best when I have good food ready to go. My goal each week is to make sure that I have a plan for eating during the week when things are chaotic. I especially love my slow cooker and instant pot for these days!





Meditation/Mindfulness: Research has shown that meditating or practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and increase well-being. I don't meditate as regularly as I'd like, but I do try to practice mindfulness regularly.


Practicing Gratitude: It is way too easy to get into our routines and focus on the stressful parts of life. Having a practice of reflecting on the things that are going well is so beneficial to changing your outlook and promoting resilience. There are gratitude journals available for people who prefer to journal, but it isn't necessary to do this! Even if you just take a minute per day to think about the things you are grateful for, it will go a long way!





Exercise: We all know that exercise increases endorphins and the feel good chemicals in your brain. So often, I see people struggle with this because they think that there is only one "right" way to get in movement, like running. Exercise doesn't have to leave you dripping in sweat to be effective for self care! Even getting outside for a walk can help with stress management!


Getting outside: Speaking of walking outside, being outside in general is so beneficial to your mental health! I know that I always feel better when I've had a chance to be outside when the weather is nice. Living in the PNW has been nice in the summers, because it doesn't get too hot and humid often. My family loves to take the dog on a hike or go to a lake, and I always find it so refreshing after spending most of my week indoors at work.





Connecting with People you Love: When life is busy and hectic, it's easy to let relationships fall by the wayside. Maintaining connections with family and friends is so important for our mental health and wellness! Spending time with friends or calling a family member to chat will help you feel more balanced overall.


Therapy: My last tip for people who feel stressed and overwhelmed is to consider therapy! Therapy is a great option for talking through the things that stress you out and provide support and encouragement for living your best life. Therapists can help you develop more coping skills if you need them, and it is great to have someone you can talk to about anything and focus on yourself, without the other person needing anything in return.


Since the pandemic started, online therapy resources have really taken off. So many people find it more convenient to schedule their therapy sessions from home rather than going to a therapist's physical location. I recently found out about an online therapy provider that offers video sessions in addition to providing text support throughout the week. Check out the link below to get 20% off your first month!



XOXO,

M

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