Taking care of ourselves involves not sticking to the same old routines—trying new & unexpected activities really improves our well-being. Here are twelve ways to practice self-care that you might not have considered before. These ideas go beyond the usual suggestions and will give you fresh ways to nurture yourself in a relatively simple way. Give them a go and be prepared to see a whole new you!
Featured Image Credit: AndrewLozovyi /Depositphotos.com.
Practice Earthing
Kick off your shoes and spend some time barefoot on grass, sand, or soil—this is called earthing and believers claim it helps you absorb the Earth’s natural energy. For some people, earthing helps reduce inflammation and improves their sleep. Walking barefoot outside also helps you feel more connected to the planet, which will give you a sense of calm you can’t do without!
Engage in Mirror Work
Spend a few minutes standing in front of a mirror, making eye contact with yourself, and while you’re there, say positive affirmations out loud. Tell yourself things like “I am strong” or “I believe in myself”—such a simple practice improves your self-love and helps heal negative thoughts. It also builds your confidence since you’re showing yourself kindness in a personal way.
Start a Personal Art Journal
Using a journal, try writing, drawing & even collaging to express your thoughts and feelings—just don’t worry about being an artist. The goal is to explore your emotions and ideas in a visual way as this creative outlet is rather therapeutic. It’ll help you understand yourself better and, over time, you’ll have created a personal collection that reflects your inner world.
Experiment with Sound Healing
Try sound healing by using things like a singing bowl or a tuning fork, perhaps even a smartphone app that plays soothing tones. Find a quiet spot where you’re able to sit comfortably and let the sounds flow around you—the vibrations help reduce your stress while also putting you into a meditative state. It’s a great way to relax and focus your mind without much effort.
Write a Future-Self Letter
Try writing a letter to your future self where you share your current thoughts and dreams, as well as any encouragement or advice you want to give yourself. Seal the letter and set a date to open it in the future, maybe in a year or more, then do so when the time comes. Doing this will motivate you and allow you to see how much you’ve grown over time.
Practice Mindful Stargazing
On a clear night, go outside & find a comfortable spot to look up at the stars, then spend some time just watching the sky and thinking about the universe. Mindful stargazing helps you feel calm since you’re able to disconnect from daily worries and feel a part of something bigger. Remember your place in the universe and watch as your worries melt away!
Develop a Personal Manifesto
You should spend some time writing down your core values & goals to create a personal manifesto—by putting these thoughts on paper, you’ll clarify what’s most important to you. It’ll help guide your choices and keep you focused on your purpose, which will help you understand yourself better. There’s nothing more important than staying true to who you are and this is the way to do that.
Try Morning Pages
Each morning, grab a notebook and write three pages of whatever comes to mind—don’t worry about grammar or making sense. Instead, just let your thoughts flow through your morning pages because it’ll clear your mind and make you more creative. It’s relatively easy to do and will allow you to process your emotions & start your day with a fresh perspective.
Set Up a Personal Retreat at Home
Pick a day or even a few hours to create your own retreat without going anywhere. Turn off your devices, find a comfy spot and do the things that relax you, like gentle stretching or reading a favorite book. Giving yourself this dedicated time will help you feel more recharged and break up the monotony of doing the same old routine.
Practice Guided Imagery
Likewise, you could also try sitting in a quiet place and listening to a guided imagery recording, where the recordings take you through peaceful scenes using incredible descriptions. It’ll help you relax deeply and it feels like taking a mental vacation right from the comfort of your own home! Best of all, it reduces your anxiety and improves your overall sense of well-being.
Create a Personal Comfort Box
Gather some items that make you feel good, like photos, letters, small souvenirs—anything at all that makes you smile. Then, put them all in a box and keep the box somewhere handy so that whenever you’re feeling down, you can simply open the box & spend time with these cherished things. It may take a little prep work first but it’s totally worth it!
Learn Simple Acupressure Techniques
Look into basic acupressure points that you’re able to use on yourself to relieve stress or tension. For example, pressing the spot between your thumb & index finger helps reduce headaches—there are plenty of guides available to show you how. Taking a hands-on approach to self-care allows you to do it anywhere and takes just a few minutes.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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