SELF-CARE

 

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Practicing self care is not always easy, as most of us are so busy with work, school, stressful jobs, that we can barely take out time to take care of ourselves. It is very important to take care of the mind, the body and the soul every single day, and not only when you're sick. People usually think of self care as more physical. YouTube videos might show you that self care routines are just about lighting candles, taking a bath or wearing a face mask, but it is so much more than that. Not just physical, but it also helps us with emotional and spiritual healing.

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Here is a self-care routine that might help you.

MORNING

• Many people don't have any great reason to wake up early in the morning these days, but it is important to know that when you wake up early, you have more time to do different things. Waking up early can also reduce stress levels and increase optimism. 

• Set alarms if you find it difficult to wake up on your own. For me, I always need an alarm to wake me up in the morning, otherwise I'm just laying in bed till 11 AM. 

• Keep your phone at a distance from your bed when you wake up. So that you do not just start checking your social media right after you wake up. Also, keeping your phone away from you will give you a reason to wake up by making you get up from the bed to turn off the alarm.

• Start your day by doing something that clears up your mind, so that you wake up on a positive and a peaceful note. It can be praying, meditating, writing a journal, taking a shower, exercising, etc. 

• Have a good skin care routine. I am not convincing you into buying expensive skin care products that you might not even need or that it is compulsory for you to have a skin care routine. But, taking care of the skin is very important too, as skin is the organ that people see, and it should reflect health. So, take time in the morning to moisturize your face, put on any kind of serum or sunscreen that suits you. If you are someone who prefers make up while still at home, do that!

• Eat good and look good! Eating healthy in the morning is always necessary to stay active throughout the day. And, there is always something very elegant about people who dress and look nice even when at home. Don't stop yourself from wearing good clothes and looking your best at every time of the day, as it boosts positivity and makes you feel more confident.

AFTERNOON

• Mindfulness: I have already talked about mindfulness a couple of times in my blogs, because I believe in always being in the present. Whatever you do, do it with all your focus. Only concentrate on one thing at a time. Don't multi task, nothing ever comes out fruitful through multi tasking. It is often emotionally challenging, as well.

• Take breaks: Taking breaks will give you time to refresh and relax, it allows you to get back the energy you need. So, make sure you take regular and healthy breaks. Though, a break shouldn't last longer than needed, or else you might end up procrastinating some of your time.

• Spend some time with your loved ones: Take out time to make a phone call or a video call to a sibling or a best friend, or even go see them if possible. Talking to loved ones is proved to increase your energy level and boost happiness.

EVENING

• Make some movement: Do some stretching, some yoga, go for a walk or whatever you prefer. It is very important for the body to constantly keep moving. At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is good for the body to stay fit and active.

• Taking a shower can help you regulate your body. A cold shower can make you energetic, and a warm bath makes you feel more relaxed. Also, do your evening skin care routine if you have one.

• Getting outside can also help you feel more refreshed. You can watch a movie with friends, casually go out for a coffee and do acts of kindness, like saying something nice to someone every day.

• Reflect: Reflect on how your day was and think about how you can improvise yourself and your daily routine. Write down your thoughts from the day, do a gratitude journal, light some scented candles, listen to slow music or do some breathing exercising.

• Sleep hygiene: Turn off blue lights before two hours of sleeping, don't eat too much during the night, don't workout two hours before of sleeping, read a book, or practice some relaxation exercises and positive visualization. 

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