Ways to Practice Self-Care

In today’s fast-paced world, our lives are busier than ever before. Some may think of 
self-care as just another buzz word. But with the many demands placed on us each day, 
we must take the time to ensure that we are healthy and happy. To accomplish the 
many tasks put before us, we first must ensure our own physical and mental well-being. 
That’s where self-care comes into play.

Taking Care of Your Body

Self-care begins with taking care of our physical body. Be sure to eat well, as this is the 
first step toward good physical health. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean sources 
of protein provides the body with necessary nutrients as well as energy to tackle each 
day. Increasing your water intake will contribute to increasing your physical health, by 
keeping the body well hydrated, and helping to flush unwanted toxins from the system. 
You should also aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night, which will ensure you 
are rested enough to make it through your day. 

Taking Care of Your Mind

Taking care of your mind is also an important factor in self-care. Getting enough sleep is 
also helpful in this regard, as it allows you to think more clearly, and make better, more 
sound decisions. Stress is a part of life, but you don’t have to let it get the better of you. 
Meditation, quiet reflection, prayer, and mantras are all tools you can use to calm a 
racing, agitated mind. Remind yourself that you’ve survived difficulties in the past, and 
that you can do so again. If your thoughts are especially troubling, there’s nothing wrong 
with reaching out to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, a religious leader, or a 
counselor. 

Spend Time with People You Care About

Often, we get so wrapped up in our to-do lists that we forget to make time for the 
important people in our lives. Family and friends help to ground us, offering their love 
and support when we need them most. Remember that self-care also involves spending 
time with the people who matter most to you. Pick up the phone and call up an old 
friend, and indulge in a great conversation. Reconnect with your spouse or significant 
other, your children, or whoever is most valuable to you. These connections are vital.

Try to make self-care a part of your daily routine. Enjoy a hot shower or bath at the end 
of a tiring day, to allow tight muscles to relax, and prepare your body for rest. Burn 
candles or use aromatherapy oils to fill your home with a soothing scent you enjoy. Curl 
up on your sofa with a good book or magazine you’ve been meaning to read. These are 
small things that don’t take much in terms of time or money, but they can make a big 
difference in how you feel. You deserve to be happy.


