Whether you are feeling anxious, overly busy, sick or just generally unhappy, selfcare is often the remedy that best works. Even if you are not feeling any of these, it is important to “fill your cup” with things that make YOU happy. Something as simple as taking a long relaxing bath could be what your body, but most importantly, your mind needs. Here we take a look at some selfcare ideas, to assist you in feeling fulfilled daily.

**Take time to plan and prioritise**

While this may seem minuscule, it’s amazing how some planning and structure can be good for you. When you plan your days, you’re being proactive towards what really matters to you as opposed to reacting to whatever life throws at you.

Set boundaries

Yet another “simple” ideal. For some people, this can be hard, but by setting boundaries, you take care of yourself by recognising what you need and asking for it. Boundaries can also help you manage stress, create healthy relationships, and gives you the opportunity to take care of your physical well-being.

**Unplug from the world around you**

In this day and age, we are constantly inundated with incoming information and noise. It’s recommended that you switch off your phone at least one to two hours before bed, and try not to check it first thing in the morning.

Meditate

People often dismiss meditation as being “too hard”, a “waste of time” or “just plain stupid”. Did you know that meditation can actually make a person smarter? Stress and chronic tension make people lose focus, have far less clear-headedness, whereas meditation and related self-reflection practices make you smarter and more emotionally balanced. Even just five minutes a day makes a huge difference. It’s also been proven to show an increase in mindfulness, it reduces stress, enhances spiritual connection and improves your overall health and wellness.

Spend time with a friend

Research shows that the need to connect socially with others is as basic as our need for food, water, and shelter. Sometimes there is just nothing more nourishing than chatting with someone we love who gets us, acknowledges us, and appreciates us exactly as we are.

**Connect with nature**

Nature is restorative and helps us decompress and realign. Take a walk, sit outside in the grass, or feel the sunshine on your face and notice how much better you feel. Just a five minute walk on the grass without your shoes on, should have a huge impact on you. Ground yourself and take in all that nature has to offer.

Take a bath

This seems so mundane, but it’s still a great way to indulge and practise some selfcare. Baths are soothing to our muscles, can increase immunity, and may reduce anxiety. And when you throw in a bath bomb, or Epsom salts, your body will benefit from this as well. Adding a few drops of Lavender oil will also help calm and soothe the mind, allowing you to feel more relaxed and at peace.

Take a nap

Sometimes, we just need a rest. Taking a nap can also help with productivity and restoring focus and energy. We need time to renew, so don’t exhaust yourself by trying to carry on when you feel you need a break.

Ask for help

Although we often wish we could, we cannot do it all on our own. Sometimes the most rewarding thing you can do is ask someone else to help. Most of the time, they are happy to help you and are more likely to ask you for help when they need it.

Do a social media detox

This can be so rewarding in many ways. Unfollow those people who bring you down or only post angry rants all day. Unfollow hashtags that no longer lift you up and make you feel good. Try doing regular detoxes where you don’t get on any social platforms for a couple of days at a time. At a minimum, turn off notifications on your devices so that you’re more in control of your time and don’t get distracted. You’ll be amazed at how refreshing it is not having to constantly check up on everything and everyone.

Read “Why taking a break from social media is good for your mental health” here.

Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimise frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more. It is imperative that you look after yourself on a daily basis. You’ll find that once you start, and begin to realise the importance, it will become easier to find more time to yourself. Good luck.