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Showing compassion for other people is so important. That being said, if you do not show compassion to yourself how can you show others compassion? Sure, adding self-care into the routine you have now can seem somewhat inconvenient. You may even think that you just don’t have time for it. If you carry on as you are though, and if you do not show any kind of support to yourself then your health will suffer as a result.
Eating Healthily
If you eat your meals while trying to take care of other tasks then you may be denying yourself the experience of having a nice dinner. You probably wouldn’t work while you sit and dine with a loved one, so why not treat yourself with the same respect? Give yourself chance to indulge in a meal from time to time and eliminate distractions. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to relax and practice self-care.
Monitor your Accomplishments
Having a to-do list is great, but at the same time, you also need to recognise the things you have done. Make a list, and write down all of the productive things you have managed to get sorted. If you do this, rather than spend your time focusing on all of the jobs you’re yet to do then this will really work in your favour. You deserve a pat on the back from time to time, so give it to yourself.
Express Gratitude
It’s beneficial for you to keep track of everything you have done, but at the same time, it’s good for you to realise what you have as well. Keep a journal and take the time to write down everything you feel lucky to have. Whether it is a good friend you can chat with, or some clean bedsheets for the night. If you can do this before you go to bed then you will soon find that it is easier for you to practice gratitude.
Create a Comfortable Space
Do you feel as though your bedroom looks the way you want it to? If not then now could be the time for you to add some candles or even a fun throw. If you can take the time to build a space that makes you feel both comfortable and warm- then this will give you a lot of mental support when tough times arise. If you are due to undergo surgery or expect to have joint replacement rehabilitation then having a comfortable space where you can unwind is even more important, so keep this in mind if you can.
Read a Book
Finding a book that you love is a fantastic way for you to feel happy and confident. Nothing quite beats being able to sit down with a great story and the act of reading alone is a great way for you to evoke a sense of peace. If you have no idea what book to read then you can look online for some inspiration and when you do, you will find a ton of resources to aid you in your new hobby.
Move Around
When people say that working out releases endorphins, they mean it. Getting active is great if you want to boost your general feelings of happiness. If you want to help yourself here then make sure that you find a form of exercise that works for you. It may be that you go on a hike on a Saturday morning or that you find a yoga class online. Either way, if you take steps now then there is no reason why you can’t get those feel-good hormones pumping.
Unplug from Everything
Facebook and Instagram do have their benefits but do they make you feel good about yourself? Most people often report the good things that are happening to them or the success that they are experiencing. It can be very difficult for you to compare your life to the highlight reel of other people, so make sure that you take the time to step away from time to time. Give yourself the chance to focus on the current moment and quit measuring your own achievements against those of others.
Create Something
It doesn’t matter whether you are baking a batch of brownies or whether you have a pastel drawing that you have been working on, because being creative gives you the chance to be mindful and it also allows you to be much more productive.
Have a Self-Care Kit
It’s important to make yourself feel good from time to time. Get a basket and fill it with some of the things that make you feel good. It may be that you pack some nail polish, some gummy frogs or even some coconut lotion. Treasured photos or a new pair of socks can also be good things to pack. Make sure that you pack all of your pick-me-ups in a nice basket for when you need another dose. Remember that by being your best self, you can make sure that you are watching your own positivity grow and this can work in your favour.
Get Outside
Ditching the comfort of your own home is a great way for you to boost your physical and mental health. It is very similar to meditation, in the fact that spending time outdoors benefits the brain. Research has shown time and time again that just looking at a picture of nature can help to spark positive activity in the brain. If you can’t go out into the wilderness right now then have a peek at a nature-themed picture online or take yourself to the window to take in the world around you. Little things like this can really pick you up.
Get enough Sleep
There are a lot of things that can sabotage your sleep, whether it is a late night out or even a wild night with your friends or if you are like me you binge watch too many TV episodes. The problem here is that if you do skip out on sleep then this can be very detrimental to your productivity. It can make you eat larger portions, and you may even find that it ends up leading to heart disease as well as diabetes. Prioritize time to make yourself happier and healthier, even if you take a simple cat nap during your lunch break. Car naps in a safe parking lot are some of the best naps I’ve ever taken. I do still lock all the doors though!
These are just some of the things that might help, but be sure to speak with your doctor or mental health professional to address any issues you might be facing
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If you are feeling down or depressed for more days than not, please seek medical attention. If you are feeling like you cannot go on, please call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat here>>> https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ Or visit the suicide prevention lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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