Buzz
Let’s discuss how to truly care for yourself. Not the corporate “self-care” that’s used to persuade you into buying things you don’t need, but the kind of care that addresses the fundamental needs of your body and mind.
Nourish yourself with wholesome food to reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks.
We all have that one food we know we should probably consume less of. I’m not here to judge, but if a specific food popped into your head as you read that, you probably already know what it is. Maybe it’s cookies. Ice cream. Or that takeout from a spot that’s not exactly health-conscious, but is always conveniently nearby when hunger strikes.
Before you start feeling guilty, take a moment to plan how you’d like your diet to look, realistically. It doesn’t matter if it’s high or low calorie, carnivore or vegan—just make sure to include some nourishing foods and eat them regularly. Veggies. Protein.
When you're surrounded by healthy foods, go ahead and indulge in plenty of it. This way, when something else tempting comes your way, you're less likely to cave in. And if you do decide to treat yourself, it's not a big deal since your regular diet is so balanced and nutritious.
Create a practical and achievable workout routine that fits your lifestyle.
Exercise is incredibly beneficial for our bodies. It lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, promotes longevity, and can even help with depression or anxiety. Ultimately, having some physical activity in your life is far better than none at all.
Schedule workout time on your calendar. If you leave exercise to the end of the day or week, it’s likely to get pushed aside. Determine the minimum amount of time you can commit to, then lock those slots in your calendar.
No access to a gym? You can try bodyweight exercises at home or check out our guide on making the most of basic gyms, like those often found in hotels or apartment buildings.
Start by tidying up just one item.
It’s tough to be surrounded by your own mess, but not everyone has the energy for a full-on Marie Kondo-style decluttering session.
So here’s the deal: Tidy up just one thing. It’s best to focus on a horizontal surface you use often (or wish you could), like your kitchen table, your desk, or a pile of stuff that might have once been a dresser. Dedicate 20 minutes and you'll be amazed at the transformation. (Take before and after photos!) Once it’s clean, you’ll no longer see it as ‘that messy table,’ but rather ‘my neat table with three things I need to deal with.’
Plan for the major events.
What medical appointments do you need this year? What other significant events are on your radar? Pick a calendar (even the default app on your phone will work) and enter the key dates—essentially, anything you might forget. That deadline you don’t need to stress over for another eight months? Set a reminder for seven months from now.
Make sure you're getting enough sleep.
You control when you go to bed and when you wake up, but be sure those two times align with each other.
When you stay up late, whether it's for work or play, there's a point where you go from ‘I’ll just get a little less sleep tonight’ to ‘tomorrow is going to be miserable.’ Over time, you'll recognize that threshold; you probably already know it. Stop claiming to be one of the few people who can function on just four hours of sleep—you’re not. Just go to bed.
Reach out to someone, or let someone reach out to you.
Self-care can sometimes act as a temporary fix for the care we should be receiving from others, as Shayla Love mentions at Vice. For example, we turn to bubble baths or meditation apps to soothe ourselves—but what if we lived in a world where reliable mental health support was a given?
Identify the ways in which your community, family, or friends can support you, and how you can offer support in return. Could you contribute to the food bank? Or perhaps you can benefit from it?
If there’s something you need but can’t provide for yourself, find a way to get it. The first step might be reaching out to a friend or family member who can help you figure out your next move. If you're struggling and anticipate others will offer help, create a list of things you could use assistance with.
On the other hand, if you have the time, energy, and resources, think about advocating for better care for others. This could mean checking in on friends or making political calls. After all, working toward a better world is, in many ways, the ultimate form of self-care.
