10 Ways To Practice Self-Care When You’re Feeling Rundown
It’s funny how sometimes being alone is the best thing you could ever imagine and other times it’s just the hardest thing and completely knocks you out. Personally, I really like spending time by myself, although sometimes I really don’t feel like it at all. I love meeting people and communicating but sometimes there’s just something inside of me that makes me want to completely shut down and not leave the house.
I believe that a good balance between taking time for others and taking time for yourself is the key for a happy life. Self care is so important and we all, I’ve been guilty of that myself, forget to take a break just for ourselves from time to time. It’s a hard thing to do with all the hustle and exciting things going on but it’s oh-so important!
Here are a few of my favorite things to do whenever I’m in need for some proper self care!
Take care of your mental health
Now before I get into all the bubble baths and big mugs of tea, I have to mention this.
The biggest thing you can do if you want to be kind to yourself is to look after your mental health. Same as you’d go to the gym or eat healthy diet, you shouldn’t forget to work on your thoughts and feeling. Everyone’s mental health is different, and everyone has different needs.
Try to find out what you need, what you want to work on and change. Make sure that you seek for help, if you feel like you need it.
Have a big cup of tea
I know what you’re thinking, this is an obvious one. But never underestimate the power of a nice hot brew. Take 30 minutes (or 15, or five) out of a busy day to properly sit down and to really take your time to enjoy that lovely cup of tea. If you don’t get the chance to take time out of your day have one just before bed whilst reading a book or listening to some music. I’d always advise you to put your phone somewhere far away whilst enjoying that cuppa.
Have a bath
EVERYONE I know will agree with me when I say:“I BLOODY LOVE HAVING A BATH.” Nothing screams self care more than taking the time to run yourself the ultimate bath. I’m talking bath bombs, bath salts, bubble baths all together in one. I never take my phone or laptop into the bath with me, out of pure anxiety that I might drop it into the water. Although I do make exceptions to listen to one of those great podcasts out there. But most of the time I tend to take books with me or just close my eyes a little bit.
Take yourself on a date
I know this might sound scary and weird if you’ve never done it before. And it definitely takes a bit of courage, but it really is so nice to take some time to go somewhere just by yourself.
For me, most of the time, that means going to one of my favorite cafes, taking myself to the cinema or to go and see that new exhibition at my local art gallery. I can really take my time with whatever I’m doing and never have to worry about what the other person would like to do or if they’re enjoying themselves. I’m not saying that I always go to these places on my own, but it’s nice to do something just for yourself every now and then.
Read a book
Start reading a new one, read the one that you’ve read like a thousand times or just flick through your favorite magazine. Whatever you do, just get some paper between your fingers.
Listen to some music
Listen to something that calms you down or something that makes you jump up and dance. Listen to it on CD, vinyl or any streaming portal. Listen to it in bed, in the cafe, in the park, on the bus…music is ALWAYS a good idea.
Have a little (or big) pamper session
I’m talking facemasks, body scrubs, nail sessions. Everything that makes your outside (and inside) glow!
Discover something new
Never stop discovering! Go to the bookshop and pick up a new book, go and see that film everyone is telling you about, go to the other end of town and explore a different neighbourhood, or even better, go and travel to a country you’ve never been before.
Call your mum
I know, I know, we’re talking about SELF-care here and about spending time by yourself and taking care of yourself, but sometimes all you need is a good talk with your mum!
(The dad, sister or brother works too!)
Stay in bed
Despite all the great things you can do out there, sometimes all you need is to stay in bed.
Make yourself cozy in your favorite bedding and just STAY IN BED. There is nothing wrong with that, as long as you don’t stay in bed all day every day. If your body and mind are telling you they need a break and just wanna stay in bed that morning allow it, if you get the chance to!