In the era of social media, you might think self-care looks like the perfect Instagram-worthy bubble bath or a nicely presented meal. But in fact, it is way more than that. Taking care of yourself begins and ends with self-love. It starts with putting a stop to that negative self-talk you do when things don’t go as planned or with snoozing for some extra 5 minutes when you really need it. Self-care can seem to be difficult but in fact, it is quite simple.
Here are 6 easy ways to have your own back on days when the world feels like one big cluttered mess.
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Put on your dancing shoes. Yes, you heard that right. Our lives have become so scheduled and overcharged that we often forget to enjoy the music. Blast some of your favourite tunes and have a mini dance party by yourself or with your loved ones.
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Sleep a little longer. This may seem like a no-brainer, but most people actually sleep less than 7 hours per night. To feel your best and keep your mind and body healthy, aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. And yes, you can snooze your way to self-care.
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Sit straight. Bad posture comes naturally and we don't realise we are doing it until we feel that annoying tension that reminds us to sit straight. When you notice yourself sitting like the hunchback of Notre Dame, try sitting up straight in your chair, placing your hands on your thighs and squeezing your shoulder blades together, holding for five seconds. This will help you keep a good posture.
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Detox. Detox is not only meant for our bodies. Sometimes, we have to take the toxins out of our lives as well. Try limiting your screen time and unwinding by reading a book before bed instead of scrolling aimlessly. It's also important to limit your work time because there is a thin line between being productive and being burned out.
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Exercise with a friend. Whether your cup of tea is hitting the gym, the Pilates studio or the yoga mat, doing so alone every time can become demotivating in the long run. To change it up a little bit, try asking a friend to join you for a good sweat session. Not only will you be getting healthy and strong together, but you will also build an even more solid bond. After all, friends who work out together stay together!
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Learn to say no. This one’s for all the overachievers out there. We know you think you can fit in all those plans, go to work, have a social life, work out and still sleep for 8 hours, but let’s be real: you can’t. As a matter of fact, no one can! We are no superheroes and we should always prioritise resting and taking care of our minds instead of juggling a million things at a time. Learn to say no to those extra responsibilities or plans (without feeling bad about it!) when you know you need some time for yourself.