8 WAYS I'M PRACTICING SELF-CARE
Self-care has become an important thing for me to think about daily, so I thought I would share a few of the things I’m doing to make sure I’m looking after myself!
1/ EAT WELL + GET MOVING
While I’ve always been somewhat of a healthy eater (I very much practice the don’t deprive yourself rule while keeping up with regular healthy meals), exercise was never my thing. It’s with a little bit of a kick up the butt from my best friend who is a personal trainer, and also the slowing down of my metabolism as I get older (lol, fun!), that I’ve decided to really focus on implementing some fitness into my daily routine. I generally like to start my day with a visit to the gym, and either jump on the treadmill or cross trainer, do an arm or leg circuit, some pilates or some HIIT training. It’s actually amazing how morning exercise can make you feel. Sure, it’s hard to get out of bed early when I could still sleep or indulge in some cuddles, but after a morning exercise I feel alive ready to start my day. And - what came as one of the biggest surprises to me - I actually end up having more energy for the day than on days when I don’t exercise. Riddle me that! In terms of healthy eating, I also like to start my days with hot lemon water to get my metabolism going, eat a healthy salad for lunch with some protein, and while I love to cook in the evenings, I generally find myself cooking some healthy recipes for Rohan and I. It’s fun to eat healthy, too! Don’t worry, I do finish my day with a sweet treat, hehe.
2/ ROUTINE
Over the years I’ve learnt a lot about my anxious tendencies in order to combat them, and I’ve discovered that one of my big triggers is lack of routine. So, I like to know what I’m doing for the week as well as ensure my day has structure to it, so that I can tackle it with a clear mind and a sense of purpose. I’ve found scheduling and list making makes this easy for me, as well as planning some outings in advance for the week and weekend so that I know I have things planned and also just things to do that I enjoy on the weekends.
3/ SWITCHING OFF FROM TECHNOLOGY
Ahh yes, I am the blogger saying I’m trying to switch off from technology, haha. This is one I am definitely trying to work on and I have not yet mastered by any means, but I feel I am getting much better at catching myself out when I’m aimlessly scrolling on my phone or computer. Who else sometimes realises hours have passed and all you’ve done is scroll on Instagram and online stores?! I find that if I put my laptop and phone in another room in the evenings, I’m less drawn to aimlessly scroll which I think is the first step in cutting back on technology!
4/ GOING FOR WALKS
Now that it’s summer in Boston, I’ve been getting really excited to go out for walks, or to walk places instead of taking the Subway. It’s little things like this that I think are good for the mind - the fresh airs makes a big difference to mental clarity!
5/ LISTENING TO PODCASTS
Listening to podcasts is one of my favourite things in the world! It started off with a true crime podcast obsession, which morphed into ‘girl boss’ podcasts, and is now just a full blown whatever anyone wants to talk about, I’m keen to listen. Kidding, kind of. I find podcasts are a fantastic way to take your mind off something you could be mulling over, and fully immerse yourself into something else. Sure, Netflix can be great but I always find that I drift off thinking about other things. If I’m listening to a girl boss talk about her successful business she grew from the ground up, or an unsolved murder mystery - I’m focusing on that and not anything else, which sometimes I really need! I also like to start my morning with news podcasts because it gets my mind working early and it’s a good way to find out the key news stories from around the world for the day. Lets call it a little escape from reality, shall we?
6/ NEVER STOP LEARNING
My favourite motto / quote / life mantra is ‘never stop learning’ and I think it is something that can apply to so many different aspects of your life - in an educational sense, in a life sense, in a human sense, in a friendship sense, in a marriage sense - the list goes on. At the moment I’m currently focusing on upskilling in an educational sense, you know, building up some bits and pieces for the resume, but also trying to work on ways I can handle my anxiety too, so that’s learning in an emotional sense. I feel like if I keep learning, I’m growing, and by growing I feel like I’m looking after myself, which makes me feel I’m caring for myself. If that makes sense!
7/ TAKE TIME TO DO SOMETHING I ENJOY EVERY WEEK
For me this involves spicy margaritas and cheese platters on a Saturday afternoon with my fiancé, but it’s everything to do with what makes you happy and making time for that. For some people, it might be heading out with friends for dinner, or going to sporting event, or a concert, or going for a really long walk, but having something to look forward to during the week can make a difference to your mindset.
8/ BATHS
There is honestly nothing better than a hot bath, epsom salts, candles and a good book. EVER!
What self-care do you practice and or is there anything you would like to focus on? I love having conversations around this topic because I think it allows people to open up and in turn, help themselves and others.