Every day can give you new opportunities to get stressed out; a bad day at work, children not cooperating, a run-in with THAT co-worker. When we don’t deal with daily problems appropriately, it can lead to feeling run down, anxious and burnt out. Luckily, there are ways around this!
Self-care is sometimes thought of as a selfish act. But the truth is, we have to look after ourselves before we look after others. Self-care and looking after yourself helps you to work more efficiently, think clearly and therefore, be able to help others a lot better. Self-care doesn’t have to take up hours of your time, nor does it have to interfere with your normal commitments. There are a number of self-care activities you can do today to help reduce your stress.
Check up on your diet
Even though you think treating yourself to an extra slice of cake is a form of self-care, you’re not actually doing yourself any favours. One way you can look after yourself is by getting the right vitamins and nutrients through your diet. Eating a healthy, balanced diet full of whole grains, greens and vegetables are great for your health and well-being.
Too busy? You may consider supplementing your diet with a multivitamin to ensure you’re not lacking in any essential vitamins or minerals. Looking after yourself starts with your insides, so be sure to choose a nutritious salad over that fried chicken at lunchtime!
Learn to say “no”
Are you someone who always wants to please everyone and find yourself saying “yes” when you really mean “no”? Learning to say no to others can be quite difficult for many people, especially those who have been doing it for years without realising!
If you have too much on your plate or you’re stressed as it is, you need to remember that it is okay to turn people down. Don’t want to go out on Friday night? Don’t have time to take on that project at work? It’s ok. You will be best saying no, turning it down and doing a better job or being more “present” when you’re physically and mentally available.
Challenge negative thoughts
Do you find yourself saying things in your mind that you know you shouldn’t be?
“You did a terrible job”
“You should have done better”
“You messed up”
“You look awful”
Sound familiar? It’s time to start challenging those thoughts. The next time you notice yourself saying negative things to yourself, challenge them. Are they really true? Are they accurate?
If you’re prone to negative thinking, question your internal speech like you would if your best friend said the same things.
“I look terrible in this top”
“No, you don’t. The colour looks great against your skin!”
Would you let your best friend say bad things about themselves? You probably wouldn’t. So, don’t do it to yourself!
Commit to physical exercise
Getting active every day not only improves your physical wellbeing but helps stimulate your mind and challenges you mentally. You don’t need to spend hundreds on a gym membership, either. You could start by going for a walk every afternoon or during your lunch break. Even just ten minutes a day is a good start and still helps.
If this becomes easy, gradually increase your time moving and incorporate a little more. Instead of walking for only ten minutes on a flat path, increase your duration or add in some hills. If walking is not your scene, choose something you enjoy like swimming, playing golf, tennis, running, surfing or anything you like!
Self-care shouldn’t be a tedious task on top of what you already have to deal with. If you’re starting to feel stressed and need a break, choose at least one self-care activity to help you feel better and get you back to your former self as soon as possible!