Discover how self-care can transform the way you feel about your mind and body, and the impact it can have on your skin.
While many people fall under the misconception that self-care can be time consuming, expensive or even selfish – practicing the art of self-compassion and maintaining a positive mindset can lead to a number of positive impacts on the mind and body. Over time, increased and consistent levels of high stress can affect the way our skin evolves and ages, how our hair grows, our emotional resilience and our general health. Yet those who actively practice self-care find this compassion can lead to a number of overall benefits, including more vibrant and glowing skin.
While the definition of happiness and care will differ from person to person – the benefits of consistent exercise, adequate rest, considered skincare and healthy eating can be enjoyed by all. If you’re wondering how to find the time to integrate this into your already busy schedule – don’t worry – it is entirely possible. Here’s how to embrace a kinder approach to your whole self and introduce this compassion into your daily routine.
Get micro focused
Start small and focus on micro acts of self-care whenever possible. For those of us with busy schedules, these activities might feel minor, but this is what’s actually going to help you establish and maintain a new routine. Acts of self-care might include basics like stretching in the morning and at night before bed, guided deep breathing exercises with a free app, a five-minute walk outside, establishing and connecting with your inner values, or eve taking a candle-lit bath at the end of a long day. Yes, these are small steps in the right direction but done consistently each day – it all starts to add up.
Schedule a ‘me’ day
If you know you have a busy period at work coming up or you’re feeling uninspired and in-need of a circuit breaker – it might be time to schedule a self-imposed mental health day. Think of this as your time to switch off from your devices and switch-on to what your body needs most. Is it an extended sleep-in or a long lunch with a close friend? Is it a walk along the beach or plunging your body into ocean water for a refreshing swim? Whatever the answer, having a confirmed reset that you organise is one way to establish your own boundaries and respecting the needs of your mind and body. If a full day feels like too much right now – consider booking out specific times in your calendar each month for self-care. The key here is to treat these periods as non-negotiable meetings. Even 10-15 minutes every few days can make a difference.
The 10-minute countdown
Yes, we’re all busy and forever plugged-in to the world but finding 10 minutes each day for mindfulness can be hugely beneficial to our mental and physical health. Try to use this time to meditate, or if sitting still drives you crazy, find a quiet space and start journaling. You don’t have to write anything profound – just think of it as a purge – an unburdening of your soul or a focus on what’s made you happiest that day. Engaging in slow activities that bring you joy will allow you to block out external noise and listen to your internal desires instead. This will go a long way in clearing out negative or busy thoughts and replacing them with contemplation and consideration for yourself.
Incorporate self-care into other activities
Just like exercise – self-care is most effective when done consistently and included in our existing routines to eventually become second nature. This might include swapping out the news for an inspiring podcast, reading a book while commuting, or practicing mindfulness while doing household chores. Doing the dishes after a big family meal? Don’t spend the time thinking about everything else you have to do that night. Instead, consider one thing you’re grateful for with every spoon, plate or dish you put away. This consistent focus on self-care can improve self-esteem, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness.
Prioritise a healthy sleep routine
Is there anything a good sleep can’t fix? Sleep is the core foundation of self-care. Not only does it allow us to repair and rest, it’s vital in influencing our habits and behaviours each day. A good rest can positively impact mood, activity levels, social engagement and our lifestyle choices. If there’s only one thing you’re able to commit to and prioritise for now – make it your sleep. Establish a quality wind-down routine each night before bed and thank yourself in the morning.
Keep it simple
It’s so easy to fill each day with a million tasks – especially if we’re trying to claw-back our own time before or after work. But this can often lead to us feeling even more overwhelmed and stretched. When it comes to your self-care routine, keep it as simple as possible. A short skincare routine that’s swift but impactful – a cup of herbal tea rather than another coffee, a five minute dance in the living room vs a five-minute Instagram scroll. It’s in establishing simple but powerful daily habits that we can create new routines and rituals that will serve our physical, mental and spiritual health for years to come. Best of all – taking care of yourself in this way is a wonderful way to foster self-growth and importantly, self-worth. Nothing beats that.
