Self-care is one of the most important wellness practices. It’s the act of doing things that show yourself love and compassion. We live in a day in age where we’re always hustling and running from one thing to the next. Remember, it’s important to slow down and take time to recharge your battery in order to put your best self out in the world. I encourage you to take at least two hours each week (you can break it up however you choose) to practice self-care. Why? Let’s talk about the benefits.

Top 5 Benefits Of Self Care:

• Better productivity. When you learn how to say “no” to things that over-extend you and start making time for things that matter more, you slow life down in the most wonderful way. This brings your goals into sharper focus and keeps distractions at bay.
• Improved immune system. There is evidence that most self-care activities activate your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). What this means is that your body goes into a restful, rejuvenating mode, helping it to fortify its immune system. So, with better self-care often comes fewer colds and viruses.
• Enhanced self-esteem. When you regularly carve out time that’s only about being good to yourself and meeting your own needs, you send a positive message to your subconscious. Specifically, you treat yourself like you matter and have intrinsic value. This can go a long way toward discouraging negative self-talk and your critical inner voice.
• Increased self-knowledge. Practicing self-care requires thinking about what you really love to do. The exercise of figuring out what makes you feel passionate and inspired can help you understand yourself a lot better. Sometimes, this can even spark a change in career or a reprioritization of previously abandoned hobbies.
• More to give. When you’re good to yourself, you might think you’re being selfish. In truth, self-care gives you the resources you need to be compassionate to others as well. Giving compassion is a bit like filling a bucket; you can’t fill someone else’s if you don’t have enough of your own!

If you need some ideas, take a look at the list below:

1. Find somewhere quiet and meditate

2. Re-read one of your favorite books

3. Watch a favorite childhood movie

4. Take yourself out to coffee

5. Light a candle and fill your home with your favorite scent

6. Take a hot bath

7. Visit your favorite spot in the city you live in

8. Don’t feel guilty turning down invitations or canceling plans

9. Take a day off work

10. Write down a list of things you are thankful for

11. Spend time outside

12. Dance to your favorite song

13. Ask for help if you need it

14. Journal about your feelings

15. Unplug from social media

16. Exercise

17. Listen to a calming playlist

18. Pet an animal

19. Do yoga

20. Take a nap

21. Turn off your phone for a day

22. Make future plans for a trip you’re excited about

How do you practice self-care? Share in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!