Dear You, Are You Taking Care Of Yourself?

A lot of us have made many resolutions year after year. Some have managed to successfully follow it, and most of us have drastically failed to keep up with it. And trust me, this year is no different. Every one of us is attempting to be a better version of ourselves by joining a new gym, promising to adopt a better sleep and skincare regimen, eating a healthier diet, resolving to save more money, drinking less alcohol, the list continues…

As an adult, you’re doing a wonderful job taking care of everyone around you—your job, your pet(s), your family, your plants, and everything else in your control. Yet the most important question is still unanswered. Are you taking care of yourself enough?

Now, how about we learn a few simple tips that will let you take care of yourself?

What is self-care?

Self-care is the practise of engaging in various activities to accomplish or support one's overall well-being. It is taking some time off for yourself to do things and activities that bring you joy and contentment. 

It's a simple notion that is often overlooked by many and looked at as a luxurious indulgence. However, it is not. They are small, deliberate activities one can perform every day to improve their life.

Self-care is purposeful and a great way to boost one’s mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and happiness.

How can I incorporate self-care into my daily routine?

As an adult with a busy lifestyle, a parent with young kids, or simply an individual with a stressful job, it is understandable to ignore yourself. Yet, amidst all the above, it becomes equally important to care for and love yourself in small ways.

Whether you are a man or a woman, self-care is for everybody. It is not difficult and shouldn’t feel like a chore; it may be something you enjoy doing and that makes you happy. There are many things and activities you can do to engage in a self-care strategy that works best for you and your routine.

Self-care can be broadly divided into about eight key areas: emotional, mental, physical, social, environmental, spiritual, financial, and professional. You can simply choose either one or mix and match the activities from different areas to work for you.

Below are simple activities to help you take care of yourself as an adult and make them a part of your everyday life.

Physical, recreational, and environmental self-care activities:

• Move more often
• Eat healthy meals
• Have a balanced diet
• Go for walks, runs or jogs
• Include exercise in your daily routine
• Take multivitamins or probiotics for better health
• Improve your sleep schedule
• Spend time in nature
• Soak up some sun
• Take a long hot shower or bath
• Drink enough water throughout the day
• Spend time with your pet playing with them or taking them for a walk
• Take a trip or two once a month

• Try a new recipe
• Have a pampering day
• Play board games or solve puzzles
• Declutter your home and wardrobe often
• Go for a drive
• Get plants and take care of them
• Try a new cuisine

Emotional and mental self-care activities:

• Learn to say “no”
• Spend time alone
• Ask for help when you need it
• Have a good cry
• Make your bed every morning
• Take a break and watch a film
• Get off social media or try social media detox for a period of time
• Try colouring books for adults

• Get some paint and try abstract art
• Meditate for a minimum of 10 mins every day
• Journal your thoughts or your day
• Learn a new skill
• Read or listen to music you like
• Try a new activity that mentally challenges you
• Watch mentally stimulating videos or shows

Taking care of yourself financially:

• Learn how to budget and stick to it
• Educate yourself about finance, watch/read more news and articles about it
• Set financial goals for the week, month, and year
• Use money app to track finances
• Save money each month
• Invest or start by learning how to
• Keep an emergency money pot and regularly keep adding some money to it

Social and spiritual ideas:

• Take a break for 15 minutes daily and connect with the people that matter to you
• Meet friends without any distractions

• Set healthy relationship boundaries
• Cuddle more
• Spend quality time with your loved ones
• Meet new people
• Explore a new area by foot
• Visit a museum/art gallery
• Speak to a stranger
• Be kind to people
• Compliment a random stranger once a week
• Visit that café or shop near your place that you look past almost every other day
• Dedicate some time for self-reflection
• Make a gratitude list
• Try doing some yoga

Taking care of yourself does not mean indulging in expensive activities and luxuries. It is the simple things in life that make you happy. Self-care is important, and how you take care of yourself is personal to you. The above may give you a few additional ideas to help you better care for yourself and your loved ones. 

Lastly, if nobody has told you yet, let me be the first: “Dear You, You’re Doing Great!”