5 Ways to Practice Self-Care

Self-care; we hear that word a lot. The meaning is pretty self explanatory, caring for yourself. As simple as it sounds, as lives get busier, self-care, more often than not, gets forgotten, in lieu of busy schedules, kids, work, family and activities.

While self-care drops to the bottom of our lists once the demands of life take over, it’s still really important to take time for ourselves because it impacts so many different aspects of our lives. Self-care is important for the well-being of our physical & emotional health and it helps reduce our stress levels. This article from Very Well, does a good job of explaining WHY self-care is so important.

5 Ways to Practice Self-Care

When you do make the time for self-care, it can be in the form of something simple that you do for yourself at home or it can be something bigger and more involved. Whatever you do, just make sure you do it on a regular basis because you are as important as everyone else in your life.

5 Ways to Practice Self-Care

1. Take a Bath
Grab your bath salts, essential oils and bubbles. Pick an evening and make a date with yourself. Fill up the tub and soak until you’re a prune. A bath can be so relaxing, calming and soothing, the perfect way to just relax and make yourself the most important person for a little while. The fact that you don’t have to leave the house is a bonus and it can actually help you to get a better night’s sleep.

2. Go for a Spa Treatment
This is one of my favourite things and I’ve made a pact to do it more often because it feels amazing. Whether you like manicure, pedicures or facials pick one and make an appointment to spend some time just on yourself.  Yes, you actually have to carve out time for this, but afterwards, you’ll  feel I cared for, happy and refreshed.

Got an amazing pedi & facial at Wildflower Beauty Bar!

3. Get Lost in a Good Story
Did you used to be an avid movie goer or reader? Me too. I used to stay up until the wee hours of the morning once I had a good book that I just couldn’t put down. After becoming a mom, often there is no time for that or I was too tired. But if getting lost in a good story is something you love, make the time for it! Whether it’s getting into bed 20 minutes early so you can read, or making a hour for yourself to go to a coffee shop and reading a book, just do it!

4. Have a Night Out with Friends
We love our friends right? We text message, chat on FB and have playdates. But what about an in person, fun, girls night out? It can can be so therapeutic to just hang out with your girl friends and it’s another way of practicing self-care.
If you’re not actually sure what to do on a girl’s night out, don’t worry, I can help you with that too: 10 Girl’s Night Out Ideas for Moms

How to practice self-care - Girls or Moms Night out
Taking a photo after our fun mom’s night out

5. Get a Massage
And last but definitely not least, get a massage. This is on my “Do More Often” list as well.. A massage is physical self care. It relieves stress, helps any muscle aches and pains, is relaxing and feels darn good!

Those are 5 great ways to practice self-care more often. And if you don’t have the time or energy for any of those things, self-care can also be as simple as, taking five minutes, to sit quietly and drink your tea. Or lighting a candle, closing your eyes and focussing on your breathing for a few minutes.

It doesn’t matter how you do, just make sure you do. If you ever feel guilty about putting yourself first, don’t! It’s really okay to take care of yourself and it actually makes you a better person and even a better parent.

5 thoughts on “5 Ways to Practice Self-Care

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.