10 Spirit Soothing Self Care Practices for a Balanced Life
Self-care is the practice of paying attention to your body’s cues or any unmet mental or emotional needs and then offering them to yourself.
In today’s age, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of a busy day and forget about checking in with yourself. As such, it’s all the more important to practice self-care for a balanced life.
Here are 10 practical tips to keep you on track.
Off Days
Sometimes, the idea of your favorite hobby, exercise, or even putting lotion on just feels exhausting. There are many kinds of rest, and when we feel mentally drained, what we need is simply to do nothing.
This can be tricky, especially for those of us who associate productivity with self-worth. But it’s deeply soothing to simply let yourself rest, close the blinds, and spend some quality time with your cat or dog, or even just watch a cozy movie. Not only is this relaxing, but it also recharges your creativity and motivation.
Saying No
Another healthy practice is learning to say no. When we cross our own boundaries or keep giving when we’re already drained, we’re only putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations.
Knowing when to set boundaries and choose our well-being and mental health can be deeply healing.
Meditation
Whether done daily, weekly, or once in a blue moon, meditation still has amazing advantages for your physical and mental health. When you meditate, you release tension, regulate your nervous system, and learn to relax into stillness. If you have an active and stressful lifestyle, meditation can act as a safe space.
Staying Hydrated
Hydration is one of the most popular self-care tips, and for good reason. Benefits include improved brain performance, keeping joints lubricated, assuring that nutrients are delivered to cells, improved sleep and detoxification.
If you’re struggling with staying hydrated, there are many options to choose from depending on your tastes: fruit-infused water, tea, smoothies, matcha, and lemonades are just a couple of yummy ideas to start from.
Healthy and Balanced Diet
When you eat at regular intervals and consume sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, your body has the required fuel to function optimally day to day. Likewise, skipping meals or eating things that lack nutritional value can impact your focus, mood, and energy levels.
Time Alone
Spending some quality time alone now and then is beneficial, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. By spending time alone, you can recharge your batteries, get to know yourself better, gain clarity over what you want, and regulate your nervous system.
Social Media Detox
Sometimes, all you need is to disconnect from the information overload and unhealthy comparison caused by too much social media usage. Giving yourself permission to step away from social media can give you a sense of relief and peace of mind, and it can also offer you space to enjoy other things more fully.\
A Tidy Space
A clean, organized home is highly underrated and can make a world of difference in feeling like your life is put together. Meanwhile, a messy space can make you feel like your mind is equally cluttered or chaotic. Keeping a tidy space is essential for optimal efficiency, especially for those who work from home.
Journaling
A great habit that aids in a balanced life is journaling for self-discovery and offloading. Writing down any pressing thoughts, brainstorming, or even just doodling and sketching in your journal can be relaxing and fun, and it helps us decompress after a long day.
To-Do Lists
Following up on journaling, sometimes what would give us the most peace of mind is writing down a to-do list. Oftentimes we carry the mental burden of all the things that need to be done, but the agitated flow of daily life makes it hard to effectively handle those tasks.
Maybe it’s having to schedule medical appointments, a trip to the vet, or a car wash. Whatever it is, writing them down gives you clarity, the tasks are better organized, and it also makes you feel more relieved knowing you have an action plan.
S.K. Lumen
S.K. Lumen is a writer, artist and blogger who is passionate about helping women become their best selves. Her writing is educational, empowering and uplifting, and includes topics like personal development, self-care, self-love, mental health, wellness and spirituality.