Self-care is just doing things that make you happy and make you feel good. It does not have to mean getting a massage, going away on a solo, exotic vacation or taking an entire day off work (but everyone needs those days, too!).
The key, experts say, is knowing what works for you and making it happen. Sometimes, we know what works for us when it comes to self-care, but it’s a matter of activating it.
Some experts describe self-care as knowing your frustrations and finding small solutions to them, nourishing yourself. With the expectation that self-care does not have to be elaborate or time-consuming, here are five ways to make it happen in your life in 2024.
1. Make a list of what makes you happy
Identifying what makes you happy is the first step in doing things that make you feel good. Experts recommend making a list and keeping it on hand. Use that list to have and implement them when you need. Every once in a while, contributing new things to that list can really be helpful. Keep a ‘happy page’ in your notebook or journal, and continually write things down that make you happy.
2. Set boundaries
Setting boundaries in your personal and professional life is critical to self-care. It’s essential to your well-being to know your boundaries, not fear them, and honor them. Push yourself out of your comfort zone to set boundaries. Set your phone to do not disturb mode. You can tell someone you have an appointment between this time and that time, and that they will hear back from you after the fact. You can also set boundaries to know when you need self-care, for example, saying to yourself, “I’m overwhelmed; I need to schedule “me” time ASAP.” Then, prioritize your time.
3. Put down your phone
There are likely not many people who include being on their phones on the list of things that make them happy. Spending time on your phone not only uses up time you could be doing more life-fulfilling things, but it can also lead to comparison and fear of missing out, the opposite of self-care.
We live in a world of Instagram and TikTok where it’s always about what someone else is doing, wearing, reading, talking about. It’s important to pay attention to ourselves, so we all need to find time to separate from our phones, particularly social media.
4. Start and end the day with something about you
This is a simple idea, so don’t make it too complex. Do something when you wake up and before you go to sleep that makes you happy, whether reading, meditating, or talking with a loved one.
Try this self-care challenge
Meditate daily, use the beginning and end of your day to reflect on yourself, do something that you enjoy, something that is not social media, and looking at other people’s lives.
My wellness practice is meditating for 15 to 20 minutes daily. Meditation has been shown in peer-reviewed studies to have the ability to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and increase areas of brain connectivity.
5. Center self-care around a meal
You have to eat, so use those times of the day when you are fueling your body to also fuel your happiness. Sit down at a table instead of eating in a rush or on the go, or take time to prepare your favorite foods or set a nice table setting, even if it’s just for yourself. Those tiny moments can be all about you!
Some things that can enhance your meditation practice:
A comfortable meditation cushion or a calming essential oil diffuser, and lighting a candle might be valuable.
Setting boundaries could be assisted by using apps that control phone usage or having a physical planner to schedule “me” time.
Additionally, having a gratitude journal or a special notebook dedicated to your happy list could make those practices more intentional and enjoyable!
This article is for general wellness education and is not medical advice. Our services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a health condition, please talk with your healthcare provider.