When you think of self-care you probably picture hot bubble baths, a day in bed, some gentle exercise, and giving yourself permission to indulge inhabits you usually avoid. These are all great ideas – everyone needs time off – but the other side of self-care is often overlooked: doing what is beneficial for you even if it is uncomfortable or difficult.
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Set boundaries
A lot of people find boundaries difficult to navigate – a lot of people don’t even know what boundaries are! Boundaries can apply to your relationships, as well as your own actions. If you’re a people-pleaser who struggles to say no, then take a look at why. Stop volunteering to take part in things because you think it’s expected of you: be realistic about what you can manage without reaching burnout. Boundaries can apply to all aspects of a relationship and sticking to them results in healthier interactions and a life where you feel respected and secure.
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Exercise your mind
While hot baths and sleeping in can give you much-needed rest, your brain also needs stimulation – with something unrelated to work. You might realize that it’s been months since you sat down to read; now is the perfect time to restart that habit. You only need to set aside fifteen minutes a day if that’s all you have time for. Sure, watching series makes for great escapism, but books work just as well and exercise your mind in a more effective way.
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Make space for real conversation
It’s a common sight to see people glued to their phones – at work, at home when playing at https://www.grandrush.com/, on their commute and even while falling asleep. Chatting on WhatsApp has become the norm when interacting with friends, leaving face-to-face conversations as a rare occurrence. This is especially true in the present with lockdowns preventing people from meeting in person. If it is safe to do so, make a point of meeting up with a friend regularly so that you can talk and actually pay attention to one another, rather than chatting in between chores or work tasks.
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Ask for help and accept it
People burn out when they take on too much responsibility and white-knuckle their way through situations that are ultimately too difficult to deal with on their own. Being exhausted has become glamourized; admitting that you need help and asking for it is uncomfortable, but 100% necessary. If you avoid being vulnerable then you’re setting yourself up for failure.
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Grow as a person
Sometimes self-care can entail switching off and taking a mental vacation, but it’s just as beneficial to get involved in something that will help you cultivate a better life. This could be taking a course in something you’ve always wanted to do, furthering your education, or volunteer for a cause that means a lot to you.
Personal growth, although sometimes uncomfortable, is in fact the ultimate form of looking after yourself. While a day in front of the TV will give you 24 hours of relaxation, building your ideal life will bring you lasting fulfillment.
