The topic of self-care has been trending these days, especially on social media. And not without reason. In our busy lives, we have become obsessed with our day-to-day tasks- home, office, kids, pets, that we often forget to take care of ourselves.

What exactly is self-care? Anything you do to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is called self-care. It is a way to show that you love yourself, and you believe that you are worthy of care. It is a way to remind yourself that while you take care of other aspects of your life, you must not forget to take care of yourself.

We have put together some handy tips that you can follow to create a self-care plan for yourself. No, it does not involve expensive spa days, just a little tweaking of your day-to-day activities.

Eat right

The food you eat can either make you healthy or prone to diseases and obesity. Does it mean that you give up your favourite junk food and desserts completely? No. It is fine if you occasionally enjoy them, and you must. However, most of the time, it is important that you eat right. Eating right not just keeps your body healthy, but it also keeps your mind working and alert.

Also, eat when you are hungry, and not just because it is time. Make a conscious effort to understand the cues your body sends you.

Ensure timely sleep

Life has become so busy these days that a restful night’s sleep has become a luxury for many. Poor sleep has been linked to obesity and decreased concentration and productivity.

Besides our busy schedules, a lot of our habits have also contributed to poor sleep. It is important to set a bedtime and wake up time for improving your sleeping pattern and sleep quality. Also, stop using electronics like television and mobile phones at least 60 minutes before you sleep. Refrain from drinking caffeinated beverages right before your bedtime to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Include exercise in your daily routine

Exercise is not just great for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. Exercise has been proven to improve cognitive function and self-esteem and reduce depression and anxiety. Choose something that you enjoy. If you hate running, forcing yourself to run every day is not self-care. You may choose yoga instead or enrol in a dance class that is more fun. It is important to get your body moving and enjoying it at the same time.

Take some time out only for yourself

It could be just five minutes a day, but for those five minutes, you must think of nothing but yourself. You can do several things- meditate, journal, chant, or just breathe. Use this time every day to calm and soothe your mind. Allow yourself to tune in to your feelings. It will automatically decrease your stress levels and help you focus on things that have greater priority.

Adjust your routine as you go

Setting up a self-care routine involves a lot of trial and error. Don’t worry. It is okay to adjust your schedule as you see fit. For instance, if you are a busy mother, you may not always find time to exercise early in the morning. Try getting some exercise in the afternoon when your kids are at school. Keep at it, and you will develop a self-care routine that fits right in your schedule.

A big part of self-care is acknowledging your feelings. Try and form a routine that brings joy, relaxation, and peace to your life.