Good self-care is a foundation for other important things in your life, whether it’s strong relationships, productivity, or a sense of well-being. Without that foundation, a flourishing life isn’t sustainable. Fortunately, there are simple ways to boost your self-care that don’t require a lot of time or money. Here are several.
1. Get Support
Whether it’s a good friend you confide in, a trusted relative you love to be with, or a group that meets regularly, giving and receiving support is vital for self-care. Schedule contact with these people just as you schedule everything else. Don’t neglect your supportive relationships. Need to talk with a professional about some sensitive issues? Do a search using terms like Skype counsellor Vancouver BC to find a clinician you can trust.
2. Get Rest
Getting sufficient sleep helps your overall health and vitality in a myriad of ways. It helps your body repair and replenish overnight, it helps you assimilate emotional and mental events of the day, and helps keep your metabolic processes running smoothly. Aim for at least seven hours of shut-eye per night. If you can, decrease screen use (or at least blue light) in the waning hours of the day.
3. Get Moving
Regular movement and exercise is a great stress buster and mood booster. Its beneficial effects on your overall health will also make a positive impact on your sense of well-being. There are so many ways to exercise; find something you enjoy that addresses cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility, and balance issues.
4. Get Active
Find a way to become active in your real-life community. Pick something compatible with your temperament. It might be spending time in a community garden, volunteering with less fortunate people, or something else entirely. Serve and connect with others.
Improving your self-care involves paying attention to the basics. Try these tips to nurture yourself.