5 Simple Self-Care Practices You Can Implement Now

What are easy self-care practices that uplift the soul?

We usually spend a lot of time taking care of those under our care and the ones we love. Social responsibilities, work and home monopolize our time. In a busy world, neglecting self-care has become a norm. However, we cannot keep giving of ourselves till we are depleted, and the consequences of this neglect can be truly serious. By adding self-care to our daily routine, we can strengthen our well-being and improve our health. We are also happier and more productive and have more to give to the people we care about. Statistics show that happy, successful people place a high value on self-care.

Following are a few Self-Care Strategies that can be worked into your day. They may feel like an indulgence at first, but if you stay on the path, you will realize that they enrich and strengthen you. In addition, they make you more productive and you can give more of yourself to the people you love.

Commit to Daily Self-Care

It is essential to set aside time each day for self-care. Just as we need to service our car, clean the house, dust the windows, wash the dishes, do the laundry, file the reports… Self-care is an ongoing process!! Every now and then, taking an occasional break from our lives for self-care is not enough.

Self-Care is an Ongoing Process.

The time you set aside each day can be just ten minutes to start. You can build it up to thirty minutes a day. The Self-Care habits that you build can be things that you relish- a walk, an indulgent hot water bath, meditation, a small prayer ritual, yoga, or anything you enjoy. Things that you truly love, that fill your soul, are what you need to do. In the same manner that you make appointments, reserve time in your busy schedule for self-care. Consider it an investment in yourself that will help you avoid burnout, increase your productivity, make healthier relationship choices, promote self-love, and be the best version of yourself!!

Investing time in your hobby feeds your soul and is excellent Self-Care.

What is it that you enjoy the most? Does sketching make you happy, or is it reading or working on a journal? Do outdoor activities like hiking or rock climbing make you happy? Is cooking your thing, or do you like painting sunsets? Hobbies are an easy path to self-care. It is easier to schedule time for what we genuinely enjoy. Scheduling time for developing our hobbies shows our commitment to our souls. Creating something new helps us unlock our inner divinity, and that is an added bonus on this path of self-care.

Be a Gracious Receiver

We are part of a culture that places great emphasis on giving and helping others. Receiving, however, is something that we learn very little about. How often have we turned down compliments with “oh!! It was nothing!” It is a good practice to remember the value you bring to your community. Accepting compliments gracefully is an art. Mentally file away compliments you receive. It is beneficial for self-love and as ammunition on those days when the inner critic wants to flood you with lies such as “you don’t know what you are doing..” Accepting compliments is part of self-care that helps you overcome negativity.

De-Clutter as a part of your Self-Care

It is so essential that our environment has space to breathe. Having a clutter-free environment allows creativity to flow freely and gives us space to grow and think. De-Cluttering doesn’t mean that one needs to be a Marie Kondo minimalist. It just means that we have what we need, and everything that is in your space is something that brings value to you practically or “sparks joy” emotionally. We hold on to things when we are filling a hole in our souls. Having clutter in one’s space can be physically and mentally draining. It shifts the balance from having things for our comfort to being a slave to our possessions. One can eliminate whatever no longer serves one.

Be Selfish!!

We are constantly told to be selfless. However, one selfish act that fills us is essential, once a day!! Be Selfish without being guilty. Say no! If you want to and are always the yes person. Keep your boundaries, and avoid people who bring toxicity into your life. Choose yourself. The world gives us as much importance as we afford ourselves. Stand up for yourself. I am not advocating becoming a selfish, pompous brat, but rather knowing where your boundaries lie and maintaining them healthily. This is especially essential if you spend most of your time caring for others. So today, read a book, say no to that favour and take time for yourself, and re-instate your own importance.

Practice Self-Care

In our busy lives, self-care is often viewed as selfish and takes a back seat to the demands of work, family, and other obligations. We need to nurture ourselves better so that we do not suffer from depression, burnout, and breakdowns and are able to care for our people better.

So here’s to healthy Self-Care Practices starting today!! In the Tarot, the archetype of the Empress reminds you to take time out to care for yourself, so you can better care for those you love!!

Images Used on The Site. Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.