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Ever noticed how these days we’ve all been sucked into the hustle culture? How we have associated a certain nobility with having the longest to-do list, or being able to squeeze more into 24 hours than the next person?
From early mornings to late nights and all the moments in between, we constantly try to balance ‘self’ with all the other areas of responsibilities we have in our lives. So much so that teetering on the brink of burnout is so pervasive nowadays that it might even feel like a new normal.
If you can relate to this, you are not alone. We all need to be reminded every now and again to pause and just breathe. To practice self-care, not from a place of mindless routine but from a place of consciousness and intentionality.
And by self-care, we are not just talking about face masks or shopping sprees (though those are great!) We are talking about being good to yourself in every sense of the word. Whether that means saying no to the things you genuinely don't want to do without feeling guilty, prioritizing personal time or setting healthy boundaries.
Here are 7 simple ways you can start prioritizing self-care today:
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Set boundaries: For any relationship to thrive there needs to be healthy boundaries in place. Whether this is a relationship with family, friends or colleagues, boundaries help to foster mutual respect and keep the peace while dealing with others.
Prioritize yourself: Often we tend to focus more on tending to others while neglecting our own needs, particularly when there’s family or children involved. From now on, be more intentional towards setting aside a few minutes each day to tend to things that truly matter to you and that would directly benefit you.
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Turn off all notifications: Whether they’re from slack or social media, notifications have a way of not only being distracting but can also trigger anxiety especially if they are popping up incessantly. Taking a break from the ‘noise’ now and then by turning off all notifications is a great way to prioritize self-care.
Be in nature: There are a few things as relaxing as being in nature. From taking a walk to going for a run, the sights and sounds typically experienced while in nature provide the right ambience to clear your mind and de-stress.
Practice positive self-talk: The inner critic may be good for self-improvement but it can take a toll on mental health. Pay more attention to the things you tell yourself daily as you go through varying emotions throughout the day. Learn to laugh at yourself and avoid beating yourself up even when you make mistakes.
Eat clean: The popular saying ‘you are what you eat' cannot be overemphasised. Like it or not, our diet contributes largely to how we feel on any given day. Eating healthy, wholesome meals has been known to boost health, increase energy levels and help lift the overall mood.
Read also: 10 Superfoods To Add To Your Diet
Treat yourself: Choose a time each month to indulge in unapologetic self-pampering. This can be anything from a spa day to a Netflix and chill weekend. Whatever it is, give yourself something exciting to look forward to each month!
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Having seen various simple ways you can prioritize self-care, we hope that this post will be a reminder for you to pause and take some time to take care of yourself starting now. Let us know which points resonated with you the most and how you carve out time for self-care in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
Read also: 5 Tips For Choosing The Right Detox Plan