Self-care is not a catch phrase and it is not just mimosas and manicures. It’s a regular practice that restores you. Think back over your whole life—childhood, high school, dating, college, your first years living on your own. What have you done that has brought you back to yourself in times of stress? What makes you feel good?
Is there a hobby you have been neglecting? Does regular exercise keep you sane? Does your church, temple, or meditation center ground you? Do you miss reading fiction? Do your worries slip away when you are doing art? Does a deep chat with a good friend restore you? Is being in nature like pressing a reset button? Do you like to unwind with a cup of tea and a good book? Does kickboxing help you release the pressure of the week? Do you miss yoga? Remember how much you liked Glee Club? You get the idea. Check out the list below to start brainstorming. Then, pick one thing to introduce or reintroduce into your life in some kind of consistent fashion and watch what it does for you.
- A regular spiritual or religious practice
- Yoga
- Meditation (so many apps to choose from!)
- Exercise (here’s a brainstorm list for moving your body)
- Hiking
- Reading
- Adult coloring books
- Arts & Crafts
- Playing or learning a musical instrument
- Joining a singing group
- Knitting or crocheting
- Improv classes
- Playing on a sports team
- Going out dancing
- Dancing in your living room
- Karaoke
- Regular massage
- Listening to music