Small acts of self care that can make a BIG difference

Life is busy, and you’re definitely not alone if you find it difficult to set aside time for yourself. From nourishing your body to pampering your soul, these small acts of self-care will make you feel like a million dollars.

Digital detox

Did you know the average person spends nearly 10 hours a day staring at a screen? Even if you don’t hold down an office job, chances are you waste a whole lot of time on social media, or browsing the web. Once a week, try experimenting with the idea of a digital detox. Sign off from your devices, and live entirely in the present. Chances are, you’ll love it.

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is such an important part of living a healthy lifestyle, yet catching z’s is something that so many people neglect. If you’re retired it can be all too easy to stay up late, and start sleeping in. Make an effort to stick to a daily bedtime, at least five days a week. Your new routine will help you feel energised, productive and ready to take on your day.

Compliment a stranger

If you find it strange greeting the person sitting next to you on the bus, try throwing them a compliment! It might seem a little bizarre at first, but it’s an easy way to connect with another human and bring a smile to someone’s face. You’ll feel great about it, and so will they!

Drink a cup of tea

As well as being a great winter warmer, some teas are backed with a smorgasbord of health benefits. Choose one that you love, and make an effort to sit down and enjoy a cup a day. Looking for inspiration? Check out our latest article on the best healthy teas that your body will love.

Read a book

Like food for the soul, a good book is a guaranteed way to relax. Choose a topic that infatuates you, and dedicate an hour or so a week to simply getting lost in the story. Whether it’s a fantasy, a love story, an autobiography or even an academic paper, the sheer act of digesting words is so therapeutic.

Create a mantra

Every day, repeat your own personal mantra over and over again. If you like, you can have more than one. There are no rules, just make sure it’s positive and self-empowering.

Self-love

Negativity can be all consuming, dragging down not just you but those around you. Fight it off by practising self-love on a daily basis. Look in the mirror every morning and recite three things you love about yourself. This simple act of adoration will set you up for the day, and help you operate in default positivity mode.

Practice mindfulness

The simple act of being present can transform the way you experience day to day life. Need somewhere to start? Check out our latest write-up on how to practice mindfulness, minus the meditation mumbo-jumbo.

Write a gratitude list

Self-care isn’t just physical. Nurture your psyche by actively listing what you’re grateful for. They can be big or small, from people you love to the simple fact that the sun is shining. Write them down, or run through them in your head.

Take another route to work

Stimulate your brain by mixing up your daily routine. For example, if you always take the same route to the supermarket try something different next time. Even small changes can create new neural pathways that keep the brain healthy and stimulated.

Breathe deep

Any yogi will sing praises about the benefits of mindful breathing. Once a day take the time to concentrate on your lungs, and notice the way the air flows in and out of your nose. It’s incredibly relaxing, and will help you calm down, destress and refocus.

Treat yourself, guilt free

Sometimes, self-care is simply about giving yourself permission to indulge. Rather than chastise yourself for eating three biscuits in a row, embrace it. Chances are, you deserved those Tim Tams!

Take yourself on a date

If you’re feeling a little lacklustre why not be your own best friend? Take yourself out on a date and savour the chance to treat yourself. Whether it’s dinner at your favourite restarant, a solo shopping spree or a pensive walk along the beach, spending time with yourself is a great way to practice self-care.

Ready for a little TLC? Which one of these self-care ideas will you try first?