10 Simple Ways To Practice Self Care

I was planning an outfit post to go up on the blog last Thursday, but everything just kind of got the best of me at the end of last week. After everything that's happened these past few months, it's not unusual for me to just not feel emotionally sound for a little bit, and that's totally okay. I've recognized that it's fine to just take some time to myself, because my mental health (especially right now) has to come first. So I do apologize if there are a few gaps in my blogging and social media here and there! But, the main point here is that taking that little time off made me recognize how much more effort I should be putting into my own self care. This isn't only important for me though, everyone should have their own way to take care of themselves! I decided to share this post now not only because of what I've been dealing with, but because the holidays always seem to put everyone into a frenzy. Whether it's crazy family members constantly asking about your relationship, worrying about buying your friends the perfect gifts, or getting swept up in the "holiday loneliness," hopefully these self care tips will keep you a bit saner and happier during the season (and always 😊 ).

Dress: Old Navy | Boots: Target (Basically Tory Burch Dupes, only $40!) | Pom Beanie: Old Navy | Monogram Necklace: Brook & York | Ring: Old, Similar | Lips: Tarte Lip Paint in OG

1. Take literal time for yourself

Sometimes a bit of alone time is all it takes for me to recharge my batteries and get back to feeling better. Maybe that's just the introvert in me, or maybe it's just taking a second to spend by myself and my thoughts and sort everything out mentally. Like I've mentioned in my post about how to enjoy being alone, it's been scientifically proven that silence helps the brain function and learn better, so a few minutes alone with your thoughts can actually help you in the long run. 

2. Listen to some feel-good music

Music is such a helpful tool in so many ways. Belting out your favorite song can be a cathartic way to get out your feelings, or listening to some emotional tunes can somehow make you feel loads better. As I mentioned in my 5 Things I'm Loving post last week, I've been personally loving Taylor Swift's new album (I Did Something Bad and Getaway Car are my faves!) as well as John Mayer's In The Blood and Emoji Of A Wave. Your feel good music can come in any style from upbeat songs that make you forget all of life's problems, or you could be more like me and listen to some more emotional songs. Whatever works for you is best!

3. Get some sunshine!

Did you know that getting some rays helps all kinds of negative thoughts? It's true! The more vitamin D you get the better you'll feel. (at least that's what science says should happen!) Fresh air always does more good than harm, so just clear your mind and take a little walk maybe listening to some music a la tip #2. 😉

4. Take a snooze

Naps are always the best little vacation from the day. Sometimes it's the best way to relax your soul and really refresh. Make sure it's only a power nap though (best time is 20-30 minutes!) so you don't tire yourself out more!

5. Grab coffee with a friend

One of my favorite ways to practice self care is going out with a friend for Starbucks or a meal and just chatting about life and everything that's on my mind. Share what's bothering you, the latest celebrity gossip, or what your plans are for the new year. It doesn't matter what you talk about, but just the act of hanging out with someone you've missed (or even someone you see every day) will help you feel a little better.

6. Eat some healthy food

Okay so this one may not be as 'simple' as the others, BUT hear me out. Having a healthy body definitely leads to having a healthier mind. If you're filling yourself with things that are overly greasy and heavy, you're not going to be physically feeling all that hot which can lead to an overall worse mental state. Now I'm not saying don't stop eating all the fun foods (because y'all know I'm not about to give up donuts or chicken nugs, HA!) but just choose some healthier options more often to improve your mood!

7. Write down what makes you happy

This may sound like such a silly idea, but it's actually SO useful in improving your mood. You're forced to focus on the positives in your life, and you might surprise yourself by how many things you write down. I have a notebook with a running list of things that make me feel happy and whenever I feel like I need to take a moment for myself I spend ten minutes or so writing down as many things that I can think of. These things don't need to be important things in your life, for example some of my random ones are fluffy cat paws, buying fresh flowers, and the feeling you get when you can feel the bass of a song in your chest at a concert. None of these things are exceptionally noteworthy in my life, but they still make me happy!

8. Do a home spa treatment

I recently read a quote on twitter that said something like "self care doesn't mean bubble baths and treating yourself to something nice because you feel sad" and I for some reason was so offended. You shouldn't be telling anyone what is right or wrong for their own self care. I personally feel 10x better after a luxurious bath or long shower or splurging on a small gift for myself. Does that make me a bad person for spending my "self care" time in this way? I don't think so. Bubble baths, face masks, manicures, etc. are most definitely ways to practice self care, and they're pretty great ones at that.

9. Practice being a good human

In a weird way, one of my favorite self care practices is to be kind to others. Maybe it's because I was taught to be polite to others since you never know what's happening in their lives, or maybe it's just because I get a warm feeling inside doing small acts of helpfulness, but helping others somehow helps yourself. Hold a door open for someone who's just a little too far away, pick up coffee for your roommate while you're out getting some for yourself, or just compliment a stranger on their outfit. If you help others feel good you'll slowly start feeling better too.

10. Take some deep breaths and think some positive thoughts

Sometimes something simple like inhaling deeply a few times and focusing on the positive can make you feel like a new person. Think about three things that are positive that day, even if they're as simple as getting a good night's rest, seeing your pet, or anything similar. I'm not really religious, but if you are this could also be a great time to pray and send some positive thoughts out into the world.

What are your favorite ways to practice self care?