5 Simple Self-Care Tips to Try Today!

A Beautiful Run in Lakes Park - July 2024!  Photo Courtesy of Charly Caldwell II.

When life gets busy, it can be easy forget to take care of yourself.

This is especially true during the holidays. End of year deadlines can make work stressful, plus there are more family commitments and personal goals you are working to achieve.

You can be so focused on the end result that you don’t notice you’re burning your candle at both ends until the wick runs out.

Self-care refers to supporting your physical, mental, and emotional health through activities and practices.

These activities don’t have to be over-the-top or costly.

Some are simply nothing more than a few moments of your time.

However, these simple practices can help to keep you happy and healthy, through the holidays and beyond.

1. Take a moment to stop and reset.

The first step toward prioritizing self-care can be as easy as taking a few moments each day to pause. Take a few slow, deep breaths – being aware of your thoughts, your feelings, and the world around you. Try to incorporate these mindful moments throughout your busy day as a way to stop and reset. If you find you forget, be proactive and schedule reminders into your calendar or with Siri.

2. Prioritize relaxation and sleep.

Technology has become so integrated it our lives, it can be difficult to switch it off. The blue light emitted by your phone can have a negative impact on your sleep. To offset this, try to digitally detox an hour before bed. Whether it be a warm bath, reading a book or listening to relaxing music, find what works for YOU to help with the shift from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state, in preparation for sleep each night.

3. Practice gratitude.

At the end of each day, take the time to write down three things that happened over the day that you are thankful or grateful for. Studies have shown that benefits to practicing gratitude include improved happiness and mood, increased satisfaction with life and better sleep.

4. Take or make the time to exercise.

Get outside for a walk at lunch, or schedule a session in the gym. Whatever you choose, taking the time to exercise is going to have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.

5. Take some time away.

This doesn’t need to be a lavish week long holiday, it might only just be for a day. But even if you’re just changing your zip code for a day, taking the time every now and then to get away and do something for yourself can help you to relax, recharge, and come back fresh and ready to take on a new week.

Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist and Tony Robbins Results Coach from Fort Myers, Florida. She also is a Corrective Biomechanics Specialist, USA Triathlon Advanced Level 2 coach, USA Cycling coach, has a Specialty in Sports Nutrition certification, and a PhD in results!