VCU RamStrong Well-being blog

Giving VCU employees the wellness resources they need to be healthy both on and off campus

self-care tips

Are you chronically exhausted and feel like you’re in a rut? It creates a negative atmosphere that can cause a quick downward spiral into depression. How can you take care of yourself and increase your positive energy? There’s a big difference between being a toxic narcissist and indulging in some self-care tips to make you feel happy. Some people know how to be kind to others but have no idea how to show compassion to themselves. Thirty Self-Care Tips You Need to be Happy If you’re in desperate need of some self-care, here are thirty helpful self-care tips that can increase your energy and boost positivity in every area of your life.

Self-Care Tips That Will Nudge You Towards Better Health

These first tips will give you a gentle push out of your comfort zone.

1. Enjoy a Healthy Diet

Treat your body like the ultimate engine it is and fuel it wisely. Try to incorporate a balance of healthy whole foods into your diet. Eliminate or minimize highly processed junk food that can be detrimental to your health.

2. Stay Hydrated

An article published by the National Library of Medicine states that at least 75 percent of American adults are dehydrated. Your body is composed of a high percentage of water, and you need it for vital functions. Make it a goal to drink at least eight to ten glasses of fresh water every day.

3. Consider Supplements

Most people get enough nutrients from their diet to benefit their bodies. If you’re lacking, you may consider quality vitamins and minerals as one of your self-care tips to utilize. Nutritional supplements may be needed even more as you get older because your body may not absorb some as well.

4. Mindful Breathing

In many ancient cultures, breath was equated with your soul. Have you ever noticed how shallow your breathing is sometimes? Mindful breathing brings fresh oxygen into your body while you meditate on its life-giving qualities.

5. Get Enough Sleep

There’s a good reason why you may spend most of your morning in a brain fog as you guzzle a pot of coffee. Part of your care routine should include getting enough sleep at night. Most people need about eight to ten hours, but your age and overall health determine the exact amount you need. Check with your family doctor for additional guidance on this.

6. Give More Hugs

Hugging someone doesn’t cost you a penny, and it can be priceless to them. Remember to hug your loved ones and pets often, and make sure you tell them how much you love them. Their loving embraces will be a boost to your mood and well-being.

7. Show Gratitude

Maintaining a mindset of gratitude can bring more positivity into your life. It may amaze you when you concentrate on all your blessings. Plus, your positive attitude works with the Universe to attract more blessings to you.

8. Get Moving

Self-care tips like regular exercise can’t be ignored. Even if you get outside and walk for a half-hour a day, you’re strengthening your muscles and joints. Incorporate small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from the building so you can walk.

9. Hike

There’s no better way to revitalize your body, mind, and spirit than a brisk hike through the forest. You can still venture out into the park or another inspiring venue if you live in the city. Maybe you could make it a family outing so everyone is practicing self-care.

10. Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones

It may be challenging to find enough family time with your busy schedule. However, quality is more important than quantity. Schedule fun activities like a family movie night and make each meal unique with lively conversation.

11. Meditate

Meditation is an ancient self-care tool that countless people use today. Designate a sacred space in your home where you can sit quietly and be. Bring your mind gently into focus and allow your thoughts to pass like silent clouds overhead.

12. Have More Fun

When’s the last time you laughed until your sides ached? Laughter stimulates your brain to produce hormones that lighten your mood. Never miss an opportunity to have fun, watch a comedy, or even chuckle at yourself.

13. Take a Vacation

One of the best ways to give your brain proper rest is a diversion. Getaway for a while and enjoy some different scenery. Whether your vacation is a week, weekend, or even a staycation, take a break from the ordinary.

14. Give Yourself a Beauty Treatment

Show your body how much you appreciate it by giving it regular beauty treatments. You deserve a fresh manicure and pedicure occasionally. Spend an afternoon in a spa and relax with a massage and facial.

15. Take Leisurely Baths

Your bathtub is a private sanctuary where you can wash away your cares. Splurge on luxury bath items like soaps, lotions, and hair treatments. Light a few candles, grab the latest romance novel, and soak to your heart’s content.

16. Commune with Nature

There’s an eternal connection between you and the Universe that can sometimes be blocked due to daily stress. Try to spend as much time as you can in the great outdoors. Breathe the fresh air and find inspiration in the beauty of the trees, plants, and woodland creatures.

17. Journal Regularly

How do you know if your self-care routine is working? Journaling is an excellent tool for recording your daily activities and thoughts. It can also help bring words to your feelings to understand yourself better.

18. Volunteer 

According to an article published by Western Connecticut State University, volunteering provides mutual benefits. According to the report, when you help others, you can benefit physically and mentally. Consider spending a few hours volunteering for a local cause close to your heart each week.

19. Challenge Your Brain

Your brain gets bored quickly and craves a challenge. Nourish it by learning something new each day. Try a challenge like studying a foreign language or doing puzzles that enhance your cognitive skills, and it’s one of your self-care tips to utilize.

20. Learn to Be Adventurous

Boredom and depression often go hand-in-hand. Break out of your usual box and try something new. Visit a place you’ve dreamed about or make that much-wanted career move. You can enhance your well-being with occasional spontaneity and unique experiences.

21. Leave the Past

Do you live in the dark shadows of past regret and rumination? Learning to cope with the past and moving on is a vital one of your self-care tips. Maybe there’s someone in your life that you need to forgive to start to heal.

22. Explore Your Creative Side

Even if you don’t consider yourself an artsy person, you have some creativity. You can have fun exploring your talent. It can be art, music, or anything you do that brings you joy.

23. Reconnect Spiritually

You needn’t be religious to realize your bond with the Divine. Whether you call it God, the Universe, or Your Higher Self, it’s an integral part of your well-being. Meditation, journaling, prayer, chanting, and using divination tools can bring you closer to spiritual realms.

24. Honor Your Boundaries

For any relationship to last, you need healthy boundaries. Sometimes, people in your circle push your limits and create negative energy. Stand firm on your boundaries and let people know how you expect to be treated.

25. Clear Your Space

It’s difficult to practice self-care tips when you’re smothering in clutter. Decide what’s most essential for you and get rid of the rest. An uncluttered environment helps you release the clutter in your mind.

26. Learn Self-Compassion

Would you have many friends if you treated them the way you treat yourself? Be compassionate and forgiving of yourself to eliminate the negative self-talk. Tell yourself each day that you’re beautiful, good-hearted, and worthy of love.

27. Use Some More Free Time

In the last hours of their life, nobody ever wishes they’d spent more time at work. Although you need to make a living, your body also needs time to relax and have fun. Don’t feel guilty about watching a favorite tv show, reading a novel, or just napping.

28. Listen to Your Inner Voice

Did you know that your body will tell you what it needs if you listen? That still, small voice knows when your life is unbalanced. When you learn to trust your intuition, you may discover things about yourself you never knew.

29. Eliminate the Toxicity in Your Life

Maybe you’re a people pleaser who is afraid to tell others “No.” Are there people in your circle who bring you nothing but aggravation and pain? Do yourself a favor and say goodbye to people, situations, and old ideas that are toxic.

30. Re-Evaluate Your Goals Once in a While

Remember all the things you wanted to be when you grew up? As you get older, your outlook changes, and so can your goals. Do an honest re-evaluation of where you’re and where you’re going and adjust as needed.

By Deborah Tayloe, Power of Positivity

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