“Self care”, a term we hear so often yet so few of us practice. Self care is the mindset, activities, practices and habits we bring to bear against stress, unhappiness, illness, depression and many more negative emotions. It involves making time for yourself, taking care of your mental health and making yourself a priority.

“Making time for yourself, taking care of your mental health and making yourself a priority.”

Self care activities do not have to be something huge or extreme time consuming. These are little rituals that help you keep a check on yourself as well as provide a sense of balance and comfort in these crazy times. Listed below are some of the activities that have worked well for me in the past.

• Say ‘no’

One of the most difficult but most important activity is to learn to say no without feeling guilty about it. Prioritising yourself is a must.

• Create a self indulging ritual

Take out a couple hours and indulge in an activity you absolutely love but seldom get time for. Could be reading a book, watching some video on a topic of interest or even colouring.

• Spend an hour doing nothing

And I mean absolutely nothing. We are so caught up doing something or the other all the time that we fort o just sit and breathe.

• Take yourself out on a coffee date

A change of space with a comforting beverage always helps. It is good to go out with friends or family but going alone is equally important. 

• Make a list of everything you love about yourself

This is specially for those gloomy days. When nothing seems to be going right and you question everything. Little reminders go a long way. 

• Jot down everything you enjoyed over the week

This is something I have been practicing for a few months and works well for me. You just write down all the small happy moments you had in a couple words and read them back at the end of the week. 

• Bake your favourite dessert

I absolutely love baking. But am guilty of not baking often because of multiple reasons. If you do this too, this is a sign for you to go and bake/ cook your favorite dessert and eat it! 

• Complete the long pending task

Never have I ever opened my planner to see atleast one task that I have been planning to do for months just circled and underlined. Completing those tasks give a sense of accomplishment which helps in uplifting the mood. 

• Take a new route

Explore where you live. Go for a walk or run a search for spots in your neighborhood you might have missed. You could also change the route you follow. Take a small detour or even try something different. 

• Dance party

You may not be a fan of dancing. But put on some music and dance alone in your room. Start with the song you love or have been listening to a lot recently just bounce around through your hands in the air. Celebrate yourself!

• Have a long bath

Nothing de-stresses your body like a bath. If you are not someone who is a big fan of them then try putting on some music or light some candles and watch a show in the bath. 

• Declutter

This may seem not no effective but trust me. When you clear your surrounding and put things away in their space, your mind comes to ease and helps you relax. 

• Deep clean

Don’t confuse this with decluttering. Deep cleaning does take time and effort. But it’s so rewarding and fulfilling. It gives a sense of accomplishment like no other. 

• Edit your social media

We all spend a lot of time glued to the screens. Edit the content you interact with. Be mindful of the people you follow. Mute the news channels and/ or people who disturb your peace. 

• Stretch

Get up. Do a 10 minute streching exercise. Release the stress you’ve been carrying. With all of us working from the same spot the entire day, a little streching will do wonders. 

• Be attentive of what you eat

Your food habits affect not just your digestive system but also your mood. Try including fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and consume ample water. 

• Conduct a mini fashion show for yourself

Remember when Carrie was moving in with Big and had a mini fashion show with her friends? Do that! You don’t even need to keep your friends on video call. After living in pyjamas for about a year, raid your closet and try your favorite outfits just for the sake of it! I love doing this!

• Buy a small gift for yourself

Don’t go crazy. Or maybe do. Treat yourself to a bag or a skirt or maybe some piece of furniture you’ve been eyeing. Celebrate making it so far in these crazy times. 

• Spend time in the sun

With all of us working from home and staying indoors as much as possible, getting the daily dose of Vitamin D has become difficult. Atleast stick your head out the window for a few minutes everyday. You won’t regret it. 

• Sit by the window and make your favourite beverage

How often do we get the opportunity to sit by the window or any cozy spot while we take a break from work and sip on something comforting? Taking such calm breaks help in putting your mind to ease and think better.

• Plan a staycation for yourself

So many of us are unsure about traveling. If you’re the same, then I would highly recommend going for a staycation. You can click here for ideas and information. 

• Take a power nap

If you are not somebody who feels refreshed after a power nap then just close your eyes and lie down. Take those 10-15 minutes to rest your eyes. This may seem like something so small but is essential.

• Spruce up your space

A change in view always helps in breaking the monotony we’re stuck in. Given the current situation, it isn’t feasible to step out everyday or work from a cafe. You don’t even need to purchase anything to change your space. Small things like moving your furniture around and getting creative with the decor does the trick. 

• Practice gardening

Gardening has proven to be extremely calming and centering in this pandemic. If you don’t have a green thumb then start with something easy like basil or some pretty flowers and work your way up. 

• Technology detox

Staying glued to the screen for 12 hours everyday is taxing. Take a break from social media for a week. Instead try any of the other activity. I cannot stress on how important it is to take a break from social media especially when we do have to be on our laptops almost everyday due to work.