Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It's also key to a good relationship with oneself and others.

Why is it so important?

Taking time out to care for yourself can remind you and others that you and your needs are important, too. Having a well-cared-for body can make you feel good about yourself and your life, and conveys to others that you value yourself. This can contribute to long-term feelings of well-being.

12 tips for self care

If it feels wrong, don't do it

Do you ever get the feeling that something feels wrong? and it turns out, it was wrong? Your instinct will never fails you. Trust yourself, listen to yourself. Don't be afraid to say no, it is your right to refuse something if you don't feel comfortable.

Get a sleeping schedule

Sleep is really important. A great sleeping schedule is primordial for your health. Keeping a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends—maintains the timing of the body's internal clock and can help you fall asleep and wake up more easily. Even if real life stands in the way of achieving the perfect sleep routine, making just a few small changes can improve your sleep dramatically.

Get a morning routine

The morning routine helps us set the tone for the day, better allowing us to control our schedules rather than our schedule controlling us. As we start each day fresh, we can better focus on what is in front of us, where to prioritize our time, and, ultimately, increase our productivity.

stay away from drama & negativity

Drama and negativity affect us. They are all around us. Take a minute to clean up your social medias feeds, free yourself of what weights you down.

never give up on your dreams

You need dreams in life, a goal. I would not have gotten far without one. I dreamed about having my own company, working from home, being a personal trainer. If I would have given up, I don't know where I would be but I would not be as happy as I am right now. You have one life, take it.

read a good book

One Thing, Big Magic, The Subtle Art of not giving a Fuck... These are my favorite books. I cannot really read because of my ADHD but I force myself to read a paragraph minimum per day. I will explain why in another article but yeah. When we read, not only are we improving memory and empathy, but research has shown that it makes us feel better and more positive too. Science has shown that reading has some amazing health benefits, including helping with depression, cutting stress, and reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer's later in life.

eat healthy

What is the Relationship Between Food and Mood? It is well known that unhealthy eating patterns can cause mood swings. Blood sugar fluctuations and nutritional imbalances are often to blame. Without a steady source of fuel from the foods we eat, our mind and bodies don't function well.

drink water

Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. Water also makes your skin clearer and healthier.

take a daily walk

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular brisk walking can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mood, and improve your balance and coordination. It is also a moment for you to think and reflect.

exercise daily

As long as you're not pushing yourself too hard or getting obsessive about it, working out every day is fine. Make sure it's something you enjoy without being too strict with yourself, especially during times of illness or injury. Exercising daily will improve your mood and make you healthier. By exercising I mean moving: a walk, training, yoga, zumba, whatever makes you feel happy.

cook at home

Eating healthy will improve your mood. You are human but the human body is a machine. Think of your body like a supercar. You have to put the best fuel in it possible for it to work like a champ. Cooking at home will force you to eat good food and take care of yourself.

adopt an animal

This last one might not be for everyone. One thing I know for sure is that adopting an animal helped me take care of myself. By taking care of another sentient being, it forced me to take care of me. I could not let myself drown because that would mean I would give up on him.