How to Actually Practice Self Care

Self-Care has become a buzzword in the world of wellness and mental health. In our current climate, it is becoming harder and harder to prioritize ourselves and really practice self-care. Especially living in a city like Los Angeles, there is so much to do and so many exciting things that catch your attention, slowing down and tuning into yourself is next to impossible. One piece of practicing self-care is making time for it, but another is to understand what self-care really is and which aspects of self-care are actually effective for you.

Self-care is often touted on social media as pampering – things like going to get a manicure or a massage, enjoying your favorite meal, or treating yourself to something you’ve been wanting to buy for a while. While all of these are certainly ways to practice self-care, there is so much more to self-care that is more important and more effective.

1.     Boring Self-Care

Self-care doesn’t have to – and often shouldn’t! – be glamorous. If we take the phrase literally, it means taking care of ourselves. Some of the most effective ways to feel better are making sure that our basic needs are getting met. Sometimes these are “boring,” hence the phrase “boring self-care.” This includes things like: are you getting enough sleep? Eating enough food or having easy to prepare foods for when you know you will be too busy or too tired to cook? Drinking enough water? Folding your laundry? Prioritize these first, even if they aren’t the most fun.

2.     Preventative Self Care

Instead of waiting until you are overwhelmed or burnt out, practice preventative self-care. This means doing the things you know you need to do to take care of yourself while you still have the energy. If you know that waking up a few minutes early to meditate helps you feel your best, continue to do this even when you are having a good day. Build joyful movement into your routine, plan time to socialize with friends, make time to read before bed. Whatever works for you, make it part of your life instead of a band aid you throw on once you are already in need of more care.

3.     Do Less

Doing less is another decidedly un-glamours aspect of self-care, but it is crucial. When we are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, the main thing we need to do is rest. No amount of bubble baths and pedicures will help you feel more energized if the issue is that you are stretching yourself too thin. Set boundaries, cancel plans, plan a weekend with nothing to do except for sleep. Speak up for yourself at work if something isn’t working for you. It is okay to prioritize yourself, even if it disappoints other people.

I hope this helps you have an idea of how to actually practice self-care and truly take care of yourself. If you want extra support, I would love to help. Feel free to call me at (424) 231-5877 or message me for a free 15-minute phone consultation. If you are looking for help with eating disorders, anxiety, or relationship issues, you can read more about how I can help here.