A few days ago, I wrote about five basic things you need to start your own business. Yes, it is a bold move, it is challenging, often overwhelming and while hugely rewarding, also a big drain on your energy. I decided I must write a list of self-care tips to keep you energized.
I recall the days when I completely lost track of time, trying to do it all and reaching a point of burnout. Even then, I didnât slow down and pushed myself until I was forced to get a health check and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. You donât have to do that. And you shouldnât!
As a solopreneur/mom business/blogger/influencer â even as you do everything in your power to make your business work, you have to set aside time to take care of yourself. You canât pour from an empty cup and that means making sure you have a self-care routine in place.
Here are 15 self-care tips that will actually energize you and keep you enthusiastic and happy. After all, at the end of the day, isnât that what we wantâto be happy?
It is all too easy to get caught up in that busy-ness and use every waking moment to tackle your ever-growing task list. But it is also crucial to focus on your health so you can continue to manage your hectic routine with a smile on your face and not worry about skipped meals and lost sleep.
Do dip into this self-care tips list every day and incorporate at least one thing to keep yourself motivated. Some are easyâgetting more sleep or unplugging and some need a bit of planningâsuch as planning a getaway.
15 easy self-care tips that will actually energize you
âŠand keep you sane!
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Get away from it all
This is first on my list! As my workload grew, I realized that it is important to take short breaks whenever possible with family or friends, or solo as part of my self-care routine. Travel truly ventilates the mindâI can personally endorse that. When I travel, I make it a point to inform my clients. I do not carry any devices except my phone for practical reasons and also, for the camera.
So next time you have days off from work, head out of town. If you are wondering what to do when you are your own boss, give yourself days off! That simple! You donât need to go far or do something fancy. Just make a list of the places youâve always wanted to see. Itâs fine to be a tourist in your own town. Canât get away? No problems. Planning a trip can be just as exciting and boost your mood, simply because it is something to look forward to. Or just go enjoy a sleepover with your bestie.
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Find Your Flow
This is about finding your passion. Doing what you love. Youâve probably experienced this: you get so engrossed with what you are doing that you lose track of time. This can be a good thing, because you feel confident about what you are doing and you are more open to taking risks. So put some thought into identifying what you enjoy. Choose hobbies that relax you. And when you enjoy what you do, whether at work or for leisure, your life will feel more meaningful.
As someone who works from home as a writer, blogger and editor, I do get carried away with what I am doing especially when I am in the flow. I realized this quickly enough and made it a point to take time off for hobbies I enjoyâthese include sketching, cooking, music, books and travel. The best self-care tips involve activities that make you happy!
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Unplug regularly
Itâs hard to find anyone who does not use a computer these days. But if you stare too long at that screen, it can be easy to miss whatâs going on in real life. So, make it a point to put down your devices â unplug â and spend time with your family and friendsâface to face. This helps your brain to slow down and focus more. It calms you. It boosts your mood, keeps you healthy.
Of course, you may need practice to shut your laptop and phone, but the effort is very much worth it. Particularly when you are with the ones you love. Give them your full attention. Feel like some âmeâ time? Read a book. Go for a walk. Get a coloring book and play with some crayons. Meditate.
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Nix Negative Friendships
Iâve talked about people you should sign the zero-tolerance agreement with. Thing is, toxic people can drain you of your energy and leave you feeling lousy about yourself. Result? Frustration. The time spent with these people? Useless. So, if you have anyone on your friends list who makes you feel this way, consider distancing yourself. You need true friends in your life. Keep the ones that are supportive and comfort you and make you feel happy.
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Pamper yourself with a massage
Among the most enjoyable self-care tips on this list! Getting a massage is not just to ease sore muscles and manage pain. A massage is also a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, helping you relax. Managing stress can keep lifestyle diseases at bay. So, book one at your favorite massage center and feel the difference. No time? Then set aside ten minutes to sit in your favorite chair, and soak your feet in a tub of warm water with Epsom salt. Great way to detox. Give yourself a home-facial. Or just lay down for ten minutes and listen to music.
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Enjoy some nature therapy
It does not matter how old you are or where you liveâspending time outdoors, in nature calms you and keeps you balanced. Being in nature also helps improves your perspective on life, focus better and connect with others. Even if you canât get out every day, try sitting near a window and look outside.
Browse through nature photos. Nurture an indoor plant. All this can help you stay grounded. I have a bamboo plant near my window where the sunlight falls on it. Just looking at it makes me feel much better. Of course, as a diabetic, walking every day is a non-negotiable. But you know what I mean. Every little helps.
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Get enough sleep
This is one of the most important self-care tips on this list. There is an unlimited amount of research about the consequences of not getting enough sleep. Of course, when you are busy, you probably think sleep is a waste of time. But no, your body and brain need the sleep to function well. During sleep, our organs refresh themselves and we wake up rested.
When we get our quota of sleep, we are more alert, think clearly and manage stress better. Sleep also helps our immune system stay strong. It promotes better heart health and weight management. A lack of sleep opens the gateway to a long list of diseases. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
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Move and shake
There will be times when you feel stuck or blank. This happens when you are stressed over something. The best way to snap out of this is to get active. Turn that music on loud and shake a leg. Dance like nobodyâs watching. Or take a brisk walk. This is my favorite. I grab my camera and out I go into the fresh air. The great thing about a walk is the rhythmic movement that takes you out of your head and helps you focus on the present momentâand makes you feel ready for whatever you have to tackle or face.
Oh, you could swim a few laps if you are up for it. Or jump on a trampoline, if youâve got one. Or grab a jump rope and enjoy 10 minutes of jumping. Whatever works for you.
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Give Back
When we help others, we feel good. Perform random acts of kindness. Donate time and energy to someone or a cause. Volunteer. The happiness that comes with doing something selfless is great. It is a wonderful way to give your brain a good workout even as you make the world a better place. Isnât it nice when people see you as someone who is kind and giving? Yes, self-care at its best.
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Hang Out with Happy People
Ever noticed how someoneâs attitude and feelings can rub off on you? Watch out for those vibes. As far as possible, hang out with people who spread good vibes, people who have a positive outlook on life, people who seem happy. This will keep you cheerful and enthusiastic about life. And when you are happy, youâll find it easy to spread that vibe!
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Practice gratitude
Gratitude is an effective way to practice self-care. Just pause to take stock of what you are thankful for. Keep a gratitude journal. Gratitude is transformative, especially when times are rough and you focus on what you have rather than what you donât have. Tapping into thankfulness keeps you from feeling envious of others. Hereâs something to do right away: think of someone who has helped you and write them a thank you note. Whether or not you send it, you will feel good for having written it.
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Keep a journal
The credit for this goes to my Mom. She believed that when we face overwhelm, putting our thoughts and feelings on paper makes them easier to deal with. Writing in a journal gives us perspective on which worries and fears truly need to be dealt with and help us deal with problems, nipping the habit of negative self-talk in the bud. Iâve kept a diary since my childhood and I promise you, it feels wonderful to unload thoughts on paper.
So, invest in a nice notebook and pen and write in it. Unload your mind in it. If you find it easier to go digital, thatâs good too. There are plenty of note-taking apps. Let your feelings flow on to your journal and cleanse your mind. Journaling is a great tool for self-discovery.
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Simplify
Marie Kondo is making waves with her strategies to simplify and declutter. She has a valid point. Get rid of what you donât needâit is less to manage and less to clean and dust. Clutter, to an extent is okayâbut there comes a point when it starts to stress you out and you can really do without that! For some people, it builds up to such an extent that they feel terrible about themselves and stop interacting with others for fear of what they may think about them. Next comes sleepless nights wondering how to deal with it all.
So, if you have clutter to deal with, start small. Chip away, little by little, at what you really donât need or want anymore. Make space for fresh energy.
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Feed Your Soul
No list of self-care tips would be complete without feeding your soul. Nurture your spiritual side. When you do that, you are donât worry as much or feel sad. You donât have to be religious and pray, although, that helps too. Just cultivate the habit to meditate and breathe. Set aside at least ten minutes a day to do this. For some, first thing in the morning works. Choose a time that works for you. If sitting still is difficult, practice walking meditation. Youâll find that you deal with stress much better. Things donât freak you out as much as they otherwise would.
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Reach out when you need help
The one thing most people are convinced about is this: they have to do it all on their own. When thereâs a big problem, they pretend nothing is wrong and struggle to tackle it solo. But the truth is, thereâs no shame in seeking help. Whether you are dealing with a business problem or a mental issue, do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Look for a support group. This can help you gain a new perspective on your specific situation, and make the best choices. So yes, your problem wonât disappear overnight, but at least you can get it off your chest. When you have professional support, youâll feel better about taking charge.
And thatâs 15 self-care tips that will actually energize you and keep you motivated. I am sure youâll agree that most of them are simple enough to practice.
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Which of these self-care tips are you practicing?
Which is your favorite?
What self-care tips would you add to this?
24 comments
I love every single one of these tips Vidya! I have been minimalizing since we started our journey in Japan and I have to say it’s the way to go! It’s less clutter for me therefore less stress lol. The last one is the one I have the most trouble with because I am always the one who helps not the one who needs help. I’ve been working on that for a very long time. I have taken baby steps but I know I’m not where I need to be. Thank you for this helpful post yet again!
I certainly find that if I unplug from technology that I feel revitalised. It was the best decision that I ever made to set “rules” with regards to work and flow and technology. I no longer address anything during family time and weekends unless I have a huge deadline (which is not often) then I don’t carry my phone or laptop anywhere any longer
Love all these practices! I already incorporate some of them, but need to add a few, like taking regular short breaks and asking for help when I really need it. Simplifying is also a big one that I need to look into to now. I tend to over-complicate things. I’ve never actually thought of simplifying as a self care practice: You’ve given me a new perspective.
These are some must-follow tips. I have seen that the more we take care of ourselves, the more confident, creative, and productive we are! Getting away from it all is my fav. Getting away from the desk and doing something else or walking around in the garden helps too. I must sign zero-tolerance agreement with quite a few people. LOL đ
Shilpa Garg recently posted…5 Things About Life I Wish I Had Known 20 Years Ago #WordsMatter
Definitely gratitude is my favourite Vidya. I have found it to be the most transformative emotion in my world. Which makes sense when you think about it. The vibration of gratitude that we feel signals receiving something good…after all that’s what we usually feel when we get something we like. So practicing being in that mindset seems to have the effect of receiving more good things to be grateful for. It’s a wonderful life cycle.
Good tips, Vidya. I do many of these everyday and some once in a while. I exercise and practice gratitude daily. Sleep is always a priority for me and my brain. I try to unplug on Friday afternoons and evenings. (It feels so good.) I try to get out in nature often – not so much now that it’s winter. Self-care really makes a difference and is not selfish. It’s essential.
Debbie Hampton recently posted…12 Strategies for Building Resilience
I love these, Vidya. I actually do quite a few of them. Maybe it’s a bit of laziness but I find I have to push myself a bit to get out of the house, but I’m so glad when I do. There is so much natural beauty where I live and I love to walk along the ocean cliffs.
Sandra Pawula recently posted…15 Things to Stop Telling Yourself Right Now
A great list Vidya. Gratitude is certainly my favourite
I love these tips! I need to pay more attention to this side of self-care like starting to mend or cut ties with negative relationships, or unplugging myself regularly. Even last night when the internet was down I was still plugged in watching Youtube on my phone. Tonight I may opt for a book instead!
I love your tips and advice self care is so important..and you really share some awesome ideas!
Really informative content and tips. I’m surprised how much keeping a journal has helped me organize my thoughts and slow down
It’s really informative content and tips and also it’s very helpful to everyone.
I love this article, Vidya! Self-care is important and we should always make time for it. Getting away once in a while is truly helpful that’s why I see to it that I have time to travel to places I’ve never been before. It’s a therapy I find fulfilling. Plus, gratitude really goes a long way and having a simple way of life creates a feeling that can’t be measured by words alone. Kudos!
Really very nicely written Vidya,apart from various points you mentioned i guess Building affirmation and practicing meditation is a must thing to do for today generation and it’s a must have arsenal one should have to fight against depression and anxiety
I like that you mentioned to isolate yourself from intolerable people because it is a huge waste of energy. My wife and I are starting to help ourselves start a new life. It would be nice if we can get in touch with personal care services who can support our lives in a clean slate.
This is such a motivating blog. Thanks for such great content. It was a good read.
Shyamali Bhatt recently posted…Healthy Foods to Boost your Brain & Nervous System
These tips are so much needed nowadays in these time-bound schedules.. Thank you for sharing with us.
Dhanashree Barkate recently posted…Ayurvedic Acidity Treatment
Self-esteem thatâs based on external achievements doesnât last! Take a personal inventory of your good qualities. Often what you hate blinds you to your great attributes.
If you are unhappy with something or someone, donât expect them to change to suit you. You can explain your feelings and perhaps suggest a way where both parties can compromise â but donât just expect everything to change to suit you.
Such a great post. Recently I found a physical activity that I really enjoy doing and that makes me feel so empowered. A few years ago I used to have a gratitude journal, your post reminded me to start again as it was a really great way to nurture positivity.
Itâs so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. Learning how to eat right, reduce stress, exercise regularly, and take a time-out when you need it are touchstones of self-care and can help you stay healthy, happy, and resilient.
Self-care is an important thing. Your tips are truly amazing and can be done if properly followed.
Revati Sharma recently posted…Uterine Fibroid Treatment
I also go my chiropractor every 4 – 6 weeks to get a spinal
adjustment which gets me feeling much better.
Hello again Vidya! Two years ago I was burnt out to a husk and it is only now that I am finally getting my spark back. So I have to second every single recommendation you make here, because nobody should allow themselves to get to the stage where they wake up in the morning and no longer recognise themselves.
Carla Corelli recently posted…How to overcome Pandemic Burnout â The Mental Health Crisis Created by Covid-19