Home Mindful Living 15 Easy Self-Care Tips That Will Actually Energize You

15 Easy Self-Care Tips That Will Actually Energize You

by Vidya Sury November 11, 2019 24 comments
15 easy self-care tips that will actually energize you

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 didn’t slow down and pushed myself until I was forced to get a health check and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  You don’t have to do that. And you shouldn’t!

As a solopreneur/mom business/blogger/influencer – 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 can’t 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, isn’t that what we want—to 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 easy—getting more sleep or unplugging and some need a bit of planning—such as planning a getaway.

15 easy self-care tips that will actually energize you


and keep you sane!

15 easy Self-Care Tips That Will Actually Energize You a

  1. 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 mind—I 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 don’t need to go far or do something fancy. Just make a list of the places you’ve always wanted to see. It’s fine to be a tourist in your own town. Can’t 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.

  1. Find Your Flow

This is about finding your passion. Doing what you love. You’ve 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 enjoy—these include sketching, cooking, music, books and travel. The best self-care tips involve activities that make you happy!

find yourself 15 self-care tips

  1. Unplug regularly

It’s 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 what’s going on in real life. So, make it a point to put down your devices – unplug – and spend time with your family and friends—face 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 “me” time? Read a book. Go for a walk. Get a coloring book and play with some crayons. Meditate.

  1. Nix Negative Friendships

I’ve 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.

  1. 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.

Just relax 15 self-care tips

  1. Enjoy some nature therapy

It does not matter how old you are or where you live—spending 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 can’t 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.

  1. 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.

enjoy the little things 15 self-care tips

  1. 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 nobody’s 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 moment—and 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 you’ve got one. Or grab a jump rope and enjoy 10 minutes of jumping. Whatever works for you.

  1. 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. Isn’t it nice when people see you as someone who is kind and giving? Yes, self-care at its best.

  1. Hang Out with Happy People

Ever noticed how someone’s 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, you’ll find it easy to spread that vibe!

choose happy 15 self-care tips

  1. 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 don’t have. Tapping into thankfulness keeps you from feeling envious of others. Here’s 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.

  1. 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. I’ve 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, that’s 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.

  1. Simplify

Marie Kondo is making waves with her strategies to simplify and declutter. She has a valid point. Get rid of what you don’t need—it is less to manage and less to clean and dust. Clutter, to an extent is okay—but 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 don’t need or want anymore. Make space for fresh energy.

just breathe 15 self-care tips

  1. 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 don’t worry as much or feel sad. You don’t 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. You’ll find that you deal with stress much better. Things don’t freak you out as much as they otherwise would.

  1. 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 there’s a big problem, they pretend nothing is wrong and struggle to tackle it solo. But the truth is, there’s 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 won’t disappear overnight, but at least you can get it off your chest. When you have professional support, you’ll feel better about taking charge.

Busy. Does that describe your schedule? Here are 15 easy self care tips to energize you

And that’s 15 self-care tips that will actually energize you and keep you motivated. I am sure you’ll agree that most of them are simple enough to practice.

♄

Which of these self-care tips are you practicing?

Which is your favorite?

What self-care tips would you add to this?

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24 comments

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24 comments

Felicia Austin November 12, 2019 at 7:15 am

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!

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Julie November 12, 2019 at 11:47 am

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

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Nicole Steyn November 12, 2019 at 2:55 pm

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.

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Shilpa Garg November 12, 2019 at 6:17 pm

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 😀
Shilpa Garg recently posted…5 Things About Life I Wish I Had Known 20 Years Ago #WordsMatter

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Elle Sommer November 13, 2019 at 8:48 pm

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.

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Debbie Hampton November 13, 2019 at 8:56 pm

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

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Sandra Pawula November 14, 2019 at 2:53 am

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

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Damyanti November 17, 2019 at 10:08 pm

A great list Vidya. Gratitude is certainly my favourite

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Nyxie November 20, 2019 at 12:47 pm

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!

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Holly Bird November 21, 2019 at 3:41 am

I love your tips and advice self care is so important..and you really share some awesome ideas!

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Craige Hardel November 22, 2019 at 1:52 am

Really informative content and tips. I’m surprised how much keeping a journal has helped me organize my thoughts and slow down

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PRANYAAS ELDERCARE November 23, 2019 at 4:40 pm

It’s really informative content and tips and also it’s very helpful to everyone.

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Emily Nelson December 3, 2019 at 10:54 am

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!

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navmeet ratan January 3, 2020 at 6:30 pm

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

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Afton Jackson January 9, 2020 at 10:27 am

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.

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Shyamali Bhatt January 29, 2020 at 11:23 am

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

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Dhanashree Barkate April 9, 2020 at 4:45 pm

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

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self empowerment June 9, 2020 at 2:20 pm

Self-esteem that’s based on external achievements doesn’t last! Take a personal inventory of your good qualities. Often what you hate blinds you to your great attributes.

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strategies for good mental health July 4, 2020 at 11:12 am

If you are unhappy with something or someone, don’t expect them to change to suit you. You can explain your feelings and perhaps suggest a way where both parties can compromise – but don’t just expect everything to change to suit you.

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RMC September 19, 2020 at 2:07 pm

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.

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chiropractor near me North York January 6, 2021 at 2:56 pm

It’s 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.

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Revati Sharma February 16, 2021 at 6:24 pm

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

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Lee LaCasse August 10, 2021 at 11:49 pm

I also go my chiropractor every 4 – 6 weeks to get a spinal
adjustment which gets me feeling much better.

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Carla Corelli May 31, 2022 at 9:34 pm

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 – The Mental Health Crisis Created by Covid-19

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