Self care is important for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This guide to self care for beginners gives you a ton of ideas to get you started.
Put simply, self care is the practice of taking steps to protect, nurture, and improve all aspects of your health. It’s about learning to love yourself, and your body and being the best you that you can be.
Self care is identifying your own needs and taking the necessary steps to meet them. It’s about being as kind to yourself as you are to other people.
Our lives are busy. Work, family, friends, these things take up so much of our time that we leave very little for ourselves. It’s no wonder self care is often overlooked.
Think about your car. You need the car to take you where you need to go so you look after it. You give it fuel, wash it and take it for regular checks, because if you don’t it may not run as well as it should. See where I’m going with this?
Self care is crucial to your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. There are so many benefits and it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Beginners self care can be really simple, and not too time-consuming.
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Why Is Self Care Important?
- Slowing down and taking time for yourself can make you more productive. If you take the time to pause, take some deep breaths and do something for yourself this will give you the chance to focus and regroup. Once your head is clear you will be able to get so much more done.
- Regular self care will boost your energy levels and your immune system. Which means fewer sick days!
- You will reconnect with yourself. You start to think about what you love to do and what makes you happy. You will learn more about who you really are.
- Self care reduces feelings of anxiety and stress. Feeling well cared for leads to calm and relaxation.
- Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
- You will have more to give to others. How can you fully be present for friends and loved ones if you are running on empty? The better you feel, the more you can give.
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Self Care For Beginners
Here are some simple tips for self care for beginners that can be practised daily. You will find it easy to incorporate them into a self care plan that is tailored to suit your needs. They cover all aspects of self care and won’t take up a lot of your time.
Physical Self Care Ideas
- Take a nap – The days can be long and a 10 to 30-minute nap in the afternoon can be so beneficial. It can increase alertness and performance, and improve learning and memory. It can also prevent burnout and information overload. Napping also has psychological benefits. It can feel luxurious and indulgent and is an easy way to fit relaxation into your day.
- Take a bath – Personal hygiene is incredibly important and who doesn’t feel better after a nice long soak in the bath? Take time to pamper yourself, throw in some fancy bubbles, light some candles and let the hot water soothe you
- Go for a walk – Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise. Try to take a walk every day. A daily 30-minute walk will strengthen your heart, reduce the risk of disease, tone your muscles, and boost circulation. It will help maintain a healthy weight and help to manage high blood pressure and diabetes. Walking regularly can improve your mood and as it ensures that you spend time outside it can boost your levels of vitamin D.
- Stay hydrated – Water has so many benefits. It regulates body temperature and lubricates joints, and keeps skin supple. It also transports nutrients to give you the energy you need. Water promotes the health of your heart as dehydration will lower your blood volume, making your heart work much harder. You should be drinking around 2 litres a day to help keep your body in top condition. If plain water isn’t for you try adding sliced lemon or other citrus fruits.
- A healthy diet – Making small changes to your diet can be so beneficial. A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, it can help maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It can improve your energy and ensure you have sufficient essential vitamins and minerals. Each day try to change one item of food or drink to a healthier option. Try to eat at least 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day, and eat fresh as often as you can. Of course, everyone deserves a treat once in a while. It’s all about moderation.
Self Care For Your Mental Health
- Turn off your phone – Turning off your phone and taking a social media break for a minimum of 30 minutes a day has many benefits. It can reduce stress and encourage us to relax. We are more likely to communicate with the people around us and we will be better listeners. You will also find that you will be more productive as you will gain the time you usually spend on social media.
- Read a book – Curling up with a good book stimulates the brain. It improves your memory, focus and concentration. It’s great for helping you to de-stress. The relaxation that comes with reading can bring inner peace and can aid a good night’s sleep.
- Spend time with animals – Try taking some time out of your day to spend with a dog or cat. Pets can provide an enormous amount of stress relief. They are guaranteed to make you smile which also has many benefits. If you don’t own a pet try to visit a local shelter or rescue centre.
- Do something you enjoy – Take a little time to do something you love. This can boost your confidence and help you stay well, whether it’s cooking, DIY, or listening to music. Creative activities like sewing or drawing can help you to express yourself.
- Touch base with friends and family – Time alone can be great for relaxation but you must be sure to maintain healthy relationships with friends and family. Isolation will have a negative effect on your mental health so take time to call or visit people you love on a regular basis.
Self Care For Beginners
Emotional Self Care
- Meditation – Just 10 minutes of meditation a day can help you to be calmer and reduce worry. It is also known to have a positive effect on anxiety, stress, insomnia and various physical diseases. There are many guided meditation apps available and you can even find them on YouTube.
- Yoga – Consistent yoga practice can reduce depression and increase happiness. It can improve focus, memory, and problem-solving. If you can learn to quiet your mind it may reduce the emotions that cause stress and anxiety.
- Don’t hide your true feelings – If you are sad, cry. If you are angry, talk about it. Dealing with your emotions in a healthy way can reduce the risk of depression and other mental health issues. If something is bothering you tell someone. It won’t seem half as bad.
- Keep a journal – A journal is an excellent outlet for negative emotions, writing down your troubles can decrease their significance. Your self-awareness is increased and writing down your goals gives you encouragement to attain them. Writing regularly can improve communication skills and boost self confidence. Check out my journaling resources here.
- Be grateful – Every day write one thing down that you are grateful for. This is a humbling and uplifting experience and will make you realise just how much you have to be grateful for. A gratitude journal like this one is perfect for this.
This article covers the basics and gives you some great self care examples for beginners but really the possibilities are endless. Begin slowly, taking a little time for yourself each day.
Self care was crucial in my recovery from my anxiety and has allowed me to return to work and take care of my family.
I hope you find these tips on self care for beginners hepful.
How do you take time out for yourself and how does it benefit you?
