The importance of self-care and how to practice it

The notion of self-care has become ever more widely discussed in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While some people might dismiss it as just another buzzword used to sell products, the truth is that self-care is crucial for both our mental and physical health. Yet far too many of us ignore it completely, either because we don’t realize its importance or because we’re simply too busy with other commitments to prioritize our own wellbeing. Read on to find out why it’s vital to bring some self-care into our lives, and some inspirational ideas for how you can do so.
 
Why is self-care important?Consciously taking some time out to look after ourselves is crucial for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a great way to relax and reduce stress. This in turn is key for both our mental and physical health, because stress can lead to all sorts of negative effects, from headaches and high blood pressure to depression and insomnia. In addition, self-care can help us to maintain a better balance between our work and personal lives, improve our relationships with those around us, and even boost our self-esteem and happiness levels. All of which can do wonders for our overall wellbeing.
 
Ideas for bringing a little self-care into your lifeSo now that you have a better idea of why self-care is so important, let’s look at some ways to practice it. There are all sorts of different techniques you can try, so take some time to figure out what works best for you personally. It shouldn’t take too long before you start to feel the effects! Here are some suggestions to get you inspired:

• Take a walk on the beach or in an area of woodland
• Join a dance class or other fun form of exercise
• Reward yourself with a gift from judithleiber.com or another brand that you love
• Buy a gift for a friend or family member
• Treat yourself to a spa day, massage or facial
• Bring the spa home by taking a long soak in the bathtub
• Meditate (Calm and Headspace are great apps for beginners)
• Try a breathing exercise for immediate stress relief
• Use an adult coloring book to reduce feelings of anxiety
• Take up a new creative hobby, such as drawing, writing poetry or playing a musical instrument
• Have a go at journaling to work through difficult feelings
• Write down three things that you are grateful for every day
• Declutter your physical environment
• Bring houseplants into your home
• Light scented candles for a calming atmosphere
• Volunteer with a local charity or nonprofit organization
• Spread love and positivity through random acts of kindness
• Eat healthily and drink plenty of water, but allow yourself the occasional sweet treat too
• Spend quality time with friends and family
• Curl up with a good book
• Watch an episode of your favorite TV show
• Allow yourself to have a nap or wake up late to ensure you’re well rested
• Cuddle your pets
• Sing along to your favorite songs for an instant mood boost