Self-care did not become part of my vocabulary until a few years ago. I was working in a job that was demanding and often left me feeling helpless. During this period, I was also confused about where I wanted to go in my career and facing severe burnout. Luckily, I had a group of amazing peers that stressed how important it was for me to make time to take care of myself. 

I have to say that I’m not an expert and definitely recommend seeing a doctor or professional if you’re in a rut. I, myself, went to see a therapist during that difficult time. On top of that, these are a few practices I’ve implemented into my life to help me feel my best. I hope they inspire you to adopt a routine that also works well for you!

Take a Warm Bubble Bath

Setting some time on the weekend to take a warm bubble bath has become one of my favorite ways to relieve stress. It’s one of those ways to get a spa treatment without having to leave your house. The warm water helps relax your muscles and release any tension, and it’s also a great way to take a break from what you’re doing. I’d recommend having a glass of wine or sparkling water and a good book, music or movie to make this moment to unwind a bit more enjoyable. I usually follow this routine with some yoga and stretching in order to maximize the benefits.

Make Time to Unplug

Getting off my phone and the internet has become a key way for me to make time for myself. It’s really surprising how much energy we sometimes put into scrolling or browsing the web. When it gets really bad, I try to deactivate my social media accounts. However, that can be really difficult for me as a digital marketer. Instead, I try to implement activities into my day that take away my attention from these devices. One of my favorite things to do when I just need to go offline and dedicate a few minutes to myself is to paint my nails. This activity usually provides me with 10-15 minutes where I just focus on myself.  I also love cuddling with a cup of coffee or tea and a fun read.

Be Creative

Whatever your craft of choice is, making time to be creative is something that I think is very important. You can spend some time cooking, painting or even decorating. Engaging in an activity that makes you think outside of the box is a good way to power through burnout, and work through or generate new ideas. It’s also great for when you just want to relax. For me, something as simple as playing with my makeup in the morning can be enough to ignite that creative spirit and help me feel inspired.

Treat and Pamper Yourself

I have to start by saying that this doesn’t have to be something extravagant. I am in no way encouraging you to empty out your bank account! Treating and pampering yourself can be as simple as buying yourself a treat or putting on a face mask at the end of a long day. It’s about taking a few minutes to remind yourself that your special and deserve to be cared for.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

This has to be the hardest exercise for me and I don’t do it as often as I should, but it has so many benefits. Making time to clear my mind and focus on how I’m feeling is very helpful. Not only that but meditating also allows me to evaluate how stress and anxiety are affecting my body. Therefore, it gives me a better idea of what areas need the most care.  I started using the Headspace app last year and having something to guide me through this practice was super helpful. You can also find some great guided meditations on YouTube.