How often have you said those words when it came to self-care? Oh, you know it’s good for you. But really, who has hours to spare just to take care of themselves?
Simply, you do. In fact, you have more time than you think. Take a break and try one of these 6 self-care tips. Each takes less than a minute to perform.
Photo by Oluremi Adebayo from Pexels
Take a Deep Breath
Anytime you’re feeling tense, stressed out, or even just a little ‘off’, taking several deep breaths will change the situation for the better. The key? Don’t just breathe. Hold your breath in between steps for maximum impact. Start with inhaling to the count of four, then hold it for the count of four, and exhale to the count of four.
Slow Down Your Meals
When was the last time you truly enjoyed your food? The next time you eat anything at all, pause in your chewing to savor the textures and flavors. By doing this, you aid in digestion and rediscover the joy of eating all at the same time!
Stop Everything
There is a lot to be said for a moment of silence. Calm racing thoughts, lower your heart rate, and relax fully into the moment by turning off your electronics and just sitting with your eyes closed. Even doing this for just 30 seconds does wonders for your state of mind.
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Look Around
Another great technique for calming yourself but still engaging the mind actively is to take notice of an object near you. Spend a full minute exploring this object, noting everything about it. What does it feel like? What colors is it? How does the light strike the surface? Close your eyes and see if you can recall this object in minute detail. This will actually help in cognition and focus.
Daydream
Having a rough day? Taking a one-minute vacation in your head can help perk things up. Use this as a visualization exercise for an added benefit by picturing some place you’d like to visit or something you want to experience in person someday.
Show Gratitude
A thankful heart helps to shift how you see the world and is fantastic for your mood and self-talk. Think of something you’re grateful for. Or better yet, take a minute to jot off a quick email thanking someone in your life for something you appreciate about them.
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Nice tips. I really like the idea of using daydreaming as self care.
Great tips here! Taking care of ourselves is so important but yet it is also something we most neglect. Your tips prove that it doesn’t have to be time consuming to do something good for ourselves. Just few minutes of doing things intentionally are enough. Thank you for sharing these tips!
I day dream daily .I love the idea if eating slowly.I need to eat slower definitely. Self care us crucial.
Some great suggestions I plan to use today.
love these tips; the one-minute vacation sounds wonderful and I will be trying that today when I need that break
Great tips! Thank you for reminding how important self-care really is 🙂
I have always believed the mantra that if it’s important you’ll make it and if it’s not, you’ll make an excuse. Personally, I am working on slowly down when I eat…
I’m working on that too. I used to have 30 minutes for lunch and could complete my meal in 10 or less so that I had time to move around.