4 Ways to Practice Self-care at Home

How often do you practice self-care? We need to embrace self-care now more than ever! Outside stressors can negatively impact our health, from raising our blood pressure to making us feel depressed or anxious. One of the best ways to combat stress is by intentionally dedicating time to take care of your mental, physical, and emotional health. Here are four ways to practice self-care at home:

Put pen to paper.

Pick a time each day to jot something down on paper. There’s something healing about writing, whether you’re jotting down your feelings or recording a special memory from your day. If you’re not the type of person who typically journals, make it easy on yourself and try a one-line-a-day journal. 

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by external circumstances, consider starting a gratitude list. (Oprah writes down five things she’s thankful for each day!) You’ll catch yourself recognizing little joys throughout your day, which will turn the focus away from the unpredictable world outside.

Try a face, body or hair treatment. 

You might not be able to visit your favorite spa right now, but you can still give your body special attention. Physical self-care has a double bonus: in taking care of your outside self, you’re giving yourself an inner boost, too! 

Now is a great time to make a DIY hair or face mask. You can also purchase a gift certificate for a treatment you’ve been wanting to try, or begin implementing a skincare regimen.

Get outside

While we may not be able to do much outside of the home, exercising in nature is something we can — and should — do! You don’t have to be a runner or gardener to enjoy the healing benefits of nature. (Though both are great mood-boosting activities!) Sit outside while you sip your morning coffee, join your kids in blowing bubbles in the backyard, or take a daily midday stroll to give your eyes a break from the computer screen. Take your outside time to the next level by trying one of these fun activities:

• Doodle a friendly chalk message for your neighbors to read
• Make a nature mandala using flowers, shells, sticks, leaves, rocks — anything you can get your hands on!
• Dine al fresco and go all out — enjoy “happy hour” on the deck, play light jazz music, and string up some lights or set out candles. If you have children, convince them to be your waiter(s) by promising a nice tip!

Make self-care fun!

When was the last time you picked up a book or tried a new recipe? Adults often fill their schedules with work and taking care of family members, but remember this: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Dedicate a chunk of time (even if it’s only ten minutes) to doing something you enjoy. After all, the phrase is called “self-care” for a reason!

There’s no better time than the present to start taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health! Set yourself up for long-term success by building self-care habits into your daily routine. Which new practice will you start with first?