We sometimes see the term self-care tossed around in a lighthearted or joking manner. People use it when getting their nails done or deciding to flop on the couch and watch movies and snack for a day. While these things indeed count toward self-care, the truth is, there’s more to it than that. It means making time to do activities and make changes to improve and maintain mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Anything that lowers the risk of physical illness, helps manage stress, increases energy, and promotes peace is considered self-care. Many people feel guilty about practicing self-care, believing it’s selfish or an excuse to be lazy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Think of self-care as the equivalent of putting your oxygen mask on in an airplane; you can’t help anyone else until you’re OK.
Being sick, depressed, stressed, or generally exhausted does nothing to help your family or your co-workers. Self-care looks different for everyone and isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. If you’re looking for ideas and suggestions, look no further. This blog will explore ways to start your self-care journey with these life changes.
1. Get a New Job
Most of us spend about a third of our day at work. So, if we’re unhappy at our job, it will take its toll on the other two-thirds. People who don’t like their occupations can suffer from anxiety, depression, sleep issues, weight gain, high blood pressure, and lack of energy. Not being fond of your job will also lead to you being less productive in your position, which may decrease your ability to get advance or get raises.
You may feel you’re stuck because you, like everyone else, have bills to pay and responsibilities to meet. But if you feel the need to escape, you can do it if you plan correctly. First, don’t do anything harsh if you can help it. All great escapes take time and some thought.
Start by contemplating what you want to do. What are your passions, your interests, your dream job? Can you afford to go back to school if need be? Look for grants and scholarships (there are plenty out there for adults). Next, ask yourself, what are you qualified to do, and what skills do you possess?
Start outlining these things and update your resume to reflect those skills and experience. Next, let the job search begin! Look everywhere you can, from job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn to local businesses and even company websites.
Please get the word out to family and friends that you’re looking for a new job, but keep it under your hat at work. Make an appointment with a hiring agency that can point you in the right direction and even set up interviews for you. With enough effort and patience, sooner or later, you’ll get that phone call or email saying you’re hired!
Once you’ve secured your new position, you’ll finally be able to say goodbye to the job, causing you stress and unhappiness. We do suggest giving two weeks’ notice if you can. You may need a reference later on. Also, if your company does exit interviews, don’t be afraid to tell them the reasons you’re leaving politely. Sometimes, it makes a difference in company policy, but it will help you feel better – and that is what self-care is all about.
2. Move to a New Home
Sometimes, our self-care journey needs to take us to new places and destinations. This could include moving to a new home. Whether you’re moving for a new job, to be closer to family, or you’re ready to expand or pare down your space, moving can do a lot to boost your mood and spirit. Some folks even pick up stakes for their health, moving to dry areas like Arizona for respiratory conditions. At the same time, others may take to seaside towns to help with skin conditions or allergies.
Whatever the reason, making a fresh start can be an essential step in your self-care journey. Moving is never easy; there’s a lot to contend with, from planning a budget to securing a mortgage (if you’ve decided on a house), finding the perfect home or apartment, packing up, and finding the right moving company. But once you’ve done all that and hit the road, there is so much to look forward to.
A new home is like a blank slate. You can start over in more ways than one. Hopefully, you’ll consider hiring a dumpster before you leave and get rid of everything you didn’t need. Suppose your goal is fresh; it is an excellent idea to relieve yourself of old memories and unneeded junk from your past.
Don’t be afraid to toss old furniture, kitchenware, clothes, and paperwork. Taking a bunch of useless stuff from one place to another will only weigh on you physically and mentally. Plus, now you’ve made room and have an excuse to go shopping.
Retail therapy can be a form of self-care (although you should try to stay within your budget). Take a good look around your space. Imagine the paint colors, wall decor, flooring, and furniture you want to make your new home cozy and attractive. Building a new nest you can be proud of can be a natural self-esteem lift and source of pride, elevating your mental state. This all equals self-care.
A new home also means new people and new places. Now, you’ll have the opportunity to socialize and forge new friendships. You can try new restaurants, stores, parks, galleries, and everything else the town offers.
3. Improve Your Smile
For some people, seemingly simple things like smiling for a photo or laughing at a joke can be embarrassing and frustrating. This is because they are less than happy with their teeth. Millions of people have teeth that are discolored, gapping, chipped, missing, or crooked. Several factors, such as a past illness, lack of affordable dentistry, an accident, or genetics, can cause this.
Having a smile that you’re always trying to hide can be exhausting and will affect your self-esteem and confidence. The good news is that a consultation with a cosmetic dentist is often free! This type of dentist specializes in the aesthetics of a patient’s teeth. They perform various procedures to help restore your smile and have you jump into the front row the next time someone takes out the camera.
If you have discolored teeth, the cosmetic dentist can sign you up for teeth whitening sessions. If you’re dealing with chipped or cracked teeth, they can perform dental bonding, where the tooth is reshaped using material matching the natural color and shape of your other teeth. Crowns may be used if a tooth has worn down or has been filled to the point where there’s more filling than enamel.
If a person has reached the point where teeth have decayed and cannot be saved, the dentist may suggest dental implants. These permanent artificial teeth have become a popular alternative to dentures because they are permanent. This means there is no embarrassing slipping, no worrying about what to eat, unique denture products, and a more natural look. While there is some discomfort associated with the procedure, in the long run, implants are more comfortable than dentures as they don’t rub against the gums, and food particles don’t get stuck in between the dentures and gums.
So, if you’re having difficulty cracking that smile, don’t feel guilty about taking care of it. If you’re happy, the people around you will be happier. Imagine how delighted your loved ones will be when they’re finally able to hang a picture of you smiling and looking fabulous!
4. Upgrade Your Living Space
Regarding your self-care journey, nothing can give you what you need quite like a home refresh. Upgrading your living space doesn’t mean a complete kitchen remodel or home addition must occur. It can be a small-scale project like updating your bathroom. Adding some new lighting, the best bathroom shower doors, and some fresh paint can go a long way to making you happy.
Other small projects around the house can help make areas pop and bring new light to things. Consider changing your window treatments to allow more natural light. Painting an accent wall in your living room can add depth and style.
When shopping for new furniture, consider a trip to an antique country or a custom furniture store. Antiques offer a great way to add originality to your home, and while custom-made furniture can be expensive, choosing even one piece to stand will help make your room unique, giving visitors a conversation starter. Your home is your castle; it’s where you and your family can unwind and be comfortable at the end of each day. Making it cozy and inviting will help you relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy yourself, which is the ultimate in self-care.
5. Spend More Time Outside
They don’t call it the great outdoors for nothing. Getting outside can be one of the best forms of self-care available. The best part is – it’s free! It can be as simple as going to the park, walking around your block, or lying on a towel in your backyard.
Just getting out in the sun, feeling the breeze, and watching the birds can deliver many positive, calming vibes that count toward self-care. Suppose you need more than an hour or two to take in the therapeutic effects of the beach or the mountains. Take part in sports like surfing, swimming, hiking, and fishing.
Being outdoors is shown to increase life expectancy, improve sleeping patterns, reduce muscle tension, and increase mental focus and clarity. Never mind the benefits you’ll reap from exercise and getting that fresh air into your lungs! Looking for some long-term fun in the sun, consider looking around at local boat sales and make being on the water a regular event. Pledge to go tent camping at least once a month or rent a cabin in the woods.
Better yet, if you own a home, consider making your yard an outdoor oasis. Install a patio or deck on which to lounge. Add a pool or jacuzzi to swim or soak your troubles always. Consider planting a garden. This soothing activity keeps you active and improves your diet all at once!
6. Adopt a Pet
Suppose you’ve ever had a pet – cat, dog, bird, chicken (it doesn’t matter), you know the soothing effect they can have. It’s proven that having a pet can help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and the stress hormone cortisol. Having a pet also increases your chances of going outdoors and getting some exercise. This will allow you to be social as well.
People love to strike up conversations with fellow pet owners and compare notes. Even if you’re not social, pets can help quell loneliness all on their own. If you live alone (even if you don’t), pets guarantee that you’ll always have someone there who’s happy to see you when you come through the door.
While pet ownership is full of rainbows, flowers, and self-care galore, it does come with a lot of responsibility. But this, too, can be great for your mind and spirit. Caring for a pet can give you a sense of accomplishment, help you follow a routine, and stay organized and on schedule.
Knowing that you’ve saved a shelter animal and are showering it with love and affection can give you a sense of pride and boost your mood. There’s nothing quite like curling up with a furry friend on a chilly day, watching a movie, listening to a purr, or watching a wagging tail. You can find animals up for adoption at many places, including your local vet, pet store, and shelters. Never discount the stray cat that shows up on your doorstep – consider it them adopting you!
Starting your self-care journey can be uncomfortable and awkward at first. Most of us are natural givers, so taking (even when it’s your own time) can be a challenge. But remember that what you do for yourself can positively impact those around you.