We live in a day and age where self-care means different things to different people. For some, it’s spending quality me-time, and for others, it’s organising their day and following a routine. So this International Self-Care Day, we are going to talk about 15 simple and easy habits that will help you improve your mind, skin, and overall health, because that’s what matters at the end of the day, isn’t it?
15 habits that go beyond just self-care and improve your daily life
On International Self-Care Day, take note of these 15 simple habits that will make all the difference to your overall well-being, and rest assured, the results will be almost instant.
1. Begin your day with a glass of water
Pexels
As a habit, most of us turn to our phones as soon as we wake up, and it’s followed up with a cup of coffee, or maybe even a protein shake. However, the first thing everyone should do, is to hydrate themselves, and drinking water first thing in the morning helps you re-energise your body after the night’s sleep, while also kick-starting your metabolism.
2. Sunscreen is a must
Over recent years, everyone’s understood that sunscreens aren’t reserved just for beach days, and it needs to be a daily habit that you follow, even when indoors. Sunscreen needs to be used indoors as well because you need protection from any possible UV damage, and at the same time, it helps deal with premature ageing as well as pigmentation. Whether or not you’re into skincare, applying sunscreen regularly is a must.
3. Spend some time outdoors
You can choose how you spend this time outdoors, whether it’s while clocking in your steps for the day or simply sitting by the balcony and getting some fresh air, because that, along with some natural sunlight, truly helps you and your body, while also proving to be a mood uplifter.
4. Workout or not, it’s important to move
Pexels
With the sedentary lifestyles that everyone’s leading these days, along with working from home and being glued to your office cubicles, it is important to move your body. Whether you choose to take a walk, dance around, or just take the stairs instead of the lift, do whatever works best for you and something you can be consistent with.
5. Be mindful when eating
Before our plates appear in front of us, most of us tend to put something on the TV or get on the phones, and that is a distraction to mindful eating. Sure, you can’t have every single meal without distractions, but at least do that with one meal, so that you know when you’re full, improve your digestion, and actually enjoy and savour the food.
6. Don’t be on the screen all the time
This one goes without saying. Everyone’s spending hours straight on phone screens or laptops or TVs, and it leads to extreme exhaustion. Take a couple of minutes to yourself and away from the screen every few hours if not every hour, and you’ll see what a difference it makes to your work focus, as well as overall energy.
7. Prioritise your sleep
The first thing that people tend to adjust on, often, is the amount of sleep they get, but the fact is, your body needs at least seven to eight hours of rest so that it can reset, recover, and recharge. Don’t let your plans drive how much you sleep, and flip the script, instead.
8. A simple skincare routine is the best
Pexels
We’ve all been obsessing over skincare routines that are as complicated as ever, but the fact is that the simpler the routine, the more effective it’ll be, because you can be consistent that way. The best skincare routine follows the basic cleaner, toner, moisturiser, and sunscreen, along with specific targeted treatments as and when needed.
9. Spend some alone time
It is important to have a few minutes just with yourself, and that time can be spent doing whatever works best for you — you can journal, or meditate, or just let your thoughts wander. If you’ve been trying to read, then take this time to do that instead.
10. Don’t have too many restrictions
Whether it’s with food or your routine, or anything under the sun, simply focus on things you want to do and can do so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Self-care has never been about following every diet on the internet or trying every new product in the market; it’s simply about doing things that promote your overall wellbeing.
11. Declutter your spaces
The best way to be calm and in control is by keeping your spaces tidy — it could be something as simple as cleaning your desk, or the wardrobe, or even the bedside table, for that matter. When the surroundings are clean, you will notice how it instantly brings calm in your life, and keeps you from being overwhelmed.
12. Be mindful with your time
Don’t end up feeling socially exhausted just because you don’t know how to say no, or, for that matter, you think you’ll be missing out on something major if you choose to rest. There’s always going to be something that you miss, no matter what you do, so choose yourself and have more boundaries with your time.
13. Always make time for your hobbies
Pexels
As we grow up, hobbies take a backseat if they don’t help you earn or things you aren’t perfect at. However, that should never be the case, because it is important to indulge in your hobbies, whether big or small. Always make time for those things that make you feel instantly better. It could be reading, painting, gardening, or simply watching your comfort show, and there’s nothing wrong with spending time doing that.
14. Don’t take unnecessary pressure
You must allow your body, your mind, and yourself to slow down, because that’s essential to your well-being. Don’t focus on always planning the next big thing or always being on the go – take some time for yourself, let the pressure off, sit with your thoughts, or rest, or do whatever helps you get rid of any pressure.
15. Express gratitude
We’ve been hearing about writing three things we are grateful for every single day for a while, but most of us seldom practice it. However, it is necessary to try and do it every single day because over time, you will see how it brings a shift not just in your perspective, but also in your life, when you end the day on a positive note.
Social and lead image credits: Cisdallas
Read iDiva for the latest in Bollywood, fashion looks, beauty and lifestyle news.
