A Simple Guide to Self-Care
Self-care can be incredibly difficult to do when you have little time on your hands. I think we always assume it has to be a big production and that we have to have a lot of time or money to do something nice and calming for ourselves. But it doesn’t have to be a big to do like getting a message or going for a 30 minute walk (although that would be great, wouldn’t it?!). Self-care can be as simple as taking a short moment in the day and tuning in to one of your five senses.
Here are a few ways that may help you add self-care into your day:
Sight: Look at a picture that has pleasant memories, look at a trinket from a fun trip, watch a funny clip online, or go outside and take in a piece of nature.
Sound: Listen to a song you enjoy, listen to nothing and see what you notice, or listen to the birds (welcome springtime!!)
Touch: Touch a piece of fabric that feels good (do you have a cozy fleece that you like?) pet your dog or cat, hold on to a warm beverage, or cuddle under a soft blanket.
Taste: Drink your favorite beverage and focus on that, eat a great piece of chocolate, or have a piece of fruit that reminds you of a fond memory.
Smell: Put on a lotion that you love, burn a candle, go outside and smell the fresh air, or smell an essential oil.
These are just a few examples of easy, small things that can bring about positive feelings and can help you engage in self-care. Now that you have a few ideas, try to create your own list of things that could help you feel better. Whether it’s 30 seconds or 30 minutes, start trying to do something for yourself every day, and see how you feel.
Written by Sonja Kromroy, MA, LPC