How to Self-Care at Home

Self-care is the best gift we can give ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship with our bodies to improve our mood, boost confidence, reduce anxiety and stress. Practicing self-care is especially crucial during this overwhelming time. Follow my tips and tricks below on how to take a “self-cation” aka how to self-care at home. 

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This mean I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. Thank you for the support!

Sleep

Sleep has a huge impact on how we feel both emotionally and physically. Lack of sleep has the potential of causing health issues and increasing our stress. Ideally, adults should be receiving 7-8 hours of sleep to perform and feel at their best! Maybe you’re sleeping less right now and you don’t think you need any more – give it a try and see how you feel with an extra hour of sleep. It changes more than you think! 

If you have a hard time getting to bed “on time”, schedule it! Choose a time and set a calendar reminder 30 mins before your bedtime. Although it may seem silly, it will prevent you from sitting on your couch and saying “oh just 5 more minutes”. 

Put your phone down 30 mins before you go to bed. I am extremely guilty of “going to bed” and scrolling on my phone till 1 AM! 

Lastly, if you have trouble falling asleep, pour a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or in a diffuser. Lavender is a natural sleep aid and is shown to relax the body and improve the quality of sleep. 

Water

Our entire body functions better when it’s water-rich. Staying hydrated boosts skin and beauty, supports digestion, and fights fatigue! Although I do not specifically measure, I roughly drink six bottles of my 24oz. Hydro flask each day – sometimes more, depending on my activity level. TIP: try drinking a whole glass of water as soon as you wake up and right before you go to bed. 

Fuel your Brain

Mood food = Brain food 

Food such as avocados, nuts and seeds, blueberries, dark chocolate, and olive oil are proven to be good food for the brain, providing you with energy, increasing mood, improving memory, reducing inflammation, and decreasing health risks.  

Eat mindfully. Slow down while eating and listen to your body – specifically cues on when your body is full. Eat without distractions, focus on eating foods that are nutrition-rich rather than emotionally comforting, and appreciate the food you are eating. 

If you are struggling to consume enough protein or are looking for a new protein powder, I recommend Vital Proteins Collagen Protein. This is the only protein that doesn’t make me bloated or feel heavy. I mix it either into my morning oatmeal or smoothie. It does not alter the taste of food, it is not clumpy, and the collagen is fantastic for hair, skin, and nails! 

Daily Exercise 

Regular exercise improves your mood and decreases feelings of stress and anxiety. While exercising our body releases endorphins which produces positive feelings and reduces pain. Whichever form of exercise you prefer, just move your body! If you have the opportunity, workout outside. Get some fresh air and/or vitamin D, you will feel so good!  

Stretching 

Daily stretching keeps our muscles flexible, strong, and ensures we maintain a good range of motion. It is crucial to stretch before and after your workouts – before to prevent injury and after to help your muscles recover. Not only does stretching help physically, but mentally as well! It calms your mind and is great for stress relief as our muscles tend to tighten up in response to stress. Try stretching for 5 mins when you wake up and go to bed as well, to start and end your day well. 

Skin Care

Oh, skin-care. This is a HUGE struggle for me and has been for years! I am slowly discovering new products and introducing them to my skin-care routine. I have combination skin that is prone to breakouts! I’ve established these products that work well with my skin: 

I am currently using and loving: 

• Pacifica Kale Cleanser
• Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel 
• Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer 
• Epionce Lytic Treatment 
• Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle
• Neutrogena Rapid Clear Mask
• Pacifica Face Masks 

Keep your Brain Active

Solve puzzles, learn new words, read a book, memorize lyrics to a song, take up a new language, craft, or skill. Use your time at home wisely and try something new. Keeping your brain active will improve cognitive function and memory. 

Related: What to do at Home While Self-Isolating

Accomplishments 

Throughout the day, write down every task you’ve completed. No matter how big or small! For example, doing the laundry, feeding the dog, going on a 20 min. walk, posting a new blog post, getting out of bed, etc. You will soon realize, you complete much more than you think! Each accomplishment deserves recognition. 

Reflection 

Self-reflect on what you and your family/friends are experiencing during this difficult and unusual time. We are all out of our routines, worrying about our loved ones, how to stay active, eat right, be productive, find activities for our kids, etc. It’s safe to say we have a lot on our plates right now. By reflecting and understanding your thoughts in response to recent events, you will help identify steps for growth and it will allow a clear path to focus on the day ahead. Perhaps you journal and write down your thoughts or maybe you sit and think. Whichever it may be, take the time to self-reflect. 

To Conclude: How to Self-Care at Home

Lastly, it’s okay to have a bad day or not be okay. Don’t let anyone else tell you different! We are all in this together. Choose a couple of the above tips and tricks on how to self-care at home and give them a try! Slowly incorporate all of them into your self-care routine.

With love,

M

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