With daylight decreasing, and workloads increasing, we may find ourselves not putting enough effort in our mental wellbeing. Oftentimes, we get so wrapped up in our life, that we forget to live a little. With that being said, here are 10 low-effort ways I try to incorporate self-care into my life:
What’s That Lovely Smell?
Who doesn’t love a good smell? I’m sure you have a candle laying around that’s begging to be lit. Whether you’re studying, cooking, or cleaning, this 30 second action can brighten your day for hours. If you want to take it a step further, I’ve recently gotten into using body scrubs, and body oils. Smelling good or being surrounded by pleasing aromas throughout the day is a sweet reminder that no matter what the day holds for me, I can smell good while doing it. Some of my favorites are the Dove Body Scrubs, and Dr Teal’s Lavender Body Oil.
Shower With Purpose
They say rain symbolizes rebirth… but a shower is a close second. When you’re in the shower, think of the water flowing down as love and care gently covering your body, washing away any negativity from the past. Adding music to this experience, perhaps a specifically curated shower playlist filled with your favorite songs, can also elevate your mood and add some joy to this activity.
Get Some Fresh Air
Be honest…how often do you study and forget the outside world exists? Personally… I’d say too often. Now, I know going on a hot girl walk could seem exerting, but being able to move your body in a way meant just for you is so therapeutic. If a walk can’t fit in the schedule, try opening a window, or bringing your work outside! Take advantage of the weather before it starts to freeze!Â
A Clean Space is a Cleaner Mind
Cleaning is hard, it really is. So, time yourself to one song of choice, and actively make your space better during that song. Cleaning used to be such a daunting task for me, but I find that giving myself an “end time” to this activity helps me start it.Â
Just Dance
Speaking of playing some music, try dancing a little while you’re at it! A little one-two, a little shoulder. The best part? No one has to see, not even you. Being comfortable in your body is such a personal, and necessary, part to caring for yourself — you live in yourself every day, make sure to make it fun, make it fresh.Â
Forget FunctionalityÂ
When we get super busy, we sacrifice our desire for something “pretty,” for a more logical, functional, concept. You deserve whatever it is that will make your quality of life better, even if it sounds silly. There will never be a better moment to use that pretty cup, drink that fancy tea, heat up that frozen meal you were saving for “when you really need it,” or take that extra time to make your life a little better. Chances are, you will probably spend more time deciding than actually doing the thing you wanted to do… so just do it! We are here to thrive.
Do Your Nails
If you’re like me, you love pampering yourself, but you might not always have the time. While you’re catching up on a lecture, or watching a movie, take the time to file your nails and put on some clear coat, maybe a color if you want. Maybe the public won’t tell the difference, but you are going to notice your nails and feel a sense of calm knowing that you took time for yourself.Â
Something Hot, Something Cold
When you eat your meal, pair together one hot item, and one cold item. If you have soup for lunch, have a cold glass of juice with it; if you have cereal, make yourself a warm cup of hot chocolate; if you have warm bread with veggies, eat some ice cream after. In one meal, you can offer yourself so much variety. Especially when you have no option but to lock yourself in a tower, preparing to battle whatever assignment is next, showing yourself the attention you deserve, even if it does come via college-esque struggle meals, is better than not caring at all.Â
Stretch the Stress Thin
Stress and tension not only takes a toll on your mental, but also your body. It’s important to let loose. These stretches will hopefully help you pay attention to the tightness in your body, and work to reduce it.Â
Walk through your body, top to bottom, and untense the muscles that you never even knew could tense up: relax your eyebrows, unclench your jaw, momentarily drop your tongue from the roof of your mouth, let your shoulders fall, loosen your hips.Â
If you can, stand up, legs placed wider than your shoulders, with your hands placed above your knees. Sit deep into a squat, making sure your legs bend sideways. Prop a pillow under the arch of your back, raise your arms, and stretch yourself over it. Stay laying down, arms out so you’re shaped like a T, lift one leg up, and over to the other side, stretching your back.Â
Who Said That?
The best thing you can do to show yourself you care is speak like you care. Our words and thoughts make up so much of our day, hold so much weight, so why would we cloud these precious moments with purposeful negativity?Â
My biggest trick when it comes to self care, is fooling your body into thinking you did all this work, when really it took you all of two minutes. Here’s the thing, you’re doing it anyways, so make sure you acknowledge the work you put into yourself.Â