Look Good, Feel Better – Simple Ways To Elevate Your Self Care

Embarking on a self-care journey is about far more than pampering yourself with occasional luxurious experiences like weekend getaways or wardrobe updates. In essence, the art of self-care is much deeper and involves internally nourishing habits that elevate your overall well-being. Self-care is an ongoing practice, often made up of small but impactful intentions that keep you energised, satisfied, and able to cater to others effectively.

Renowned author of Slow Beauty, Shel Pink, illustrates the idea perfectly, “A sustainable self-care practice is about creating moments within each day, week, month, season, and year to practice the kind of meaningful self-care that makes you feel healthy and joyful in mind, body, and soul.”

So how does one step into the world of self-care? Let’s dive into a few simple strategies to kick-start your self-care journey and help you navigate this path one day at a time.

Practice Self-Compassion

The journey of self-care begins with learning to be self-compassionate. Pay attention to your self-talk and converse with yourself with the same love and respect you would extend to a dear friend. If you realise that your inner dialogues lack compassion, seize the moment and try again with kindness.

Mastering this approach can indeed be challenging at times. A therapist can help you diminish negative self-talk and assist in identifying triggers if you struggle to manage it on your own.

Prioritise Quality Sleep

Alex Lickerman, MD, author of The Ten Worlds: The New Psychology of Happiness, states, “We’re a chronically sleep-deprived society.” Studies show a sharp rise in the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and heart attacks even with 30 to 60 minutes less sleep than our bodies need. To ensure you get enough rest, set a bedtime alarm, counting back eight hours from when you need to wake up.

And while we’re on the topic of sleep, one cannot underestimate the value of a good skincare routine. Applying some soothing skin care before bed can help you wake up feeling fresh and rejuvenated. BONIIK’s range of acne skincare offers products that could help those dealing with skin concerns feel more confident.

Nourish Yourself With Healthy Food

Reframing your perspective on food is a potent form of self-care. Food should be seen as fuel for your body that enhances your overall well-being. While indulging in your favourite treats occasionally is perfectly acceptable, regularly consuming nutritious food can make a substantial difference in how you feel.

Setting yourself up for nutritional success is one of the most straightforward self-care actions you can take. Have healthy snacks readily available, avoid grocery shopping when you’re hungry, and consider sharing dessert at a restaurant rather than keeping a box of sweets at home.

Gratitude Journaling

Stress from personal and professional life can sometimes cloud our minds, causing us to lose sight of positivity. In such moments, maintaining a gratitude journal can be beneficial. Noting down things you’re grateful for can bring a fresh perspective to your day, helping you stay positive even in the face of challenges.

Incorporate Meditation

Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, increase empathy, improve focus, boost the immune system, and slow the signs of ageing. Regular meditation can bring about a significant change in your life, and you could explore a meditation app to find a style that resonates with you.

Indulge In Self-Massage

If a day at the spa seems too extravagant, consider a self-administered massage. Not only is it cost-effective, but it can also be a quick and easy way to treat yourself. Whether it’s a hand or foot massage or a DIY neck massage, it’s a great way to relax and take care of yourself.

Learn To Say No

Honouring your own boundaries is a powerful way to practice self-care. Many struggle with setting appropriate boundaries, leading them to commit to things they’d rather not. Saying ‘no’ when needed is an essential part of self-care. It might cause anxiety at first, but you’ll soon realise that setting boundaries earns you more respect from others.

Spend Time Outdoors

Immersing yourself in nature can calm your central nervous system, elevate your mood, and increase energy levels. Seek out daily opportunities to be outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the woods, a beach stroll, or gardening.

Lastly, remember that every self-care routine is unique, just like the individual. While adopting these practices, you might also find joy in accessorising your look. Small gestures like wearing a pretty hair clip or accessory can enhance your mood and give a lift to your day. Look for hair accessories and clips that can be a perfect addition to your daily self-care routine.

In conclusion, self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a personal journey tailored to your needs and desires, aiming at creating a healthier, more joyful life. It’s about making small, meaningful moments every day that contribute to your overall wellness. So take these suggestions as starting points, and mold your self-care practice into something that truly helps you look good and feel better.