Eleven Acts of Self Care

Self care is not selfish. In fact, if you don’t first take care of yourself how can you take care of others?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list and the expectations placed on you? Check out this list of eleven ways you can practice self care.

Self Care Act #1: Take a Walk

Whether you walk by yourself, take your dog, or a friend the act of getting out of the house and walking will do your body and mind good. Taking a walk allows your brain time to process the day in a healthy way instead of waiting until you are ready to go to sleep and having a million thoughts swirling through your head.

When you walk you increase your blood flow and bring more oxygen to the brain, plus release endorphins!

Self Care Act #2: Cook Yourself a Healthy Meal

I love to cook a good meal. There is something about cooking for myself and those I love that brings me great joy and is relaxing. I like to try new recipes whenever I can because I often fall back on the standards when life gets busy.

Not a fan of cooking? Order in! Pull up whatever restaurant you have been wanting to try and give them a call, just stick to good food.

Self Care Act #3: Unplug

With a 24/7 news cycle, it is easy to get caught up in everything going on in the world. While it is important to stay up to date with current affairs it is also important to not do so at the expense of your health.

Plan a time when you can totally unplug. For example, I try to go electronic free for the hour before I go to bed. This gives me the opportunity to clear my mind and relax or read a book before going to sleep.

Self Care Act #4: Take a Long Shower

There is something about a long, hot shower that is like pushing the reset button on life. I like to go the whole nine yards. I turn on some music, light a candle, break out the essential oils and hang out under the water shower as long as the hot water heater will allow.

Self Care Act #5: Read for Pleasure

Your brain needs active breaks, and one of the best ways to achieve this is through reading. It is easy to feel guilty about not always reading something that will help to further our classrooms, but we shouldn’t.

Reading for pleasure is what we dream of our students doing, and we should provide them with our example. After you read a book of your choice share it with your students!

Self Care Act #6: Meditate

Taking time for quiet self-reflection is vital. It is during this time that your brain can relax and go through the steps needed to evaluate the day and move forward.

Self Care Act #7: Rock Out with a Sing-Along

Sometimes what you need is a good old-fashioned rock session. I prefer to have my rock sing-alongs in the car where no one else can hear me, but I am free to listen to my most guilty pleasures.

There is something about the act of singing along to a song that gets the endorphins flowing.

Self Care Act #8: Go Outside

We aren’t meant to be inside all the time. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but don’t forget your SPF.

Self Care Act #9: Meet Up with a Friend

We need time with our friends to just vent, laugh, and have a little fun. Take the time to meet up with a friend or five and just live it up, responsibly of course!

Self Care Act #10: Try Something New

There is something about trying something new that is refreshing. Look around your community for classes or experiences for you and your friends to give a try. A continuing ed program is a great place to start!

Self Care Act #11: Write

The act of keeping a diary, journal, or even a blog can be really fulfilling and soothing. Even if no one else ever reads what you write it helps your brain to process life. Plus, who knows, maybe you are writing the next best selling memoir!