Sometimes it takes time to learn to take care of yourself again. Here is a list of activities that will help you remember your needs, get rid of excesses and acquire new useful habits.
Taking care of ourselves is a necessity that many of us, unfortunately, tend to forget. What’s more, we have so forgotten how to think about our needs that we now need to re-learn the basic skills of thinking about our emotions and feelings and what your body wants right now. Here are small activities that are designed for reflection, recovery and relaxation, and will help you get quality rest.
Hugs
Hug a friend, loved one or pet and spend 10 minutes in peace and quiet. Hugs have been proven to produce the hormone oxytocin, which reduces stress levels.
Bath
Take a bath with hot water, foam, decoctions of herbs, light candles and fully disconnect from the bustle and thoughts for half an hour. Feel free to experiment with the organization of the bath: bombs, colored foam, rubber ducks, moisture-loving flowers around, light music – all this will help set the mood.
A Short Nap in the Middle of the Day
A 20-minute nap is also called a power nap, and for good reason – this short rest is able to give a burst of energy and allow you to continue the active day in a positive way. Set a countdown timer – it’s important to give yourself no more than twenty minutes of sleep to wake up full of energy.
Glass of Water
Clean water makes you feel invigorated and refreshed. Fill a bottle in the morning and drink at least one and a half to two liters of water daily.
Gratitude Diary
Write down everything that pleased you during the day and what you are grateful for. The process of living out gratitude triggers positive hormones and makes you feel happier.
Lunch With a Friend
Eating a meal together will make up for the lack of communication and provide positive emotions. Schedule a coffee meeting with a longtime acquaintance or lunch with a colleague.
Time Without a Smartphone
Try to find curious things around you, outside of your smartphone or laptop screen. Spend an hour without screens. Instead of chatting with friends or betting on a 20Bet app, watch the birds or the hustle and bustle of an evening city, read a book, listen to music with your eyes closed, take a walk in a lighted square. Gradually the digital detox time can be increased.
Music Search
An interesting activity and very effective, especially if you’re a music lover. Open a streaming service and turn on a new playlist or selection. Choose the songs you like and discard the ones that don’t catch on. First, your brain will hear something new, second, you’ll update your playlists, and third, you’ll get a good vibe.
Look up to the Sky
It’s always different and never boring. And admire its beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand still and enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
Cooking
If you enjoy cooking, give up takeout and master a new recipe. Turn on an energizing playlist, invite friends or loved ones over to cook dinner together – it’s always fun!
Good Deeds
Support a charity initiative, give a small gift to a friend, volunteer, write a good review, or just buy a bouquet from a grandmother near the subway. Any selfless act improves our self-esteem and gives us joy. Our mood and sense of self-worth will definitely go up afterwards.
Set Gadgets Aside an Hour Before Bedtime
This will allow you to switch and readjust to rest, the blue glow of screens negatively affects the production of melatonin, which is responsible for circadian rhythm. Therefore, regulating your gadget use will allow you to sleep peacefully and with quality.