You might think that treating yourself every day is not a priority amongst life’s many demands but self-care is a really important component of wellbeing.
When we do things each day that we enjoy it can help us feel happier and become more resilient - particularly in times of uncertainty. Even just knowing you have moments of pleasure planned into your day or week can give you a boost and help you cope better with stresses and strains.
Do you love sea swimming, sailing, making model planes or seeing movies? If it’s something you enjoy then you should do it, and do it often. Fun and laughter should be part of the equation too. Did you know that even anticipating laughter can boost the feel-good chemicals in our brains?
Think about the things you enjoy and start planning them into your schedule. Here are some ideas to try.
Take a warm bath or shower and allow yourself to really notice the sensations. You could use some fragrant bath salts or fancy body wash to turn a normal daily activity into something a little more indulgent. Why not take this moment to connect with all five senses? This simple ritual can help you to start or end your day with a moment of calm, not thinking about the past or the future but just noticing the present.
How often do you find yourself eating on the run, in the car - even standing beside the sink - instead of sitting down and savouring your food? If you enjoy cooking then take the time to revel in the creative process. Being creative has many benefits for our mental wellbeing. When it comes to dining, make it a fixed time when all the family can get together, set the table nicely and treat it like a special occasion, because it is.
Never underestimate the power of a good laugh. Going to see some stand up, a comedy show or even just gathering around the TV for your favourite funny movies is cool. If there’s a group of you, you could take turns to choose which one you watch and see whose choice gets the most laughs.
Curling up with a good book is a favourite pastime for many of us. Great writing has the power to entertain and inspire us, sometimes even teach us something new about ourselves. The author C. S. Lewis once said “We read to know we are not alone” and being reminded of that fact can be very comforting. Try going to bed slightly earlier so that you have time to read before you fall asleep.
Get out in the garden and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. For some of us lawn-mowing is our happy place, for others it’s tending to plants or cultivating a herb garden. Even just sitting outdoors with our morning coffee and looking at the sky, feeling the breeze and noticing the seasonal changes can be a beautiful moment in each day that’s just yours to enjoy.