5 Self-Care Tips For Beginners

So you’ve decided that it’s time to turn more attention to yourself, but you don’t know where to start. There are 5 simple self-care tips that anyone can do!

1. Less Screen Time (And Read More!)

The very first— and last— thing we check when we wake up and go to sleep is our phones. While we may think it’s important to see what we’ve missed out on, it can do us more harm than good. It’s harmful because we’ll waste time checking social media that will not benefit us in the long run. Also, scrolling through social media numbs and distracts us from real life. We should replace the time spent on our phones to instead read a book on a subject we’re curious to learn more about. Overtime, you’ll notice a difference in your mood and you’ll gain self confidence. [Click here to read article, “Six Ways To Live Intentionally”]

2. Staying Hydrated

We hear this all the time, but it is essential that we don’t skip this part which is, staying hydrated! Now, I’m not talking about soda or other sugary drinks; I’m talking about the real deal. We must consume water. If we don’t drink enough water then we will be dehydrated. Problems can arise if we are constantly dehydrated, such as, abnormal body temperature, mood changes, confusion, and in worst cases— kidney damage, brain damage, or death_{1 2}. A few ways we can ensure we’re drinking enough water is carrying a bottle of water with us, asking for water at restaurants, and eating foods that contain water such as, watermelon, lettuce, cucumber, etc.

3. Getting A Good Night’s Rest

There are numerous studies that have highlighted the important need for sleep. The average adult needs at least 7-9 hours of sleep depending on the physical and mental health of the individual3. By declining last minute invites and setting up a night routine you will be able to achieve getting good rest. For people with unusual work schedules, or people who work a night shift, make a routine for yourself when you get home from work. A suggestion to ensure you’re getting good rest, is closing the blinds and setting calming sounds that can drown out other noise; stimulating as if it were night can help ease your body into rest.

4. Hygiene And Appearance

Having good hygiene and keeping up with your appearance is a great way to practice self-care. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about what 12 eye creams a beauty influencer is raving about online. Start with these basic hygiene tips:

• a simple skin-care routine (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF)
• a hair-care routine (shampoo, conditioner, hair styler/moisturizer, and a comb)
• manicure/pedicure
• Miscellaneous: shaving/waxing, Moisturizing (lotion), deodorant, perfume, etc.

5. Journaling

Processing our thoughts and feelings is an under-rated self-care practice. Journaling should definitely be implemented into your routine! Some like to do it before going to bed and others carry a journal throughout the day. As you ease into journaling, keep in mind that it can be about anything that’s on your mind that you want to let out. Here are some journaling prompts to get you started:

• 5 things I am thankful for
• What is my greatest aspiration in life?
• Write a letter to yourself giving advice on a situation that you haven’t moved on from (this helps speak from a place of self-love and compassion).
• 5 affirmations (I am or I will statements)

It takes effort and consistency, but everyone is capable of doing these 5 simple self-care tips. If it is difficult to implement all 5 at once, start with just one or two. I wish you the best on your self-care journey!

Love,

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Citations

1 Articles. (n.d.). Cedars-Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/d/dehydration.html#:~:text=Key%20points%20about%20dehydration&text=Symptoms%20can%20include%20thirst%2C%20dry

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 12). Water and Healthier Drinks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html

3 Women Need More Sleep Than Men. (n.d.). Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/women-sleep/do-women-need-more-sleep-than-men