For some that means meticulously planning ways to show the ones they love they care, for others it means waiting with bated breath on potential gifts or showerings of affection, while for others it’s simply just the second month of the year. Whichever group you fall in to — everyone could learn to take some time to show themselves some love and self-care. Here are some simple tips to help you do that:
1-Min Tip: Think about what you’re grateful for. It’s a good practice upon waking to think about a few things that you’re truly grateful for. Instead of waking up and thinking about everything that has to be done or feeling anxious, this will set a positive tone for the day.
5-Min Tip: Finish your day with a mini-meditation. Take just five minutes as you’re winding down for bed to focus your attention on your breathing and your body. Let thoughts or feelings pass without focusing on them. This practice will put you in a more relaxed state for sleep.
15-Min Tip: Practice self-awareness. Try to pay total attention to activities that you often do on autopilot, like washing the dishes or going through your before bedtime routine. Pay close attention to how things smell or feel — the activity itself — rather than let your mind wander and thinking about unrelated things.
30-Min Tip: Take yourself on a date. Do something that nourishes you for 30 minutes or even more. This can be anything from reading or working on a hobby to preparing your favorite meal or visiting a museum. The sky is the limit here, so do something you’ll really enjoy.
This article first appeared in the February 2018 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
