How To Adapt Self-Care Practices to Your Lifestyle

Life moves fast, there's no doubt about that. We are accustomed to instant gratification, instantly being able to text or call hundreds of people through a tiny mobile device, to search the internet for any piece of information, to even being able to order a meal or your groceries delivered to your door. Technology and innovation have allowed for many amazing and convenient things. However, living our lives at the pace we do can be exhausting and overwhelming. Our professional responsibilities have evolved, with industries and their workers always racing to keep up with constantly changing trends, technology, and competition. Advertisements have invaded virtually every aspect of life, all vying for a few precious seconds of your attention. Social and familial roles have transformed, with many homes being cared for by a single parent or guardian.

There's no arguing that we as humans can feel enormous amounts of pressure and stress, and can struggle to find respite from the chaos of everyday life. In fact, according to a study published in the journal American Psychologist, stress levels are significantly higher than they were 30 years ago. According to Healthline, the rise in stress levels is largely due to technology, family and relationship dynamics, and economic hardship. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought unforeseen danger and fear across the globe. A study published in the Lancet medical journal analyzed the effect Covid-19 has had on anxiety and depression disorders. It found that in 2020, "women experienced an almost 30% increase in major depressive disorders and an almost 28% increase in anxiety disorders worldwide while men saw increases of 24% and 22%, respectively."

It is no surprise then that self-care has become an increasingly trendy topic, as people are more in need of it now than ever before. Despite this, self-care can often feel like something out of reach for many individuals. People may avoid self-care, believing they don't have the time, money, or mental energy for the typical self-care indulgences (skincare, sweets, eating out, a shopping spree, etc.). In reality, foregoing self-care will only make you feel more worn out physically, mentally, and emotionally, and unmotivated in your work and personal life. The effects of not taking time for yourself can become extreme, resulting in burnout and even physical ailments (see my previous post for more information on burnout!). It is important to make time for self-care, even in the smallest of ways, to positively affect your quality of life and the lives of those around you.

So how do you make time for self-care? You may be thinking that for you there are simply no gaps in your schedule. The first step is reframing self-care as less of an independent act, and more of embarking on the same activities with a different mindset. One of the ways I have done this is by getting dressed every morning in an outfit I feel confident and put together in, even if I'm not going anywhere special that day. Even house clothes can be comfy and casual but clean and, well, not the clothes you slept in that night. Doing this not only helps start my day, but also helps with your state of mind throughout the day. Even for someone who doesn't really care about fashion, simply feeling composed and in clean, well-fitting clothes truly makes an impact on the subconscious mind, making you feel more capable, worthy, and in control. The same can be said for any daily routine: making breakfast instead of getting fast food, being more conscious of your diet, exchanging twenty minutes of phone time with twenty minutes of journaling or meditation, or simply lighting a candle and putting on some music while you take a bath or read a book. 

Below I have included a beautiful infographic from Wild Peace, an organization dedicated to parent wellbeing, especially in the realm of mental health. Take a look at this graphic and see if you can pick out a few of these habits to add to your routine! You'll find many of them require little to no time or effort. Remember, this is what self care is about! The little moments, and the mindfulness behind these moments. Almost any aspect of your day can become a little moment of self-care, a little opportunity to tell your mind and body "thank you. I appreciate everything you do for me."