As we move into a new decade, many people are looking to work on themselves to ensure 2020 is the decade of self-improvement. The journey to self-improvement can often be long, and takes time, energy and dedication. Incorporating wellness and self-care practices into your daily routine allows you to establish a strong and healthy foundation for self-improvement.
It can seem a little intimidating to take time out of a busy schedule and focus purely on yourself, but it is a practice you will soon be thankful for. It doesn’t have to take much time, but allowing yourself a few moments to “check in” and be mindful is likely to improve your mental health as well as your productivity. Here are some simple ways to add a few wellness and self-care activities into a daily routine. Remember to go at your own pace. Nothing as intangible as self-care can be done all at once, so take it slow and be kind to yourself.
1. Note Down Daily Goals
Setting aside just five minutes in the morning before you start your day to note the things you want to achieve by the evening can be very useful. Not only does this ensure that you begin your day focused and motivated, but it also helps you to measure your progress, and gives you the satisfaction of ticking off completed tasks.
You don’t have to write your to-do list on paper, it could be noted on your phone, but having something physically in front of you is much more motivating than a list in your head.
2. Take Time to Pamper Yourself
Taking time for yourself, where you are able to feel present and cared-for, is a really important part of wellness and self-care. The form this takes can differ from person to person. For some, this could mean taking a luxurious bubble bath, while for others it could be enjoying a massage. Most people have the motivation to pamper themselves, but are often constrained by their budget. The concept of pampering often brings up images of expensive spa weekends, but it doesn’t have to mean going on an expensive trip. There are some great ways of achieving a luxurious level of home pampering that is budget friendly. For example, you could use Kohls coupons for discounts on products like at-home massagers or bath and spa products; or you could follow a recipe for an indulgent face mask made from products that can be found in the grocery store.
3. Take Time for Reflection
This is a really great one for people who are looking to develop themselves, and it can take many forms. For some, sitting down at the end of the day and noting thoughts in a journal about they’ve achieved might be the best option. Reflecting produces a physical log of the areas of your life you are happy with, and those that need a little work, in addition to giving yourself a reference point to chart self-improvement. The process doesn’t have to take long and five to ten minutes in the evening is all you need.
4. Try to Move Your Body
All of us are spending more time sitting down than ever before. Making a little time to get your body moving and rejecting a sedentary lifestyle can help you feel much healthier. This doesn’t have to be a long and exhausting run. It could simply involve doing a little yoga in the morning, which has been associated with self-care and positive mental health for millennia.
