20 simple self-care practices for strong & inspiring women
It was International Women's Day on 8 March, so now's the perfect time to celebrate women around the world for all their strength, achievements and resilience. Although there has been some progress in women’s rights, it will take until 2158 (five generations) to reach full gender parity according to the World Economic Forum*. This event is also a powerful reminder that taking care of yourself is just as important as the time and effort you spend on your busy everyday life schedule.
Self-care is absolutely vital to help you feel more energised, balanced and fulfilled. In a world with so many responsibilities, it's essential to prioritise your wellness. So, why not do this with a carefully curated collection of self-care rituals? From nourishing your body with healthy food and a balanced diet to practicing mindfulness and creating a calming environment in your home and garden, there are all sorts of way small acts, such as these, can have a profound effect on daily life.
So, let's use this month to celebrate the sentiment behind International Women's Day. Follow our self-care ideas to help you recharge, relax and begin a lifestyle of self-love and appreciation:
How physical health impacts self-care
There are a variety of ways you can create your own self-care plan where physical wellness should be of paramount importance. With a strong, well-nourished body, you can stay energised, manage stress and maintain a positive mindset. So, incorporating daily habits, such as staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest are easy self-care ideas, which can form part of your regular routine.
Body nourishment & Self-care
Choosing a well-balanced diet will give you what you need to improve your mental and physical health
Wholesome foods provide you with fuel to boost energy levels, improve your immune system and support brain function. These provide essential nutrients that you'll find in a well-balanced diet, which is rich in fruit, veggies, lean proteins and whole-grains. Self-care ideas, such as this, will help you feel your very best in terms of your physical and mental health.
A super-easy, self-care tip is to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated throughout the day. This helps to boost your overall health, maintain focus and lower levels of fatigue. However, this also helps to enhance the appearance of your skin and keeps your body functioning at optimum levels.
Regular physical activity
Join a weekly dance class and instantly feel empowered. Enjoyable exercise helps to improve your physical and mental health
Regular exercise can be another sure way to practice self-care. Physical activity, from brisk walks and Pilates to strength training or dance classes, releases endorphins, which ultimately lower stress and improve mood. Other key self-care benefits from regular movement include enabling better sleep and increasing your energy levels.
When it comes to self-care, getting good sleep and having adequate rest is vital. So, ensure you have chosen a colour palette for your bedroom, such as sage greens, pastel pinks or neutral shades, to help you feel calm. Then you may enjoy going to bed early. If you don't get enough sleep, this can affect the way in which you deal with daily tasks and make you feel overwhelmed. Sleeping well also gives your body the chance to repair and recharge itself and improves your brain function and emotional resilience. Getting enough rest really is essential for self-care.
Practicing good hygiene also plays an important role in self-care. If you feel fresh and clean, you'll instantly feel more confident. So, think of practicing a regular soothing skincare routine in you want to start your day on a positive note. It's a great way to pamper yourself while embracing physical and mental wellness, so you can feel your best self every day.
Mindfulness & Mental health
Why cultivating a positive mindset is crucial
Taking care of yourself with a positive mindset can make all the difference
When you consider that your thoughts shape the way in which you experience life, having a positive mindset is vital. With an outlook that is optimistic and healthy, you can lower stress, feel calm, build emotional resilience and enhance your well-being. It's all about responding to difficulties and challenges, which will inevitably occur, in the right way.
Reset with mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great method to use to practice self-care. With a healthy, optimistic outlook, you can embrace your thoughts, surroundings and feelings without judgement. A variety of mindfulness techniques, such as taking deep breaths or meditation, help to keep your mind calm and increase clarity. This practice focusses on being fully present, so there's less worry about the past or future. As a result, this lowers stress and increases focus.
Listening to music is an easy self-care practice you can enjoy in the comfort of your home
Think about which activities make you feel happy and do them. This can include anything from listening to music and enjoying exercise to spending quality time with loved ones and relaxing with friends in a cafe. If you make time to engage in activities, which make you feel happy, these are ideal for self-care.
It's easy for negative thoughts to spring to mind and affect your motivation and self-esteem. But don't let them! Instead, replace challenging thoughts with positive affirmations. If you look at life with a positive outlook and repeat phrases in your head, such as ‘I am capable’, these will build your confidence and remove a negative mindset.
If you don't take enough breaks, this is bound to affect your ability to live life to the full. When you push yourself too hard and don't incorporate rest into your routine, this can lead to burnout. So, treat yourself in the way in which you would a friend - with compassion, kindness and moments of rest.
Boost your mood and enhance your overall wellbeing in the great outdoors
Have you considered connecting with nature? This natural mood booster is a brilliant way to lower stress levels and boost mental well-being. Think about spending time outdoors in fresh air, such as a stroll in the park or a weekend ramble in countryside. Nature helps to create peaceful thoughts and put things into perspective with a calming effect on the mind.
Self-care ideas for relaxation
How to reduce stress & unwind
Today's world is extremely fast-paced, which means it's easy for stress to build up. So, this is a great reason why you should take time to unwind. If taking time out to relax feels like a luxury, it shouldn't be - this is how to truly unwind and embrace your inner calm.
Whether you're team shower or bath, warm water will help to boost your circulation and soothe tired muscles. Using calming scents in the shower will give you the chance to refresh and unwind, while a bath with a few drops of essential oils and some candles will create a spa-style environment to de-stress in.
Sounds of nature and calming music both have immense power to lower stress levels. In the great outdoors, birdsong can offer brilliant ways to bring a sense of peace that will quiet your mind and dissolve tension. At home, a gentle instrumental soundtrack can also provide a sense of tranquility and improve your mood.
Deep breathing is a fantastic exercise, which you can easily add to your self-care plan. This is simple to do, and will keep your body and mind calm. Stress tends to create shallow breathing which can, in turn, make you feel more anxious. So, try slow, deep breaths - breathe in for four counts and out for the same length of time. In a matter of minutes, you'll feel instant results, which can have a lasting effect on your stress levels.
Book a treatment, which is dedicated to your personal needs, whether you would prefer a deep tension release or a chakra balancing massage
Physical touch can be a fabulous healer, so why not add a massage to your self-care plan? Pampering with the help of a therapist can improve circulation and lower stress. Or run yourself a warm bath using essential oils, such as wild-grown argan oil, for some quality time on your own. After all, fragrant scents connect to your emotions and help to create calm and reduce stress.
Designing Your Own Rituals Of Resilience
Set Up A Morning Routine
Carefully curating a morning ritual can give you structure to help you feel calm and enjoy the rest of your day
Introducing a dedicated ritual each morning can set you up for the rest of the day. Don't think of this as a list of things you must do. These should be pleasurable ways you can prep yourself for the hours to follow. Here are some ideas to design your own ritual:
- Designing a regular morning beauty routine will give you a sense of balance and provide some structure for the rest of your day.
- Activities you enjoy, such as stretching exercises or a morning walk, also make a great start.
- Practice gratitude. Just thinking about a few things you're thankful for can give you a positive mindset.
- Meditation can also set you up with a quiet moment of reflection.
- Don't forget to eat a healthy breakfast - nutritious foods will give you the energy you need to deal with the day ahead, so you feel your best inside and out.
Social self-care ideas
Connecting with others
If you connect with friends and family, this can instantly give yourself a sense of empowerment and support. Spend time with loved ones to nurture your emotional well-being and give you more resilience. Why not engage in volunteer work or join a group, which offers things that personally interest you for a more fulfilling life? You can also create more authentic relationships with friends and family by actively listening and providing empathy when required. Simply taking time to connect with others can lift your spirits.
Emotional self-care ideas
Practicing self-compassion
Treating yourself with the same empathy and compassion you would offer a loved one is a brilliant way to self-care. Leaving self-criticism behind and finding your supportive and gentle inner voice can be transformative. Letting go of shame and guilt is a great way to lower anxiety and incorporate self-forgiveness into your daily life, too. Above all, with some simple strategies in place, you can make your mental and emotional health a priority, and be able to recognise you deserve as much care as others around you.
