If you’re struggling with practical self-care tips that allow you to deeply love and respect yourself, then it might be time for some new daily habits. It’s easy to get carried away with day-to-day responsibilities and completely dismiss self-care practices. Living slowly and prioritizing ease are habits that can help maintain your life balanced.
21Ninety spoke with writer, life coach, and trainee integrative psychotherapist, Ash Alves, to find out the best ways to cultivate space for self-care and self-respect. Alves shares tips and personal practices that she calls on to assist individuals in their journey of self-examination, healing, and personal growth.
Why is self-care so important?
Self-development and self-noticing ensure that there is a constant element of growth. It also means that you’re able to care for yourself and not depend on others to look after you exactly the way you need it. Self-care is ever-changing in this way because you grow and evolve as a person. It’s useful to always have practices that reflect your current reality and needs.
“With so many obligations requiring our attention, it’s easy to become disconnected from yourself, leaving little for self-nourishment. This is why self-care is important. Self-care practices return us home to ourselves, guiding us towards finding balance and inner harmony.” says wellness author Alves.
“At its core, self-care invites us to pause and ask, ‘What does my body, mind, heart, and spirit need to flourish?’ While there are general practices that contribute to a healthy lifestyle for most, self-care is about recognizing the unique medicine you require for your individual nourishment. By tuning out of the external world and tapping within, we can uncover our needs and desires.” she continues.
Tips from a wellness specialist
Here are a selection of self-care practices that Alves recommends:
Daily Personal Check-In
Regularly ask yourself simple questions like: “What does my body need right now?” or “how is my heart today?” Having a conversation with yourself helps develop self-intimacy and self-understanding. This internal connection keeps you in the present moment, allowing you to realign your actions with your true needs.
Journaling
There’s no definitive way to journal. Journaling is a safe space to delve into your inner world. It offers an intimate connection with yourself, offering you a space for healing and reflection. You can use journal prompts like ‘What has been bothering me lately?’or dump your random thoughts. Journaling can even be used as a space to write about your wildest dreams. By journal reflection, you get to care for your feelings, conscience, and spirit. Journaling helps enhance your mental and emotional well-being.
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a necessary self-care practice that helps to safeguard your authenticity. Boundaries ensure that what you do and entertain acts in accordance with your personal integrity and values. Setting boundaries demonstrates self-respect, signaling that your needs are essential.
Self-Maintenance
Self-maintenance is a key component of self-care. This looks like taking care of your physical health by engaging in physical movement. Some examples include walking, jogging, and eating nutritious foods. All of these acts of care help to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Connecting to Joy
Caring for yourself is taking the time out to connect with your joy and doing hobbies that make you feel alive. Whether that’s cycling, listening to music or spending a night with friends, know what brings you joy, and commit to doing it more frequently.
As you make self-care a part of your daily life, you’ll witness the transformation of not just your well-being, but your entire outlook. Remember, you are worthy of the time and care you invest in yourself.