Given the high levels of stress in our lives today, there’s no better moment to prioritize self-care routines that you can carry out from the comfort of your home.
The demands of school and daily life can become quite overwhelming. And, giving your all to every task can lead to burnout over time. That’s why it’s essential to reserve some of that energy and attention for your own well-being.
Not sure where or how to begin? No problem — here are five simple methods to embrace self-care in your own space.
Meditate
It might sound a bit odd, but allowing yourself to drift a bit can be super beneficial.
On tough days, your mind can become quite cluttered with thoughts. Ideally, you should seek out a peaceful environment; however, if that’s not feasible, noise-cancelling headphones or white noise from platforms like YouTube can effectively help you tune out distractions. Apps such as Calm and Headspace offer guided meditations that can assist in clearing your mind, too.
Focusing on your breath and being present creates space for fresh ideas and motivation. Incorporating exercise can also enhance the experience, and there are plenty of yoga videos available online, with “Yoga With Adriene” being a well-loved option.
Listen to Music or Podcasts
Let’s be honest: you’ve probably belted out lyrics or lip-synced to your favorite songs in your room at least once. More likely, it’s been hundreds of times!
This activity serves as a fantastic outlet for releasing overwhelming thoughts, even if just temporarily. Some people turn to emotional songs to acknowledge their feelings, while others dive into upbeat playlists for an instant mood boost.
Podcasts provide an excellent way to expand your knowledge, too. Whether you choose an educational series or one that offers advice, there’s a podcast out there for everyone.
You might just stumble upon the insight you need, whether it’s from a lyric you relate to or a valuable takeaway from a podcast episode.
Try Journaling or Drawing
Occasionally, the most effective approach is to express those negative feelings. If you lean towards being artistic, you might already engage in creative activities to alleviate stress. If you haven’t tried that already, consider writing or drawing as an option.
These activities let you channel the emotions you’re experiencing or the feelings you hope to cultivate following this rough patch. Even a few frustrated key presses on your laptop can serve as a form of therapy (just be careful not to damage it).
Watch a Movie or Show
There’s no better moment than now to indulge in your beloved movie or series, and do so without feeling guilty.
Make screentime about self-care, rather than doom scrolling. Set aside your deadlines and the personal turmoil for a while, and immerse yourself in a captivating movie. Even something like watching a reality shows or YouTube videos for a couple of hours can be beneficial, as long as it shifts your focus away from the stresses that drain your energy.
Take a Bath
If binge-watching TV isn’t your thing, dedicating yourself to a single activity can effectively divert your attention from daily pressures, even if just for about fifteen minutes. And, in this case, the phrase “washing the stress away” carries a lot of truth.
There are few things more relaxing than a warm bath. So, treat yourself to that bath bomb you’ve held onto for a special occasion, pick up a book or put on a soothing playlist, silence your notifications, and make this time all about you.