No Stress: 5 Simple Self-Care Strategies

Being a licensed massage therapist, I am always advocating for self-care. But, for many people, taking time to care for themselves seems like a monumental mountain to climb. With all of our competing demands, it can be easy to neglect our own needs, especially if you are a parent or a caregiver. Even if you do regularly receive massage, the self-care you do at home is really important to maintain the benefits of your massages. Here are five simple self-care strategies to remind you that your sense of well-being matters.

1. Recognize the importance of self-care. Eleanor Brown, a self-care advocate, has said, “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” Start by realizing self-care is not selfish and that taking care of yourself will only help you take care of everyone else. Think of the airplane safety videos that have you put on your oxygen mask before helping anyone else. You can't be helpful to others if you are at risk. Once you shift your mindset away from the "self-care is selfish" mentality, it will be easier for you to make self-care one of your priorities.

2. Remember you don’t need a lot of time for self-care but, to experience the most benefits, make it regular. Consistency is key to seeing results. The people who are most successful at incorporating self-care into their lives make it a daily habit.

3. If you’re really struggling, commit to adding one self-care practice to your day. For example, do a couple of stretches while you brush your teeth or set a reminder on your phone to get up from your desk and move every hour. Once these mini self-care practices become routine, you can try adding something new.

4. Rest. Yes, it’s important to get good sleep but I’m talking about consciously quieting your mind and body. Take a nap when you’re tired or close your eyes for a few minutes. Get a massage. A massage is a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the outer world and find quiet within. Meditation is another great practice to rest your mind.

5. Stop being busy for the sake of being busy. Ask yourself why you’re so busy and does that busy-ness align with your purpose? Saying no to things that don’t really matter to you will help you avoid burnout. Start saying no not because you’re so busy but because you don’t want to be so busy.

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to plan an elaborate spa vacation getaway - but if that’s an option available to you, take me? (please!). Make time for self-care, no matter how big or small and you’ll start to feel like you can conquer the world. Let me know how you take care of yourself!