There’s no better time than February to work on the most important relationship you have in your life: the one you have with yourself. But self-care doesn’t have to mean spending the weekend at a boujie hotel, buying an all-new wardrobe, or opting for two desserts instead of one (because…and we’re speaking from experience…even chocolate can get old).
In the words of Brianna Wiest, bestselling author known for her work on mindfulness, spirituality and emotional intelligence, “True self-care isn’t bath salts or chocolate cake, it’s making the choice to build a life you don’t need to escape from.” Creating small, sustainable self-care habits is much more effective (and realistic) than spending an entire weekend in bed. So if you’re looking to show your mind or body a little extra love, use this list of daily self-care ideas for inspiration.
Set a Daily Intention
The difference between a good and a not-so-great day can be your mindset going into it. As soon as you wake up in the morning, set (at least one) intention for the day, then decide how you’re going to meet it.
Eat Healthy Foods – But Make It Fun
Going along with our logic above, it’s better to consistently nourish your body with fresh, whole foods than forcing yourself to eat a bland salad every once in a while. Experiment with different ingredients (visit your local farmers’ market or health foods store for ideas), or try eating your greens (and reds, yellows, oranges, and blues) in different forms. If you’re not a huge fan of raw kale, sneak it into a smoothie or loaded protein bowl for a deceptively delicious twist.
Drink, Drink, Drink
…Water, that is. Making sure you’re hydrated and drinking two litres of water a day is good for a variety of reasons, with your skin, gut, brain function, and energy levels being just a few, so get sipping.
Create Your “Happy Place”
You can’t move the beach into your living room, but you can make your home into your “happy place.” Buy bedding you like so you’ll feel spoiled at bedtime, add a candle to your bathroom for some serious spa vibes, and organize your desk (for real this time) so you don’t dread sitting next to a pile of papers.
Laugh a Little More
Laughter triggers the release of mood-lifting hormones called endorphins, which can help relieve stress, and it may also lower blood pressure. Seek out things that make you laugh regularly: follow funny accounts on social media, watch a comedy movie, and joke around with your friends.
Stick to a Bedtime Routine
Bedtime routines aren’t just for influencers. Having a nightly ritual – however short – signals your mind that it’s time to wind down. Take a hot shower, read, go through your 12-step beauty ritual, or – our personal favorite – enjoy a mug of decaf tea.
Unplug. Seriously.
Like everyone else, you’ve probably heard about the negative effects of screentime (including sleep problems, anxiety, and back pain, just to name a few). And also like everyone else, you probably still spend most of the day on your phone or laptop, whether out of habit or necessity. But try putting the tech down for just 20 minutes a day, then slowly work your way up to an hour (or more). You might be surprised at the effects on your mood and mindset.
At The Juice Hive, we’re big believers that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential to your wellbeing. That’s why we’re here every day making smoothies, salads, bowls, and more that taste just as good as they are for you. Do something nice for yourself and join us Mon-Sat (8 am-3 pm) or Sun (9 am-2 pm).
