Quick ideas for taking care of yourself – today!
Pick a card, any card…
You don’t need a special reason or occasion to be kind to yourself. If you’re in need of a mini reboot, try something from the list below.
Leave your phone to charge in another room and pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read
Watch a show
Go for a short walk (it’s still summertime, apparently!)
Write down everything that’s worrying you and put it someplace safe to deal with tomorrow
Meditate for 5 or 10 minutes (listen to a guided meditation if that’s easiest)
Take a bath or shower
Draw a picture with your kids
Find a Yin yoga video on YouTube and do some gentle, restorative stretching
Listen to music you haven’t put on for awhile
Plan the rest of your week and schedule some down time each day
Do something you’ve been avoiding or putting off so you can stop thinking about it
Give someone in your family an unexpected compliment
Write down 10 things that you’re grateful for today, in this moment
Notice self-criticism, and ask, “Would I talk to a friend this way?”
Stress relief is a complex process, and it’s important not to underestimate the small things we can do to show compassion for ourselves. Start a running list of the things you can do to shift your mood and lower your stress level when you need a short-term fix of calmness and rejuvenation.