Mind, the mental health charity, knows a thing or two about keeping your brain happy and healthy. One thing they’re big fans of is self-care. A textbook explanation of it would be a combination of techniques and lifestyle changes that, amongst other things, work to help you manage anxiety and depression.

But, in layman’s terms, self-care is literally anything that you do to care for yourself. It might be running a bubble bath; it might be brushing your teeth. It might be sipping chai lattes, or it could be as simple as eating healthily and thoughtfully.

Struggling to jump on the self-care bandwagon? Here’s ten simple suggestions to start you off.

Eat 3 times a day

When you’re busy (which, let’s face it, we all are), it’s easy to get caught up in things and forget to do the basics: like eating. Missed meals mean low energy levels, poorer brain function and empty bellies. Try to make a conscious effort to make sure you are having three meals a day. If it helps, try batch cooking so that you can have meals stored in the fridge or freezer for whenever you’re short on time.

Declutter

Having a good clear out is not only satisfying but will also help your home to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Tackle small areas at a time as to not become overwhelmed. Maybe start with the cupboard under the stairs –  we’re all guilty of throwing stuff in there and forgetting about it.

Meditate

Meditation sounds time consuming. It’s not, honest. It can be a quick and simple way to refocus your mind to help boost productivity. Try looking at a piece of art that you have in your home. Study it intensely for a couple of minutes, as if you had never seen it before. Take notice of its texture, colour, shape, and size. Boom. You’ve meditated. Taking a few moments out of your day to do this helps to reset the mind when you feel overwhelmed.

Go for a walk

Reading this and feeling chained to your desk? Not nice, right? Staying indoors at work all day can leave you agitated, restless and way less productive. Our advice? Take a break. Head out for a short walk around the block, and gulp in some fresh air. A bit of gentle exercise helps to reset your mind and body, meaning you’re ready to take on the day.

Take a break from social media

Social media: a blessing and a curse. Whilst it can encourage you to exercise, try new foods, and travel, it can also lower mood and increase anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant scrolling, try deleting all social media apps from your phone. Doing this for just 24 hours can help to reduce low feelings.

Light a candle

It sounds simple, but lighting a candle is an act of self-care. Filling a room with your favourite scent, breathing deeply, and taking a few moments to relax will help to clear your mind and relax the body.

Change your bed sheets

There’s few things in life that feel better than fresh bed sheets. Get a new duvet cover on, get ready for a better night’s sleep and get ready to feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Lie down and listen to a podcast

Got a fave podcast? Take the time to listen to it without any distractions, whether that’s work, commuting, or doing the ironing. Lie down in your favourite cosy spot, relax and listen.

Drink a glass of water

Sounds like an obvious one, but make sure that you are drinking lots of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help with concentration levels, keep your skin in good condition and helps to flush toxins from the body.

Call a friend

“I’ll call them tomorrow”, you say every day for a month. Pick up the phone right now and call that friend or family member that you’ve been meaning to reach out to. It will be a nice surprise for them and you’ll feel great having just had a good ol’ catch up.

So, there you have it. 10 simple ways to practice self-care at home. Try one or try them all – it’s completely up to you.

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