It can be challenging to remember to take time to care for ourselves – especially when trying to balance our family, work, friends, technology distractions, and other obligations. But by not taking this time to do so, we risk becoming stressed and burned out.
Self-care is simple: it means intentionally nurturing the health of your mind, body, and soul. Practicing self-care benefits your level of resilience and overall happiness. It’s something you should take part in every day, but don’t let that overwhelm you: there are many simple ways of engaging in self-care that only take a few minutes each. Try any one of these self-care ideas to get started:
Have a Self-date
Set aside at least an hour to do something you want to do. Maybe try reading, listening to music, taking a bath, going for a walk, or any other activity that brings you enjoyment. Choose a solo activity so that you can decompress without others around as a distraction.
Stretch
If there’s one thing most of us don’t do often enough, it’s stretch. Stretching only takes a few minutes and helps improve your flexibility, while also promoting relaxation from head to toe. Try full-body stretches to motivate you to get up and move your body. Here are a few options:
![stretching for self care](http://s45484.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/stretching-for-self-care.png)
- Hamstring stretch: While standing, grab your left foot and bring it back toward your glutes. Your knee should be fully bent, and you’ll feel the stretch down the front of your leg. Hold for thirty seconds and switch sides.
- Chest and shoulder stretch: While standing, clasp your hands behind your back, keeping your arms straight. Lift your hands upward as high as you can go while pulling your shoulders back. You’ll feel this in your chest and arms.
- Side stretch: While standing, clasp your hands straight up over your head, palms toward the ceiling. Lean-to the right and hold for 15 seconds, then lean toward the left and hold. You’ll feel this stretch on the sides of your body.