How I learned to take better care of myself 💗

What’s holding you back from taking care of yourself?

Many of us constantly put others’ needs first, forgetting about our own. We convince ourselves that there’s no time for self-care or that it’s not as important.

But we don't need much time to start. Here are some simple steps I took to better care for myself and regain balance in my life.

Taking care of your basic needs can improve how you feel.

When we think about self-care, we often imagine going for massages, meditations, and bubble baths. In reality, self-care starts with much simpler things.

Just like a caring parent might ask their child: "Are you hungry? Thirsty? Did you get enough sleep? Have you gone for a walk today?", we can ask ourselves these questions.

Taking care of basic needs is the first step in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and can significantly improve how you feel.

When I started living on my own, I neglected things like meals and sleep, and eventually felt drained. Now, I focus on listening to my body instead of relying on reminders, which can stress me out. These small changes made a big impact.

Questions and hints to understand your needs:

If you're feeling anxious or low, ask yourself:

• When did I last eat or drink? If it’s been over three hours, you might be hungry or thirsty.

• How long did I sleep? If you didn't sleep enough, try a few minutes of meditation to boost your energy.

Helpful tools (for data and discipline lovers):

• Use apps like MyFitnessPal or WaterMinder to track food and water intake.

• For sleep, try Sleep Cycle to monitor your rest.

Mastering the skill of saying "no" is key to setting healthy boundaries and focusing on your own needs.

Saying "no" doesn’t mean you’re being rude or selfish — it’s about understanding your limits and saving your time and energy for what’s truly important.

To get better at saying "no", try giving yourself a pause before responding. This can help you think clearly and decide what’s best for you without feeling pressured.

Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

Taking a pause has been the best way for me to set healthy boundaries. I often need time to really understand what I’m agreeing to, so I’ll politely say, “Let me think about it for a bit, and I’ll let you know.”

Sometimes, a quick break isn’t enough, and you need more time. For example, I once agreed to help a friend with a project when I was already exhausted. If I had taken more time to think, I would have realized I needed rest and could have made a better choice for my well-being.

Being an adult often means focusing heavily on responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. It's crucial to do activities that bring you joy — whether it's walking, spending time with friends, or getting hobbies.

I discovered that when I don’t socialize enough, I start feeling frustrated. After recognizing this, I modified my self-care routine to include time for meeting up with supportive, kind friends. Meaningful conversations with people who lift me up have become essential to maintaining my well-being.

Take time to observe your habits. Reflect on what activities energize you versus what drains you. Do you feel restored by solitude, or do you recharge around others? Exploring new activities can also uncover unexpected sources of joy.

For example:

• For relaxation: Try meditation, slow yoga, or journaling.

• For socializing: Small gatherings, group classes, or community events can be refreshing.

Mindful observation is key to understanding what works for you. Track your moods in a self-care journal, noting what leaves you feeling more balanced. This will help you fine-tune your routine to match your needs.

Strong social connections have been shown to improve mental health. Research suggests that spending time with supportive friends lowers loneliness and increases happiness, serving as a powerful buffer against stress.

Incorporating a balanced mix of activities and staying mindful of your emotional responses will help you build a self-care routine that enhances your life.

Improving self-care takes effort, but it’s worth it. These steps will help improve your well-being and help you feel better overall. Remember, everyone’s self-care journey is different, so find what works best for you and adjust as needed.