When you’re an adult with a job, children, bills, chores, and other responsibilities, it can seem impossible to find time for yourself. People are even praised for always putting others before themselves, that it makes you a good parent, a good friend, or even a good person. But always putting others first can be detrimental to your mental and emotional health.
It’s important to put yourself first from time to time, to look after yourself so that you’re better able to look after others when you need to. Just think about the instructions you get on an airplane; in an emergency, always fit your own oxygen mask before helping those around you. Self-care could be different from one person to the next, so here are some self-care ideas to fit into your schedule.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health, especially if you’re doing something you enjoy like a fun sport or walking in nature. Join a fitness class, a sports club, a gym, whatever works for you.
Napping
You may have fought naptime as a young child, but having an afternoon nap as an adult is one of life’s great pleasures. Just forget your responsibilities for half an hour or so and recharge your batteries.
Reading
When was the last time you got lost in a good book? Whether you’re an avid reader or it’s something you never seem to find time for, carving out some time in the morning or before bed to get stuck into a good book can be very relaxing and entertaining.
Socializing
Sometimes self-care means spending time by yourself, and sometimes it means having fun with those you enjoy spending time with. Arrange a catch-up with an old friend, a night out with close friends, or a date night with your partner.
Enjoying a hobby
Whether it’s a current hobby that you can’t always find time for or one that you want to start pursuing, make time for it! That could be playing an instrument, drawing or painting, gardening, playing board games or video games, working on your car, or whatever else takes your interest.
Massage
Not many things can melt your stress away quite like a massage or a spa day. And you don’t always need a reason like an injury or a tough workout to justify booking a massage, just treat yourself! You could book a professional massage for yourself or a couples massage for you and your partner, or treat yourself and a friend to a relaxing spa day.
If you want to treat yourself to a massage in the Winston Salem area, then you can book with us online or get in touch to find out more about our massage services.