Simple Self-Care by Fatima Shahzad

Often when we think of engaging in self care we think we need to implement a really complex and large self-care routine which often leads us to put pressure on ourselves to see it through.

However, I would like to encourage you to bear in mind that self-care doesn't have to be complex. It can be completed via the simplest of tasks - little things that you can do to take care of yourself such as getting a good night’s sleep or having enough water. Implementing simple self care routines could be more important than more complicated and large scale ones, as they provide the foundations for our life as a whole.

Simple self-care might involve:

  • having enough water

  • going for a walk

  • getting enough sleep

  • sitting in the sun

  • exercising at least once a week

  • seeing your friends and family more often

These are some very broad suggestions that will be applicable to anyone and everyone.

Other ways of including simple self-care routines might be more personal to you; if you know you have certain interests, for example reading, then it might be good to read more often as this will allow you to escape reality for a little while and also allow you to have some time away from your phone. Alternatively, if you know you have a particular interest in baking, it might be good to commit to baking once a week, or if you know you like to listen to a podcast, give that a go once a week etc. Doing more of the things that you love will increase your sense of happiness and calm overall.

TIPS FOR ADDING TO YOUR SELF CARE ROUTINE

1. Start by figuring out what means the most to you, what brings you the most calm and the most happiness? As well as this, what are you currently lacking that you should be doing more off - e.g. getting more rest or finding a perfect work / life balance.

2. Once you have found some things, choose just one or two to work on; trying to make too many changes all at once can be quite overwhelming. Start small and stay consistent with it. Build your self care routine over time and slowly. This will keep you motivated to carry on implementing these activities and allow you to achieve the best self care results.

3. Write down how your day has gone with the self care activity now implemented into your day/week and notice what difference it is making.

4. After some time, you could try to add one more thing into your self care routine