"Self care is not self indulgence, self care is self respect." - Pema Chödrön

Do you ever forget to take care of yourself? Often times, we become so entangled in the mundane, humdrum flow of life that we neglect to take care of its most important component: ourselves.

Self care is something that is overlooked by far too many people; even worse, it may be viewed as being "selfish." Let me be the first to tell you, it is absolutely not selfish to do what is best, and healthiest, for yourself - whether that be mentally, physically, or emotionally.

Taking the time to eat, exercise, and hang out with friends may feel like slacking when you're juggling a million "more important" things. However, this mindset tends to backfire, because self care actually helps you make progress more swiftly by reducing the negative effects of stress, preventing an overload burnout, and lowering anxiety levels.

Here are some helpful self care ideas that your mind, body, and spirit will surely thank you for later:

1. Drink green tea in the morning, instead of coffee.

2. Meditate for 10-20 minutes.

3. Play some music and dance around.

4. Actually eat breakfast - it's important!

5. Take a walk to clear your mind.

6. Light a candle or some incense.

7. Doodle.

8. Buy yourself flowers.

9. Workout in a fun way: yoga, boxing, or zumba make the endorphins all the better.

10. Take a bubble bath.

11. Drink fancy wine for no reason.

12. Clean out your room.

13. Go watch a sunrise or sunset.

14. Paint something; embrace the Bob Ross within.

15. UNPLUG from social media - SO important.

16. Diffuse lavender oil.

17. Eat something delicious, and don't regret it.

18. Buy yourself something; real therapy works wonders.

19. Have a date with yourself - try out a new coffee shop or visit an art museum.

20. Knit. Bake. Sculpt. Engage your hands somehow.

21. Hug a dog, or a cat, or a squirrel. It doesn't matter.