When was the last time you did something just for yourself? With work commitments, friendship maintenance, and general life admin finding time to take care of yourself can be tough. For some reason we always see ourselves as less important to everyone else, neglecting our wellbeing in the delicate balancing act of trying to keep all the balls in the air. Sometimes it takes letting one drop to release the pressure. Going too hard for too long can lead to burnout and zap the joy out of life like a mosquito. The good news is, there are simple ways to take better care of yourself you can start today. Pour a hot drink, put your feet up, and be inspired by a little self-love.

1. Take daily ‘you’ time - A walk in the park, flicking through a magazine with a vanilla latte, or an evening bath. It doesn’t matter what you do or how long it takes, as long as you enjoy it.

2. Eat a nice meal, slowly - Guilty of munching through lunch or dinner at your desk or worse, skipping meals altogether? Aim to eat one meal a day slowly and mindfully, your digestive system will thank you.

3. Work it out - Exercise releases endorphins, aim to get a small workout in every day, and get those positive vibes flowing. A daily workout can also help you sleep better and comes with heaps of health benefits.

4. Phone a friend - We all need connection, make sure you check in with your friends and loved ones regularly for a feel-good boost. Connecting with others can reduce anxiety, and stress, and help regulate our wild emotions. As they say, it’s good to talk.

5. Explore your passions - It’s easy to neglect the things our heart wants to do, prioritizing work and all the serious stuff. What are the things you love to do for the simple pleasure of doing them? Make time to do the things that make your soul happy!

6. Rest - If you work from home, or even if you don’t, in today’s fast-paced, demanding world it can be hard to maintain balance. Set boundaries on your day to make sure you are spending enough time resting and recharging.

7. Laugh - Is there anything better than a good belly laugh? A good sense of humor can boost immunity and relax those tense muscles. Whether it’s at Ricky Gervais, a good Rom-Com, or yourself, get your giggle on.

8. Get outside - Being indoors all day can give you cabin fever, get outside every day and enjoy the fresh air and the mood-boosting benefits of nature. Daylight is vital to regulating your sleep/ wake cycle so pens down, put those boots on, and get walking.

9. Say ‘No’ - That powerful two-letter word can save you a lot of time and energy. If you tend to be a people pleaser you probably exhaust yourself by saying yes to everything and ending up with a scary to-do list and social calendar. It’s time to start putting yourself first.

10. Switch off - With so much of our lives being online, switching off can sometimes feel impossible. Take small steps to gain more of a balance. Start by leaving all your devices outside the bedroom, this will help your mind to relax and improve your sleep.

If the idea of putting yourself first makes you feel guilty, look at it this way. Filling your own cup up will keep you strong, bright, and healthy. This means more energy to bring to your work, friends, and loved ones. Your wellbeing matters, dear reader, and living well starts with feeling good. Next time you feel like you are pushing too hard, slow down, come back to this list and remember… There is only one of you.