Let’s face it- we can all admit that we have some sort of major stressor in our lives. Whether it’s work or school or family or whatever, we all have days when we do not make time for ourselves. Making time for yourself is one of the most important ways to take care of your mental health. Even if you have an excuse or you are “too busy”, you can always take at least ten minutes out of your day to treat yourself. If you are feeling low or exhausted most of the time, something in your everyday life needs to change, and that change could only involve ten minutes of your time. Here are ten things you can do each day to make you feel slightly less sluggish and refresh your mindset:
1.Make yourself yummy and nutritious food.
Nothing helps me get through writing an essay or studying for finals like drinking a cold smoothie or some steaming tea. Find a healthy food that you love and treat yourself. Nourishing and taking care of your body will help you to feel energized and ready to take on whatever life throws at you.
2.Stretch.
Standing up from your desk chair that you have been slouched in all day and stretching can feel amazing. I know when I’m taking tests and listening to lectures all day, standing up and reaching for the sky and then down to my toes can feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulders. Ten minutes is all you need to feel slightly less cramped and stressed.
3.Go for a walk and spend time with nature.
The beauty of the outdoors and the peace that comes with smelling the crisp air can really improve your mood. It will get you out of your musty office or stuffy room and give you a new perspective and thoughts for whatever you are working on. Plus nature is beautiful.
4.Hug someone or talk to someone.
Hugging increases your oxytocin levels, which is a 'bonding' hormone that makes you feel less stressed and can even reduce the risk of certain diseases. Being alone all the time can be really bad for your mental health, so hugging someone you love is a great way to improve your mood. If you don’t have anyone to hug, find your pets and give them love. You could even call up an old friend and just talk. When stressed or tired it is so easy to isolate, but interaction is so good for you.
5.Disconnect from social media for a little while.
This one can be hard for a lot of us, but it honestly can improve your mood immensely. Instead of watching the highlight reel of someone else’s life while you are not happy with yours, just ignore it until you are not feeling low. Social media can worsen your mood. It also distracts you from getting work done and doing important things.
6.Do laundry, the dishes or something productive.
While it is important to relax and treat yourself with chocolate or a movie, getting mindless chores like the laundry and cleaning your cat’s litter can make your mind feel a little clearer. Having less things on your plate leads to a happy and healthier you.
7.Meditate.
This may sound weird or out of many people’s comfort zones, but it is actually super easy and awesome. Just YouTube guided meditations for whatever you are feeling, find a quiet room, and relax. I can guarantee if you try, you will feel a lot better.
8.Be creative.
Journal. Paint. Play an instrument. Color in an adult coloring book. Knit. Cook. Watch a movie. Read- do whatever hobby that gives you stress relief.
9.Paint your nails, take a bath, apply lotion, and other beauty care.
Whether it’s a facial, a bath, or your nails, do whatever makes you feel relaxed. Doing things for your hygiene show care and love for yourself and can make you feel like you’re not letting yourself go.
10.Listen to music.
Everybody loves music, and music relieves stress. Music with lyrics you can relate to, or music that makes you dance and gets you super excited, both can help with stress. Have a dance party by yourself in your room, and jam out to whatever you like.
Always take care of yourself because you are so important, even on the days when you feel like you are not. Self-care can remind you that you are important and will show you what it is like to care for yourself.
