Self-Care Tips: Why You Might Be Doing Self-Care Wrong and How to Fix It

Do you ever feel the mounting pressure to add self-care to your already long to-do list? Or feel overwhelmed by so many different self-care tips?

Self-care and mindfulness have become trendy buzzwords, and while taking care of ourselves is undoubtedly important, many of us might be approaching it the wrong way.

The truth is, you don’t have to commit to an hour of daily yoga, regular spa days, or lavish beach vacations to reap the benefits of self-care.

Small daily actions can have just as much, if not more, impact on your well-being.

Rather than viewing self-care as another chore, consider it as something you get to do. Wondering where to start? 

Here are three simple ways to kickstart your self-care journey in less than 10 minutes:

1. Make a List of Joyful Activities

Start by listing at least 10 things that genuinely bring you joy. These activities can be as straightforward as savoring a cup of tea or coffee, going for a leisurely walk, reading a captivating book, listening to your favorite music, catching up with a friend, dancing to a favourite song,, or taking a relaxing bath. If you’re struggling to come up with a list, reflect on activities you enjoyed as a child or things you’ve always wanted to do but find it challenging to fit into your busy schedule.

2. Schedule Self-Care Activities Weekly

Select 1-2 activities from your list and incorporate them into your weekly schedule. Take a look at the week ahead, and designate specific time slots for these activities. For example, if reading is a priority for you, block off at least 10 minutes in your schedule to read a chapter of a book. Set a reminder to ensure you stick to it. If life gets in the way, don’t get discouraged; immediately reschedule the activity to prevent it from falling by the wayside.

3. Set Boundaries and Practice Saying No

True self-care often entails saying no to things or people in your life. Review your schedule for the next month and identify any commitments that you can delegate or eliminate entirely. Consider outsourcing tasks or seeking support when needed.

When you say no to something that doesn’t serve you, you’re saying yes to the most crucial person in your life – yourself!

If you need some help, create your personal “No” affirmation to use as needed. For example, you could try saying: “By saying no, I am saying yes to me and my priorities. Setting boundaries is essential to me, and someone else’s reaction to my boundaries is not my problem to fix.“

Additionally, practice saying no with a go-to statement ready for when someone asks you to take on more than you can handle, such as: “Thank you for asking, but I am at capacity right now and cannot take anything else on.“

If you found these tips helpful, share this page with a friend who could benefit from a bit of self-care wisdom!

And remember, your well-being matters, and these small actions can lead to significant positive changes in your life.

Looking for some additional support to help you reach your health goals? Let’s chat! Book your free discovery call with me right here.