5 Simple Ways to Practice Self-Care (That Actually Make a Difference)
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When we hear about self-care, we often think about little luxuries like spa days or face masks. Although those can be nice, true self care is about nourishing our minds, bodies, and souls in ways that help us feel more balanced, present, and at peace. Often, we treat self-care like an afterthought or something we earn after checking off everything on our to-do lists. In reality, self-care isn’t a luxury. It is essential for our wellbeing.
Here are five powerful ways to practice self-care in a way that actually makes a difference.
1. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
One of the most important forms of self-care is learning to say no without feeling guilty about it. If we constantly say yes to every request, invitation, or expectation placed on us, it’s easy to end up exhausted, resentful, and disconnected from our own needs. Setting boundaries is not selfish; it’s an act of self-respect.
Start by noticing where your energy is being drained. Maybe it’s saying yes to an event you don’t actually want to attend, taking on extra work when you’re already overwhelmed, or constantly being the go-to person. Give yourself permission to protect your time and energy. That might mean declining a request, limiting time with people who drain you, or even just turning off your phone for a while. The world won’t fall apart if you take care of yourself first. By giving yourself time to recharge, you’ll be able to dedicate your time to the people and things that truly matter to you.
2. Speak to Yourself Like a Friend
Many of us have an inner voice that is far harsher than anything we’d ever say to someone we love. You might find yourself thinking, “I should be doing more,” or “Why can’t I just get this right?” If this sounds familiar, it’s time to shift your self-talk.
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A simple but powerful self-care practice is to pause when you catch yourself being self-critical. Ask yourself, “Would I talk to a friend this way?” If the answer is no, try offering yourself the same kindness and encouragement you would give to someone else. For example, instead of, “I messed that up, I’m such a failure,” try telling yourself, “I made a mistake, but it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.” Practicing self-compassion isn’t about ignoring mistakes or pretending everything is fine; it’s about acknowledging our imperfections with kindness instead of shame. The way we speak to ourselves matters, and the more we practice self-compassion, the easier it becomes to quiet the inner critic.
One way to improve our mindset and train our subconscious to have a more positive inner dialogue is through affirmations. By consciously repeating affirming phrases to ourselves, we can counteract negative thoughts and replace them with empowering and compassionate messages. Try writing down a list of affirmations and repeating them to yourself every morning when you wake up.
3. Prioritize Rest Without Feeling Lazy
In a culture that glorifies hustle and productivity, rest can feel like a luxury, or worse, laziness. But rest is not something we have to earn. It’s something we need in order to function at our best. If you constantly push yourself to the point of burnout, you’re not actually being more productive.
Start noticing where you resist rest. Do you feel guilty for taking breaks? Do you push yourself to keep working even when your body and mind are exhausted? If so, try giving yourself permission to slow down. That might mean going to bed earlier, taking short breaks during the day, or simply allowing yourself to do nothing without feeling like you’re wasting time. Rest isn’t unproductive; it allows us to recharge so that we can show up as our best selves in all areas of life. The more you allow yourself to rest, the more energy, clarity, and resilience you’ll have to navigate life’s challenges.
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4. Let Yourself Do Things Imperfectly
You’ve probably heard the adage, “Do it right, or don’t do it at all.” This attitude can actually be a big barrier to self-care. If we believe that everything has to be done perfectly or not at all, it can keep us from enjoying life, taking risks, and even practicing self-care in the first place. True self-care requires us to show up imperfectly and still recognize our worth. Our worth isn’t dependent on our accomplishments or achievements. We don’t need to be perfect to be worthy.
If you’ve been avoiding something because you’re afraid you won’t do it perfectly, challenge yourself to take imperfect action. Maybe that means cooking a meal without worrying if it looks picture-perfect, starting a new hobby just for fun (not to master it), or finishing a project even if it’s not flawless. Life is meant to be lived, not perfected. The more you embrace imperfection, the more freedom and joy you’ll find in the process.
5. Give Yourself Space to Feel
Self-care isn’t just about feeling good. It’s also important to let ourselves feel our emotions. If you tend to avoid difficult feelings by staying busy, distracting yourself, or trying to fix everything, you might be unintentionally making things harder for yourself in the long run. Ignoring emotions doesn’t make them go away.
Instead, give yourself space to sit with your feelings, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this. Try writing down what you’re feeling without judgment or filtering. You can also practice mindfulness by simply noticing your emotions as they come up, rather than immediately trying to change them. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to vent, do it. If you need to sit in silence and just be, that’s okay too. Honoring your emotions is one of the most powerful ways to care for yourself because it allows you to process and move through them rather than staying stuck.
Self-Care Is Not Selfish
We can take care of ourselves by regularly prioritizing our own well-beings. Self-care involves setting boundaries, being kind to yourself, resting when you need to, letting go of perfection, and giving yourself permission to feel and heal.
If self-care feels hard, start small. Even one small act of self-kindness each day can make a difference. You deserve care, not just when everything else is done, but right now.
Which of these self-care practices do you need most right now?
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.