What is self-care?

When it comes to taking care of people, it’s no secret that we often put ourselves last on our to-do list—if our needs make the cut at all.

How often do we think about whether we’re getting enough sleep or exercise, spending enough time with the people who build us up, or just taking some time for ourselves? For some, taking care of yourself means occasionally squeezing in a quick workout between appointments, making sporadic plans with friends or counting your commute home as quality “me time.”

Self-care routines should not feel like a chore; you should be able to focus on the activities that bring you the most joy instead of rushing through them as you worry about your to-do list. If that describes you, it’s time to develop a self-care plan of joyful activities that you make time for on a regular basis.

Not only will it give you the personal time you need, it will serve as a preventative measure, letting you know what you might need when times get stressful. You might realize that the secret to quickly turning around your mood can be something as simple as taking a walk to clear your head or calling up a friend who has a knack for making you laugh.

A self-care plan also helps you stay on track when it comes to doing the things needed to maintain your physical and mental health. With an established routine, you are less likely to fall into a trap of making excuses about why your well-being isn’t as important as your to-do list for your job or family. The plan will remind you that it is and help you take your next step.

Taking care of yourself: 4 self-care tips

Here are some easy tips for putting together your own plan along with some self-care examples to get you thinking about what might be right for you.

1. Make a list of what brings you joy

We all need more joy in our lives, but how do we find it? Start by making lists – one for your career and one for your personal life – and write down what really makes you happy. This means mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

Is mastering a new skill set at work something you are really looking forward to? How about in your personal life – is your idea of happiness being able to head out for a bike ride or hit that weightlifting class after work at least three times a week? In your social life, is a weekly dinner with friends one of your priorities? Once you are honest with yourself about what you really love, you’ll know what needs to be in your self-care plan.

2. Create a list of barriers that may prevent the joy

Next, look for the roadblocks. For each of those happiness examples listed above, write down a corresponding barrier – something that gets in the way of the thing that brings you joy. Then spell out a solution to that barrier. That way, you can be prepared next time that roadblock turns up and easily detour to continue on the way to your happy place.

For example, maybe you have a friend who is always suggesting last-minute plans and pressures you to drop what you are doing and go along. In the past, you may have ended up canceling your own plans to appease them. Once you identify this person’s spontaneous ideas as a roadblock to your plans, you can be ready with a solution to decline the invitation: Explain you’ve already got plans but would love to get something on the calendar to see them soon and then make that plan so you both have something to look forward to.

3. Develop a sleep routine

Getting enough sleep is often the most neglected self-care practice. For many who are swamped at work and home, sleep seems less important than getting things done even though sleep is essential to protect your health. While you sleep, your body repairs and replenishes itself – vital work that allows you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle a new day. Not getting enough sleep could lead to weight gain, heart disease or taking longer to fight off minor illnesses like colds.

To ensure you’re getting enough sleep, create a bedtime routine. This might include:

• Going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day.
• Reducing alcohol consumption and even exercise as you wind down and prepare for bed.
• Taking the television out of your bedroom.
• Eliminating screen time on your computer, tablet or smartphone in bed before you go to sleep.

If you find you have trouble falling asleep or can’t seem to get enough sleep, consult your doctor. If you want help relaxing before bedtime, you could try a sleep supplement like Nutrilite™ Sleep Health. It features valerian and a blend of lemon balm extract – which has a calming effect. It’s designed to help you relax so you can fall asleep.

4. Find a friend who will hold you accountable

True friends want you to succeed and they will encourage you to stick to a self-care plan. Find a friend who is also interested in implementing a self-care routine. You can check in on a regular basis and keep each other on track as you make sure you’re doing things that are bringing you joy.

Living your best life begins by taking care of yourself, whether that is spending more time with friends or doing activities you love. Developing a self-care plan means taking a deep look at what makes you happy, and making sure you are prioritizing those things for your own well-being. Once you do that, you’ll find you’ve created a more fulfilling life for yourself and are better able to be there for other people.