It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life with work, family, friends, and everything else that comes up. Sometimes it feels like there is never enough time for you. All the responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming – which is why self-care is so important. Read along as we give you some creative ways to care for yourself without neglecting your responsibilities or burning out.

How do I make fun of taking care of myself?

Treating yourself can be just as important as treating others. Here are some ways you can treat yourself without being selfish or spending money on something unnecessary:

• Indulge in your favorite cupcake, piece of chocolate, or bakery item for breakfast instead of your normal bowl of oatmeal. It’s a great way to start the day.
• Try a new restaurant or cuisine that you’ve wanted to explore for lunch.
• Instead of working out at the gym, take a walk around your neighborhood or go for a swim in the pool.
• Spend an afternoon reading books by the beach or in your backyard.
• Trade your usual bar crawl for wine tastings at different vineyards in the area.
• Take yourself on a shopping spree for clothes, accessories, or beauty products that you’ve been wanting but haven’t wanted to spend the money on.
• Get a massage, mani/pedi, or other spa treatment. You can also check for alternative options like a salon that offers mobile beauty services, which is more convenient for busy people like you. 
• Rent films, buy tickets to concerts or shows or take yourself out to dinner instead of waiting for others to join in.
• Travel. Explore a new city, go on a safari, or visit ancient ruins. There are many affordable ways to travel, and you don’t even have to leave the country.

The options are endless when it comes to taking care of yourself, but it’s essential to make time for yourself. If you are always taking care of others, how do you expect them to care for themselves?

Best self-care strategies

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s crucial to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You may procrastinate on taking care of yourself because you don’t know where to start or think self-care is a selfish act. But the truth is, by taking care of yourself, you’re being kind and caring to others.

• Maintain friendships. Friends are a great support system, and they can help you through tough times. Make time for your friends, even if it’s just an hour each week. Catch up over coffee, go for a walk, or watch a movie. Friends provide a listening ear and share experiences to help reduce stress levels.
• Exercise. Get your heart rate going with a fun, new activity. Whether swimming laps in the pool or hiking up a mountain, exercise is excellent for physical and mental health. If you’re having trouble motivating yourself to work out, think about how much better you’ll feel when you get started.
• Spend time in nature. Spending time outside has countless benefits for mental health. Take a walk in the park, sit by the water, or go for a hike. Being in nature allows you to connect with your surroundings and release negative energy. It’s also been shown to reduce stress levels and improve moods.
• Practise yoga or meditation. Both yoga and meditation are great ways to focus on your breath and relax your mind. They can be done anywhere, and they don’t require any special equipment. If you’re new to either of these activities, start with a few minutes each day and work your way up to longer sessions.
• Seek help and accept offer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or doctor. There’s no shame in admitting that you need support. And if someone offers to help, accept their offer. They’re just trying to be kind and supportive.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthily and getting enough sleep are essential for mental health. Ensure plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, and try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. If you’re struggling with either of these things, make small changes until they become a habit.
• Plan something ahead. It’s easier to take care of yourself when you have something to look forward to. Plan a weekend getaway with your friends, visit a new city, or go on a hike. Having something to look forward to gives you something to focus on aside from stressors in your life.

Final thoughts

Self-care is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re happy and healthy. Try out some of these strategies to make sure that you take care of yourself, whether daily or just once in a while. Taking care of yourself should be your top priority, and it’s worth the effort.

Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.