Blog

Self-care: how to be your best self in 2018

11 May 2018

self-care-best-self

Who was the last person you cared for? Perhaps it was your son, mother or friend. But how many other names would come to mind, before you said ‘me’?

Self-care is essential to being the best version of yourself. It helps maintain your wellbeing, improves productivity – and ensures you stay resilient in the face of adversity.

But what is self-care? Self-care refers to the practice of everyday strategies for looking after yourself, physically and emotionally.

Importantly however, self-care means different things to different people, which is why you should develop a self-care routine that’s right for you. It’s even more important to develop that routine before you need it – so you’re ready to cope with life’s ups and downs when they inevitably occur.

Here are three tips to get you thinking.

1. Get moving

We all know about the physical benefits of exercise. But we often forget how great it is for our brains too.

In fact, studies show that exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health.

While everyone has their own way of staying active, the key is to find something that is manageable and enjoyable for you. It could be:

  • Sunset walks with friends
  • Taking the stairs instead of the lift
  • Saluting the sun during morning yoga
  • Cycling to work
2. Get some more shut-eye

Good sleep is the foundation for a positive state of mind.

If you’re not well-rested, you’re more likely to be unproductive and grumpy. So aim for eight or more hours of sleep a night to feel and live better – here’s how:

  • Remove all digital devices 1-2 hours before bedtime
  • Try to get to bed at a similar time each night
  • Avoid naps during the day
  • Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and comfortable
3. Download a mindfulness app

Feel calmer by focusing on the here and now.

Mindfulness reduces stress and improves your mood by helping you live in the moment. To incorporate short mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, simply download one of the many handy mindfulness apps today.

Here are some options to get you started:

  • Insightful Timer (iOS and Android): This app features more than 4,000 guided meditations provided by over 1,000 teachers across a range of topics – including self-care.
  • Aura (iOS and Android): Every day you receive a new, personalised, three-minute meditation routine. It’s that simple.
  • Omnava (iOS and Android): With a meditation library full of different routines, you’ll be well on your way to achieving mindfulness.
  • Stop, Breathe & Think (iOS and Android): This app teaches you about the benefits of mindfulness, and then helps you dive right in.
  • Calm (iOS and Android): With a number of different meditations ranging from 3-30 minutes, we’re sure you’ll find the right one for your self-care routine.
  • Smiling Mind (iOS and Android): An app which helps you better manage the stress, pressure and challenges of daily life.

But sometimes we need a little extra support. So if you’d like a tailored self-care plan – or simply someone to talk to – our psychologists are here to help. Call us on 1300 995 636 to learn more.