You are your own worst critic. Self love is an important quality and is often overlooked when it comes to improving your state of mind. Many times we try to deflect onto others the problems within ourselves.

Take a moment for yourself and say yes to experiences that make you happy. After reading this, check out my other post on work-life balance.

14 Self Care Steps

1. Forgive yourself. Carrying around mental baggage really weighs down your subconscious. This adds up in your every day life and little by little keeps you from living your life. Forgive and forget.
2. Buy yourself flowers and put them in a prominent spot in your house. I guarantee that every time you walk buy, it’ll give you a little burst of joy. Another option is to sign up for a monthly box to pamper yourself. There are so many out there, but I’ll link a few here, here, and here. Coming home to these in your mail is such a great surprise, it’s like Christmas every month!
3. Go outside. Soaking up some vitamin D and breathing in fresh air can do wonders for your state of mind. Take 10 minutes to close your eyes and be present. Listen to what’s around you.
4. Read/listen to an inspiring/motivational book. Books like this always make me feel empowered and ready to take on the world. Use the tips in these books and apply them to your life. Even try writing them down. There’s something powerful in putting pen to paper.
5. Remove the negativity from your life. This can (and should be) a step by step process. Start by taking a look at the moments and activities in your life that cause you distress. If you notice you’re unsettled after looking at social media in the morning, take a look at the content that’s being displayed. Is it the people? Is it a page? If you’re not ready to remove these things entirely from your life, think about unfollowing it. Out of sight out of mind. Clean out your closet of items that no longer bring you joy. This is often overlooked and I’ve found that following the steps from this book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, honestly make you feel lighter. It’s an unexplainable high. Think about other ways you can apply this to your life.
6. Take a new class. Health establishments are always offering free trials for fitness or education. Try a yoga class. Even a barre or group cardio. Get your dance on with some Zumba. Move your body and be active. This is be a positive opportunity for you to meet new people that can motivate you, and improve your health. What better way to show your body love?
7. Go to sleep earlier. If you have the time, set down your phone/television [or whatever your evening activity may be], and turn your lights off a little earlier. The extra sleep will clear your mind. Nothing beats waking up feeling rested and refreshed.
8. Drink your 8 glasses of water a day. I can’t stress this one enough. You will notice such a difference in your hair and skin. You might even lose a few pounds if you make it a habit. So much of the population goes through life on the edge of dehydration. You’ll have more energy, and I promise it’ll change your life. [Once you get past having to pee every 30 min].
9. Buy yourself something new. Those shoes you’ve been eyeing but don’t really need? Treat yourself. That dress? Treat yourself. That eyeshadow palette? Treat yourself. Loving cooking? Buy some new pots/pans/dishes. I’ve linked a few treat yourself ideas here, here, & here. [but don’t treat yourself so much that it loses it’s special effect]…
10. Take a bath. This one can fall into number 8 as well…Buy yourself some bath goodies[Lush makes my favorite] and take a luxurious, colorful, bubble-rific bath. Soak until you feel like a prune. Light a candle and pour yourself a glass of wine. Turn off some lights. Create your happy place.
11. Clean out your emails or text messages. I love the feeling of an organized and completely cleaned out inbox. Plus it clears up space on your phone!
12. Buy an “adult” coloring book and some colored pencils. This has been proven to release stress. [The article explains it]. There is an exploding market for coloring books, and I guarantee there’s a subject matter that will strike your fancy. This one is my favorite!
13. Bake some brownies or cookies & watch a movie. I think this one is self explanatory…My favorite “me time” movie is Pride and Prejudice.
14. Write down 14 things you are grateful for.