15 Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself as a Woman
/As much as society and our peers tell us otherwise, as women, we don’t always have to put ourselves last on the list of priorities and take care of everyone else before taking care of ourselves.
This can be especially true when we feel like no one else has our back or that we’re not capable of doing things on our own. These tips will help you learn how to take care of yourself so that you feel better in your own skin, and more capable of taking on the world around you.
1. Get enough sleep
Most women need around eight hours of sleep per night. Getting enough shut-eye helps our bodies to recharge and recover from the day’s events, and allows us to think more clearly and make better decisions.
2. Do Something For Yourself
If you’re always focused on everyone else, it’s important to make sure you do something for yourself. Whether it’s getting your nails done or taking time out for a bike ride—or simply reading a book—the most important thing is that you do what makes you happy.
The happiest people are the ones who know how to take care of themselves and put their needs first. Make sure that happens from time to time, even if it means putting someone else’s needs second.
3. Create an Active Exercise Routine
Getting active is one of the best ways to take care of yourself, so make sure you’re making time for it. Not only does exercise help you feel better physically, but research has shown that it can improve your mental health too.
The more often you work out and become fit and healthy over time, the easier it will be for you to look after yourself in other areas (you’ll have more energy, for example) and that’s what self-care is all about.
So, if you don’t already have an exercise routine, here are some ideas to get you started:
Set a goal: Figure out how much weight you want to lose or how many times per week you want to go running; having something specific to aim for will motivate you.
Schedule it: Plan when and where you’re going to do your workouts each day—if possible, schedule them at around the same time every day so they become part of your routine.
4. Learn Something New
Self-discovery can be rewarding for you and for your partner. We all have room to grow, and learning something new about yourself—even if it seems minor—can change your life. Enriching your mind helps enrich other areas of your life, too.
Plus, when we spend time focused on ourselves rather than others, it gives us space for self-reflection. And that’s healthy!
5. Get Creative
It’s easy to get caught up in what you have to do on a daily basis, so give yourself time to be creative!
Whether it’s doing art, writing poetry, or playing with your kids.
Doing things that bring out your creativity and inner child helps keep you feeling young, healthy, and balanced. And don’t forget about physical activity.
6. Surround Yourself With People Who Inspire You
Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you and help keep you focused on your goals. Surrounding yourself with other ambitious women can also be helpful in keeping each other motivated.
If you find it hard to stay positive, consider hiring a coach or seeking support from friends and family members.
7. Try Meditation Sessions
It may seem strange, but meditation is an important part of taking care of yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, I would recommend trying out Headspace. I love practicing meditation through them. You can enjoy a 7-day free trial HERE
In just 10 minutes a day, meditation can help keep your mind clear and focused, improving your overall well-being and helping you stay on track with your fitness goals.
8. Remember to Breathe
Stress is an inevitable part of life. While it can often be useful—that rush of adrenaline that propels you out of bed and into your daily routine can be very motivating—it’s also important to learn how to turn off your stress response.
The fight-or-flight response—what you might also call stress or adrenaline—is a survival mechanism that kicks in when faced with immediate danger.
While it’s great for getting you out of a burning building or running from a bear, it’s not so great when it becomes chronic and interferes with your day-to-day life.
So, how do you turn off your stress response? The first step is to take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, making sure to take slow, deep breaths.
9. Get outside
Going outside can do wonders for your body and mind. The sun’s rays help you produce vitamin D, which is important for bone strength, immune system support, and feeling your body balance.
Spending time in nature also helps reduce stress and depression. It’s easy to work some extra fresh air into your day by just going on short walks to relax during your lunch break or taking five minutes to sit outside at night. Aim for at least 30 min.
10. Make Time for Fun
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it’s important to take some time out for yourself to have fun.
Do things that make you happy, whether that’s going on a date night with your partner, taking yourself on a solo vacation, or just indulging in a new Netflix series.
Whatever you do, make sure to take some time out of your busy schedule to relax and have fun. You deserve it!
11. Try an outdoor workout
Whether you take a walk, hit your local track, or go rock climbing with friends, incorporating some outdoor activities into your fitness routine can go a long way toward improving your mental and physical fitness.
health. Not only will you get some Vitamin D from all that sun, but being outdoors also boosts self-esteem and reduces stress.
12. Pay it forward
It’s good for both your mood and your community. It’s also an easy way to take care of yourself, and benefit others in the process.
From buying coffee for someone behind you in line to offering to help that older gentleman carry his groceries, it doesn’t take much effort at all. And if it brightens someone else’s day, there’s a good chance it will have that same effect on you too.
13. Take some time for yourself
This one is important! As women, we often put everyone else’s needs before our own. But it’s crucial to take some time each day to focus on ourselves.
Whether that means taking a yoga class, reading your favorite book, or just taking a relaxing bath, make sure to schedule some “me time” into your day. You deserve it!
14. Set some goals
It’s important to have something to strive for, and setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and on track.
Think about what you want to achieve, whether it’s in your career, fitness, or personal life, and then create a plan to make it happen.
Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments along the way—every little step is progress!
15. Give yourself some credit
You’re doing a great job, so make sure to give yourself some credit! It’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk, but it’s important to remember all of the things you’re doing right.
Focus on your positive qualities and accomplishments, and give yourself a break every once in a while. You deserve it!
Final Thoughts
Our culture is one that tends to prioritize career, family, and looks before self-care. Make your health a priority by making it a daily practice. Small changes in our routines can help us feel more alive and less stressed.
And remember that when you do something kind for yourself (getting exercise, reading, taking care of your skin), you’re actually doing something kind for others as well! You’ll be better able to take care of those around you when you’re happy and healthy.