No Vacation, No Problem: Quick Self-Care Practices for Any Day

This time of year you might hear a lot about vacations. Maybe your friend has been texting you excitedly about their big vacation abroad. A neighbor might have asked you to house-sit while they're away. Maybe every time you look at social media you're confronted with pictures of new destinations, wonderful food, and smiling faces.

Maybe you're thinking, When is it my turn?

Summer signifies time away from work and/or school for most folks. However, not everyone has the luxury of taking time off, the finances to pay for a vacation, or maybe the ability to "get away." For whatever reason, some of us may not have the privilege to go on vacation. 

While this can be downright upsetting, this doesn't mean we don't deserve a little R&R (rest and relaxation). Everyone, no matter their ability, financial means, schedules, or situations, deserves the space and time to take a break. And guess what? We don't need a beach or a plane ride to do this. We just need (and deserve) a few moments to ourselves.  

Take a Moment for Yourself

You know self-care is essential to maintaining a healthy mind and body and I know it's not always easy to find the time for it. But believe me when I say small snippets of self-care throughout the day can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. This month, I'm encouraging you to try to take a moment for yourself, even if it's just for 10 minutes. 

Here are some simple ways to engage in self-care, even on a budget:

1. Take a moment to breathe.

So often we find ourselves rushing from one thing to the next, hardly taking a moment to breathe. And sometimes, that's exactly what we need to do. Just, breathe.

Breathing exercises are an excellent way to calm your mind and relax your body. Take a few minutes to sit in silence and focus on your breath. Breathe in slowly and deeply, and exhale slowly. Repeat this process for a few minutes. Pay attention to how you feel after this. Does it help you feel calmer? Has your heartbeat slowed? Have your muscles relaxed?

2. Enjoy a favorite snack. 

There's a reason we call certain foods "comfort foods." By treating yourself to a snack that you love, you experience the emotions and memories that are tied to that food. So savor each bite and enjoy the flavors! This small indulgence can give you a quick boost of happiness and satisfaction. 

Not sure if your worry is just worry?

3. Listen to music.

When was the last time you listened to music, just to enjoy it? I'm not talking about putting on music while you work or study, I'm talking about actually listening. 

Music can have a profound impact on our mood and emotions. Make a playlist of your favorite songs or artists and take a short break to really enjoy it. Upbeat music can help us feel more positive, while slower-tempo music can help us slow down and relax. 

Whatever you need, whatever you enjoy, music has the power to lift your spirits and give you a mental break from the stresses of the day.

4. Snuggle with your pet. 

If you have the opportunity to work from home, give your pet a snuggle. By taking a few minutes to cuddle and play, your oxytocin is boosted and your cortisol is lowered, leaving you feeling happier and less stressed. Plus, when you choose to take a break with your buddy, you're giving them the extra attention they no doubt deserve.

5. Read a book. 

Reading, instead of watching TV or scrolling social media, allows us to slow down and only focus on the words in front of us. Reading helps reduce stress, lower our blood pressure and heart rate, and relax our muscles. Whatever you read is up to you, as long as it's what you want to read! 

6. Do something creative. 

Whether it's dancing, drawing, coloring, singing, writing, painting, or knitting, when we're creative we allow ourselves the opportunity to break free from the ordinary. Switching our minds from "work" to "play," can give us that much-needed break in the middle of a stressful day. It can also help us problem-solve when it comes to returning to work or study.

7. Practice gratitude.

Take a moment to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. Write down a few things in a journal or on a sticky note and keep it with you throughout the day. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can shift our focus from our immediate stresses and remind ourselves in the midst of a stressful day that there are things worth enjoying and being grateful for in our lives.

A Dash of Self-Care

I know these small snippets of self-care aren't a beach vacation or a trip around the world, but they are still small breaks that you deserve. By taking a moment to practice self-care, you give your body, mind and spirit an opportunity to "catch its breath," relax and simply enjoy the right here and the right now. While taking a vacation is a privilege, self-care is a right, and doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming.

Take advantage of the moments throughout your day to focus on yourself and your needs. Remember that self-care is different for everyone, so if these suggestions don't ring true to you, don't worry! What's important is taking time to do a little something each day that helps you feel recharged, empowered, and comforted. 

If you’d like help to prioritize yourself and your emotions, schedule a free consultation today. I take pride in helping the community of Charlotte and all residents of North Carolina find the confidence they need to live the life they deserve.

Take care,

Cheryl D. Perry MA LCMHCA NCC

I would like to be clear that this blog post is not intended to substitute for professional counseling. If you are in need of support, please consider speaking to a professional counselor.