"Ditch Your Social Media": People Are Sharing Self-Care Tips That'll Change Your Life For The Better
There's nothing more important than self-care, and taking time for yourself can make a huge difference in your mental health. I recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their best self-care tips. Here's what they had to say:
Note: Some submissions are from this Reddit thread and this Reddit thread.
1."I was watching The Devil's Hour and the therapist gave Lucy the best advice: 'Self-care is not selfish.' If you start there, it helps your frame of mind when you find ways to look after yourself."
2."Letting go of judgements. It took many years of dialectical behavior therapy to train myself to do this. Learning to stick to the facts, be curious, and question instead of making assumptions has radically improved my mental health."
—BC from Canada
3."Sleeping is self-care."
—Anonymous
4."Visit your family! Not everyone gets along with their parents, I understand. But as we move out, we tend to neglect that our parents miss us when we're away! For me, I can't help but feel empty when I don't see them, and I always feel so full and loved after seeing and spending time with them."
5."Showering daily, even if I'm not washing my hair."
6."A cup or two of chamomile tea to wind down first. Then, in no particular order: gym and a long shower. Putting a nice mask on my hair. Read a book. Remind myself that tough times do not last, tough people do, and it usually gets better."
7."Work time is work time. Home time is free time. If you can’t fix it until tomorrow then worry tomorrow, not tonight. Learn to shut those thoughts down."
8."Everyone tells you to put your sunscreen/skincare on your neck, but you should also put it on the backs of your hands! They get a lot of sun exposure, and frequent washing and sanitizing doesn't do that skin any favors. Start caring for your hands in your 20s, and you won't end up with hands that look decades older than your face!"
9."No phone is really good self-care. If only I'd take my own advice."
10."Don't wait. Need to pee? Stop holding it until you get home and go relieve yourself. Hungry? Don't put off feeding your body. Feeling a love burst for a friend? Say something! Don't wait on the things that nourish your body, soul, or connection with others."
—Kaye from Utah
11."For me, it's yoga, especially after a frustrating day. I also love starting the day with a yoga class, if that fits my schedule."
12."Get a massage."
13."Ditch your social media! Getting rid of all my social media accounts was a game-changer for my self-care routine. No more comparing myself to others' curated lives. I am free to focus on things that truly matter to me. I am more productive, more present, and honestly, so much happier."
—Emily from New Mexico
14."Take a mental health day."
—MB
15."Purchase one or more small bouquets to place in different rooms."
16."Daily walk, first thing upon waking up. Sometimes in silence, sometimes with music, depending on my mood. I love seeing the sunrise outside. Eating healthy, moving my body, and reading."
17."From a former fitness instructor: if you don't have the time, energy, or inclination to do full-on exercise, literally ANY amount of ANY activity you enjoy is better than doing nothing, especially if you're struggling with self-care. Five minutes of walking, dancing to just one song, doing a few stretches before bed — these can all help your body and mind, and those little minutes add up!"
18."Do something out of your comfort zone."
19.And finally, "I stopped feeling guilty for wanting solitude and quiet. I turn on a low lamp in our bedroom, close all the blackout curtains, and snuggle into the blankets. I'll read or play dumb games on my phone or rest."
What's your best self-care tip? Share it in the comments!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
