12 Ways to Practise Self-Care Today

An article for myself anytime I need it, or for people going through shitty times today.
1. Eat healthy food often, and happy food once in a while.
What’s your sinful indulgence? Mine is Mcdonald’s, hahaha. Even though I know it’s not the healthiest choice of food, I left myself enjoy my McSpicy now and then. I think it’s great that Mcdonald’s in Singapore has also created a very cosy ambience in their outlets.
2. Get enough sleep.
For adults, 8 hours should be the minimum. Your body and brain need to rest and recharge. I’m still working on not feeling guilty for sleeping more than 7 hours a night though.
3. Don’t do today what you can do tomorrow.
Things will never be finished. What’s done is finished. This wisdom was shared by my wonderful life teacher.
4. Take an intentional time-out to do something that makes you happy.
It could be a craft project, or a leisurely cup of your fave drink of tea or wine, or a hobby to write, paint, doodle, read a novel, watch a comedy, etc.
Therapeutic activities will calm your nerves down.
5. Go somewhere that brings you peace.
The beach, the park or the mountain, your choice. Don’t bring anyone with you! Unless it’s a calm baby that can stay calm for some time without crying, though I think this kind of babies only exist in Stockholm’s perfect weather in spring, so.. don’t bring anyone.
6. If you’re frustrated, find an outlet to let it out.
Nope, not manhandling your cat. Nor deciding your kids deserve disciplining from you today. Neither will I suggest punching the wall (you can try the pillow).
Find a healthy outlet. Choose a good friend who’s either extremely forgetful, or amazing at detaching, if you really must vent verbally. If you’re gonna rant on social media, do it mindfully. Don’t let your anger turn you into a mean, cruel monster for real, which others can trace back in future.
A good method is to scribble it out on paper and tear that up!
7. Release tension frequently.
Yoga, please. Get into a Downward Dog pose now. Google how the pose look like and try it. I didn’t wanna break any image copyrighting rules so here’s my own Downward Dog (Split) photo.

8. Protect your space.
This includes the physical space that surrounds you, as well as your inner space emotionally and mentally.
Therefore, stay away from the bullshitters, or the people who often put you down when you‘re already trying your utmost, or the ones that make breathing a little harder for you because they make you burnnn internally with rage. Stay away from people who’re always saying shit about everyone else. Stay away from people whose behaviour often makes you feel guilty that you didn’t step in and make things right.
If you’re somehow stuck with toxic people in the same space, remember: you’re not a sponge. Do not absorb the toxin. And remember you have legs to walk away. And those ear-plugs in your travel toiletries bag ;)
9. Rise above petty things and other people’s pettiness.

There will be people who’ll drive you nuts with what they say, do and the trouble they cause. You, in fact, have the power to minimize further damage by NOT allowing it to spread. Did someone say something that got on your nerves earlier? If you repeat it twice to others, you have already let that person get on your nerves a total of three times. Think about it.
Let that shit go.
Rise above trivialities and pettiness. You’re much better than that.
10. Meditate.
Meditation is not easy, I know. The term “meditation” itself might already cause people stress. Well, just think of going to sit for a few minutes and take deep breaths while you’re at it. Sometimes, I purposely choose yoga classes where I know the teacher will start with breathing exercises (pranayama).

Actual meditation requires deep self-discipline before you can put everything away and simply go sit in quietness. But it is necessary. As my teacher likes to say, if you’re busy, meditate for 10 minutes. If you’re extremely busy, meditate for one hour.
With that said, give Headspace app a chance. You get 10 free sessions that you can repeat as many times as you like forever. I find Headspace a great app for helping my mind unwind before I fall asleep.
11. Hug yourself.
During a talk, my teacher cheerfully put his arms around himself and embraced himself. According to him, if you think doing this is ridiculous, you definitely need it most. It’s hilarious why no one thought of this method!
12 . Do something nice to someone else.
The ripple effects that Kindness radiates will come back to you instantly =)
If you enjoyed this article, please click the little ❤ at the bottom so others can discover it!
Kristine Li is a Designer, Travel Blogger, Artist and previously, a Software Engineer.
Credits: Header photo: Photo by Kristopher Roller on Unsplash. | “Will this matter a year from now” frame is from TheThingsWeSay | Last quote image was created by me.
