The Key to Self-Care: Embrace the Boring Bits
Last month, we talked about how self-care can be a valuable resource for dealing with stress. This month, we’re diving deep on how self-care doesn’t have to be flashy to be worthwhile.
As you surely know, self-care is super on-trend. If you search the hashtag #selfcare on Instagram, you’ll find tons of aesthetically pleasing photos, inspirational quotes, and piles of whatever the latest superfood is. Those things are all fantastic, and they are great ways to treat yourself, but they are not the only way you can practice self-care.
In fact, we know the secret to successful self-care. The secret? Embrace the boring parts of taking care of yourself.
Self-care isn’t just about treating yourself (although treating yourself is fun and feels great). It’s about setting yourself up for success by taking good care of yourself, down to the boring details. It may not seem exciting to do these little things, like cleaning your space or being proactive with your health, but establishing these habits will help build a foundation for you to live your best life.
We’re not alone, either. There is a fantastic Instagram account, @makedaisychains, that regularly features examples of boring self-care.
Here’s a list of boring self-care ideas to round out your self-care routine:
- Be compassionate with yourself
- Curate your social media to be a positive space
- Reduce tolerations
- Reduce clutter
- Set up a budget
- Clean up your computer or tablet
- Spend 15 minutes outside every day
- Schedule outstanding appointments
- Catch up on laundry
- Make your bed
- Clean out the space under your bed
- Wash your dishes
- Track your moods
- Ask for help when you need it
- Spend time alone if you need it
- Practice saying ‘no’ and having that be a complete sentence
- Establish healthy boundaries with friends and family (and ask other folks about theirs)
Of course, you don’t have to do all of these (or any of these) on a regular basis. That’s the great thing about self-care: it’s extremely personal. What works for someone else might not work for you, and vice versa. That’s okay. All that means is that we’re different.
If you’re looking for more things to add to your list, take a few moments to assess how you feel when you’re done doing something. Ask yourself questions like:
- Is this something that adds value to your life?
- Do you feel a sense of pride or relief now that you are done?
- Would doing this regularly help you live your best life?
One last note: balance is key. If you want to collect inspirational quotes and enjoy the latest superfood, by all means, do so. If it makes you feel good, go for it. As long as it works for you, it is self-care.
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