Feeling your best takes more than just making delicious, healthy meals. Blue Apron has dinner covered, and Jess from The Golden Girl is here with self-care advice on five other ways to be kind to yourself.
Go out of your way to give someone a compliment
I know this seems counterintuitive to put on a self-care list, but I find that sometimes the best way to boost my mood and happiness is to help others.
It’s hard not to feel great after doing something nice for someone, or completing a simple action that can make a big difference in someone else’s life–even if it’s just giving someone a compliment. (Complimenting doesn’t just benefit the receiver of the compliment, it boosts the happiness of the complimenter, too!)
This could look like venmoing your friend $5 to buy her a coffee after a rough week, taking a moment to properly thank the person checking you out at the grocery store, donating to, or volunteering for, a cause that is important to you, etc!
Move for 20 minutes
I really hate reading “work out” as a tip when it comes to self-care. When I need self-care the most is when working out is the LEAST appealing, so instead, I like to challenge myself to just MOVE for only 20 minutes.
It doesn’t have to burn a bunch of calories, and it doesn’t have to be for very long. It should be something that SOUNDS appealing (not something you have to force yourself to do!) Like going for a walk, or doing a gentle 20 minute yoga flow. Just the act of getting some movement in will make you feel so much better. If you pick something you love, it won’t feel so daunting.
Escape with a good book
I don’t know if it’s just me, but watching a TV show just doesn’t provide the same mental benefits that reading does. One of the best ways for me to escape reality is to get lost in a great book. I also think it’s important to read the right book for the emotional state you’re currently in. There’s a time for thrillers, love stories, fluffy books, etc.
Actually take a lunch break!
There are many amazing benefits to working from home, but one of the drawbacks is that we are often tempted to work straight through the WHOLE day without any breaks. Breaks are so important! We all need them not only for our metal sanity but also productivity.
Remember that you are always entitled to a lunch break, even if you’re working from home. Be protective of your lunch hour and don’t take meetings during that time, and put your “do not disturb” notification on your work chat. Take that time to indulge in something just for you–watch your favorite show while eating your lunch, paint your nails, or, like I said above, dive into your book for a half-hour! You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel.
Take time to create something with your hands (that doesn’t involve a screen!)
This is one of the reasons I love cooking so much–it’s so therapeutic and a great way to unwind, disconnect, and if you’re cooking with a loved one, is a great thing to do together. Not to mention, enjoying something delicious that you made yourself always makes you feel good–it’s a great confidence builder, too! This is why I love Blue Apron so much, it removes the stress of shopping and meal planning, but still allows me to be creative, and most importantly, relax, and enjoy the moment!
Aside from cooking, it could be knitting, painting, drawing, playing a music instrument, experimenting with photography–whatever! Anything that engages you creatively and allows you to disconnect. Looking for more great ways to take care of yourself? The Blue Apron Wellness menu makes tackling healthful eating easy.
