25 Ways to Be Good to Yourself

Inside: So often we focus only on the needs of others–and much to our detriment. Today it’s time for a little self-care with our 25 ways to be good to yourself.

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Why Self-care?

If you’re like me, the idea of self-care isn’t something you learned about until later in life. I was introduced to the concept years ago after coming off a serious bout of depression, and I remember how foreign it seemed at first. Thoughts like “put others first before yourself” and “love your neighbor as you love yourself” ran through my mind. Wasn’t I being selfish, focusing on my needs?

I obviously wasn’t the only one with doubts. The author of a book I read on the subject said that when she presented her views on a popular talk show the audience of mostly women booed her. Their reaction re-enforced the message that focusing on your own needs was bad.

But what’s the first thing flight attendants tell you as they run through the safety procedures? Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others. The reason is simple: You’re not able to take care of anyone if you haven’t attended to your own basic needs. It’s hard to water others when your own well is dry.

Upon thinking of the second greatest commandment–“Love your neighbor as you love yourself”–I’ve come to realize something that had oftentimes been glossed over in my growing up years. If you’re doing a poor job loving yourself, then the “as” part of the commandment would mean that you should do just as poorly loving your neighbor. But here’s the point–the commandment assumes that you’re taking good care of yourself, therefore that should be your guide when dealing with your neighbor.

While it’s still difficult sometimes to change my mindset in this regard, I strive to make sure I am looking after myself. That way I can be there for the people I love as well as treating those I come in contact with kindness because I’m not coming from a place of scarcity.

Being Good to Yourself

With that in mind, here are 25 ways to be good to yourself. While not every point will be right for you, likely you’ll find a handful of ideas you can use as you develop the habit of self-care.

1. Treat yourself like you would your best friend. Would you criticize your BFF if she gained twenty pounds? Most of us would never do such a thing! More than likely we would listen from a place of compassion and offer encouragement. Do likewise to yourself!
2. Schedule time for yourself. Make yourself a priority as you would any appointment you make. Pencil in time for you and make sure you keep the appointment. You are worth it!
3. Take care of your health. Eat right. Take supplements. Exercise. Get plenty of rest. Cultivate habits which help you feel your best.
4. Reduce your stress load. Can you get rid of any of the activities that cause you stress? Whatever you can eliminate will make your life more manageable and give you less headaches.
5. Give yourself permission to say no. While consciously purging the stress from your life, don’t turn around and add in more. Remember: What is good is not always appropriate. While volunteering in the children’s department at church is not a bad thing, if you’re spread thin already, then it’s not appropriate for you–unless you drop other items off your schedule. When you say yes to something new, you’re also saying no to something you’re currently doing.
6. Spend quiet time with yourself. We live in a noisy world that doesn’t encourage introspection. Spending quiet time daily can be life-affirming. Slowing down to hear yourself think reduces stress, and in the absence of noise, mental clarity is often a benefit. Try it. You just might like it.
7. Journal. If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you know my love/hate relationship with journaling. The truth is, though, it’s often a good way to process your life, and thus deal with your emotional issues as they come.
8. Soak in a tub. This is the only suggestion that comes with a doctor’s prescription–Dr. Teal, that is. A good mineral soak with a wonderful scent is the frugal woman’s spa treatment, and it does a body good. I highly recommend it!
9. Take yourself out on a date. A leisurely day antiquing. Coffee and a good novel. Dinner and a movie. Who says you can’t have fun by yourself?
10. Buy yourself a bouquet of fresh flowers. You don’t have to go for long stem roses. Many lovely (and affordable) floral arrangements can be found cheaply at the grocery store. The pop of color and fragrance is so welcome, particularly during the winter months.
11. Watch your favorite movie. This used to be an occasional guilty pleasure of mine years ago when Mike was at work and Emily was in school and I was between morning and night chores around our dairyfarm. Something about watching a movie alone made me feel like I was getting away with something. Not sure what that was about, but it was quite fun!
12. Meet a friend for lunch. And not the sort of friend who tends to be needy. Iron sharpens iron, so choose someone who is equally good at listening as she is sharing her heart.
13. Steal a few minutes (or hours) with a good book. Whether you take something off your bookshelf or pop into a book store to buy the latest bestseller, give yourself permission to get lost in a good book.
14. Give yourself the gift of convenience. There are times when shortcuts can save us time, stress, and energy. Takeout meals can regain minutes lost from other activities. A cleaning service can help you stay on top of things. Don’t feel guilty when you need a little convenience to make your schedule work.
15. Indulge in something decadent. Now you probably don’t want to do this every day, but every so often it’s nice to have a treat. On a special diet? See if you can find dessert recipes within your dietary restrictions. On Pinterest, for example, you can find so many ideas for low carb and keto desserts. (On this blog, too!)
16. Bake. (I’m imagining the British bake show and the hosts giving the command to bake to worthy contestants.) I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need a little TLC in the form of baked goods. Comfort food. Find a recipe and measure and mix to your heart’s content. Be sure to lick the spoon.
17. Do handwork. There is something quite healing in making things with your hands. I’m not sure what the magic is, but I highly recommend handwork for so many different reasons, especially how therapeutic it is.
18. Put on your favorite album. Yes, I said album. I know, I’m showing my age. Okay, playlist if you’re not old school. Dancing shoes optional.
19. Give yourself a non-food treat. Whether a magazine off the newsstand or plants from the gardening center, a small gift can be a boost to your day.
20. Go for a walk in nature. Studies suggest that spending time in the park can be healing as well as healthy. Stepping out of your normal environment to one surrounded by trees and plants, fresh air and sunshine can be invigorating.
21. Enroll in a class. Whether continuing your education or taking a how-to class at the community college, learning something new or honing a skill can be rewarding.
22. Shop. While I’m not a recreational shopper, I know quite a few people who are. If you like browsing or bargain hunting, make a day of it. As long as you stay in your budget, have fun.
23. Be a hobbyist! What do you like to do but never get time to do it? For me, gardening is fun, but maybe you like fishing or rock climbing or working out at the gym. Do what brings you joy.
24. Make a list of your achievements. This is a good exercise when you’ve taken a hit to your self-esteem. Make sure to keep your list handy and refer to it when you need a confidence boost.
25. Celebrate! Celebrate spring or Mondays or cute little fuzzy kittens. Or simply that you’re breathing! It’s okay to actually enjoy life. After all, Someone came so we’d have it abundantly.

What do you do to take care of you? Tell us about it in the comments.

Related posts:

Finding my Pace: Slowing Down to Enjoy Life

The Useful Art of Daydreaming

How I’m Finding Time to Read and Other Worthy Pursuits

Get Started with Essential Oils: Advice from an EO Teacher

Posts From a Year Ago:

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