10 Easy Self-Care Strategies to Help You Manage Stress

Reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

Many of us have so many responsibilities in life that we forget to take care of our personal needs. This is particularly true for many who have significant caregiving responsibilities. And while it’s hard to prioritize when you have so many other items on your to-do list, self-care is an important aspect of stress management.

At a Glance

All of us have super busy days (or weeks) and sometimes we really need to just stop, slow down, and refocus all of that energy onto ourselves. Self-care is a great way to manage and relieve stress. Luckily for us, there are some pretty easy self-care tips we can try right now.

Related: Self-Healing Techniques for a Happier and Healthier Mind

Why Does Self-Care Make Us Less Stressed?

When we’re physically and emotionally exhausted, it’s harder to deal with stress. By taking care of ourselves, we become more resilient and better equipped to manage life’s challenges.

A massage, a hot bath, or another form of pampering revitalizes you inside and out. Taking time out to maintain self-care has several benefits.

Related: It’s OK to Take a Mental Health Day—When and How to Ask for One

It Boosts Our Physical Health

While self-pampering may not improve health as significantly as a healthy diet and exercise, it can activate the relaxation response, helping to prevent chronic stress from harming your health. In this way, self-care benefits both your body and mind.

It Can Improve Our Emotional Health

Taking time for yourself can reinforce that your needs matter. Maintaining a well-cared-for body can boost your self-esteem and show others that you value yourself, contributing to long-term well-being.

It Can Improve Our Caregiving Abilities

People who neglect their own needs and forget to nurture themselves are in danger of deeper levels of unhappiness, low self-esteem, and feelings of resentment. People who spend their time only taking care of others can be at risk of getting burned out, which makes it more difficult to care for others or themselves.

As the saying goes, we can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking time to care for ourselves regularly can make us better caregivers for others.

It Allows Us to Get Some Much-Needed Alone Time

People vary in how much alone time they need, but having some is important for most. Being alone can make it easier to meditate, reflect, or let your mind work through problems without focused effort.

Related: How to Savor Your Solitude and Get More Comfortable With Being Alone

10 Easy Self-Care Strategies to Try Right Now

Once you’ve decided it’s time to start nurturing yourself and your body, be sure to plan some time for this. Try to schedule a block where you won’t be interrupted.

Try some or all of the following self-care strategies:

1. Go for a walk: Many forms of exercise can help prevent and reduce psychological stress. Though you might not always feel like you have time to hit the gym or engage in an intense workout, fortunately, a walk can be an excellent self-care strategy.

2. Engage your senses: A good way to relax and find a sense of inner peace is to engage your senses. Consider taking a hot bath, lighting a scented candle, listening to soothing sounds, or drinking some herbal tea.

3. Get a massage: This one can be especially nice. If your budget doesn’t allow for regular massages with a professional, see if you can trade with a friend or your spouse, or use an electronic massager.

4. Take a bath: Get out the bubbles, oils, and scented soaps, and soak until you’re wrinkled.

5. Schedule social time: A big part of self-care is maintaining your social connections. Make an effort to carve out time to see friends and family.

6. Deep-condition your hair: While you’re in the tub, put on a deep-conditioning treatment for your hair, and let it work as you relax.

7. Deep-clean your pores: With a clay facial masque, you can draw impurities out of your skin and stress out of your system.

8. Care for your feet: After you soak your feet to soften calloused skin, use a pumice stone to slough off dead skin. Finish with rich foot cream and perhaps nail polish.

9. Nourish your skin: Rich, luxurious creams smell wonderful and feel smooth, especially if you exfoliate your skin in the tub before putting them on.

10. Tend to your nails: Correct the beating your nails probably take from your busy life (especially for those of us who bite our nails) by filing and buffing.

More substantial forms of self-care involving healthy lifestyle choices are important, too. Consuming a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and being sure you get enough sleep are all important for long-term health and stress management.

What This Means For You

This is not an exhaustive list of the self-strategies you can employ to relieve stress. Always try to find what works best for you. Cuddling with your cat or re-watching your favorite rom-com might be exactly what you need.

If you notice that your stress isn’t alleviated with self-care tips, it may help to speak to a mental health professional.

Read Next: Trending

Read the original article on Verywell Mind