If you often find yourself putting the needs of others first, you may feel like there’s never enough time in the day. Although this may come from a place of good intentions, it’s important to make the time to care for yourself.

Even though it may seem counterintuitive, by practising self-care, you’re doing the best for yourself and those around you. You’ll be happier, healthier, and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you.

The good news is that there are plenty of simple ways to do this, and by making a few small changes that are easily worked into your schedule, you’ll have those precious moments of downtime. Let’s dive into 5 tips to help you unlock your best self.

1. Elevate hydration for energy boost

Our bodies are mostly water, so it’s no surprise that staying hydrated is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give yourself a bit of a boost. Not only does your body need adequate water to function at its best, but your brain will also appreciate it and reward you with more mental clarity.

The simplest way to ensure that you’re getting enough water throughout the day is to carry a reusable water bottle with you. Not only will this serve as a reminder to drink more, but you’ll also be more conscious of the amount of water that you’re consuming with each refill of the bottle.

2. Master the art of saying no

Let’s face it, it can be easy to get caught up in the urge to be everything to everyone. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the best method, and you may find yourself with an overflowing schedule that doesn’t align with your needs.

So it’s important to set clear boundaries and master the art of saying no. It may be difficult at first, but once you discover how empowering it feels to reclaim your time and be in control of your schedule, it’ll get easier. It helps to think of it as a commitment to yourself, as this allows you to reframe how you view the situation.

3. Cultivate a personalised self-care routine

Self-care can be defined as anything that assists you in replenishing your energy and boosting positive feelings. This means that going for a walk, meditating, having a relaxing bath, or curling up with a good book and a reusable cup full of your favourite drink all qualify as self-care. So does playing with the pup, or anything else that makes you happy for that matter!

The point is to find what works for you and incorporate as many little moments of joy into your day as possible—your mind and body will thank you for it.

4. Invest time in hobbies you love

Speaking of things that spark joy, dedicating time to your favourite hobbies is key to feeling fulfilled. So, if you like to dance, commit to a weekly class. If crafts are more your style, find a new pattern or guide you’d like to follow. Set aside time at least once a week to work on your project.

Making this time and space for yourself helps boost feelings of fulfilment, with many hobbies also benefiting your physical health. You can even use this time to learn a new skill or improve current ones by trying out something you haven’t done before, or giving a different variation of your favourite hobby a go.

Remember, hobbies don’t have to be productive, they’re a way to express your interests or rekindle your passion for activities you used to enjoy, and that’s more than enough.

5. Create your sanctuary

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of having a space where you can simply be. Having a place in your home that reflects your personality and is dedicated to unwinding is a great way to gather your thoughts and help switch off after a long day.

This can be as simple as claiming a corner of your bedroom for relaxation, or as elaborate as turning an entire room into a dedicated space for your hobbies and interests—it all comes down to what makes you happy.

And remember—self-care isn’t selfish, and putting yourself first when needed is vital to your physical and mental wellbeing. The tips in this piece will help, but they’re not the only ways to build the life you want to live and be your best self. Focusing on yourself allows you to show up for others, so find what works for you.

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