Self Care Tips for When You Just Can’t Even

Being a twenty-something is hard work, especially if you are trying to balance multiple things at once – like school, work, traveling, finding time to sleep, having a social life…the list goes on and it gets exhausting! If you’re like me, you find yourself feeling burnt-out, running low on steam, or just feeling like you need a break from it all. When you get to feeling this way, you need some “me time” to de-stress, re-focus, and re-set your life. Below, I list 9 of the best self care methods that help me rejuvenate my soul so that I can feel less blah and more positive about my life.

Take a Bath

Light a few candles, throw in a bath bomb, squeeze in some bubbles, or toss a few drops of essential oil into a warm tub and settle in. Bring a book, a glass of wine, and maybe even a bowl of ice cream with you. You’ll feel your muscles relaxing, mood lifting, and your troubles will lift away in no time.

Read a Book

If you have more than a few minutes on hand, get lost in a good book! Every time I start to feel like I’m stuck in a rut, I pick up my copy of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling and become incredibly motivated to get through the rut and find little victories in everyday life. If you have a reliable book for getting you through rough times, pull it on out! If you don’t yet have a book that makes you feel that way, I recommend Mindy’s!

Cuddle with a Dog

If you have a pet, cuddle it! If you don’t have a pet, reach out to a friend with a pet or visit your local animal shelter. Petting animals has been proven to reduce anxiety, lower your heart rate, and cause you to release the hormone oxytocin. Plus, you get to play with a cute little furball, which is a win-win all around!

Write it Down

Write down whatever is troubling you – put it all out there in black and white. Writing it down will help get it off of your chest, making you feel like you’re exhaling a breath you’ve been holding in for too long. I’ve been keeping a journal for years and write in it every time I feel like my daily life is becoming a bit much. It helps so much to see my problems on paper, as it makes them feel smaller than they did in my head. If writing it down isn’t enough, burn the paper and watch your worries go up in smoke.

Meditate

Meditation can take as little or as much time as you want, making it the perfect self-care method for busy twenty-somethings! Find a spot where you feel comfortable, turn your phone off, close your eyes, and repeat some positive self-affirmations like “I love and accept myself” or “I am strong, confident, and can get through anything life throws at me”. For some added relaxation, light a few candles, play some relaxing music, or hold something dear to you while meditating. You will feel so refreshed and ready to take on the world!

Invest in a Planner

If you feel like your responsibilities are piling up and you don’t have time to breathe, buy a planner and start planning out your day on paper! Once you see the gaps of time that you have free, write in “me time” and spend that time doing something on this list! Scheduling time for myself has been a lifesaver for the times that I feel like my life is being taken over by school, work, and studying. You can find planners on amazon that meet any budget, calendar need, or style (like my Moleskin Planner, pictured above). I recommend investing in a planner that has large spaces for each day, especially if you’re a busy-bee!

Go for a Walk

Ever feel like your house’s walls are closing in on you and you can’t get anything productive done at home? Get out and go for a walk! You can walk around your neighborhood, drive to a local park and take in some nature, or wander around the streets of your city. Walk until you’ve cleared your head. The fresh air will do wonders for your mental state.

Watch Some TV

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I’ve felt better about my life after watching some reality TV. Seriously. I feel like I have my life together each and every time I finish an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians or Real Housewives. Watch E!, watch Bravo, watch Netflix – just take some time to veg out and watch something. It seems dumb, but trust me, it works.

Spend Time with a Friend

This one is my personal favorite. Call up a friend or a few of your friends and tell them that you need to distract yourself for a bit. Grab a meal, get drinks, go dancing, stay in and watch a movie, have a girls night! Your friends will be sure to boost your mood in no time!

What are your favorite self-care methods? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,

KB