Self-care is a practice that many of us neglect in today’s society. People are often preoccupied and overwhelmed due to the pressure they feel in their daily lives. However, no one is immune to stress and anxiety. Overlooking signs of distress can affect one’s well-being.

Self-Care & Self Love: Top 4 Activities to Practice

According to an article published in the Guardian, our ancestors were much happier than we are today, and they were less depressed and anxious. “Modern life is not good for mental health,” the article concludes. Many people experience trouble learning, poor sleep, memory loss, concentration problems, and suffer from anxiety and depression.

Sometimes, it might be challenging to squeeze out time in your schedule for a self-care activity, especially if you’re working, studying, or even taking care of the kids and your home. But the truth is that self-care, especially self-love, can be some of the most important things we do in our lives to take care of both our physical and mental well-being.

1. Take a Day-Off From Social Media

Technology and social media are without a doubt an integral part of any individual’s life today. We all know how easily we can get sucked into spending hours and hours of our day, scrolling through social media, whether that’s scrolling through Instagram or watching YouTube videos, or checking Twitter every few minutes.

Social media can be an incredible way to connect with your friends and family and to get the latest news and entertainment, but it’s important to have time away from it as well.

Recent research has shown that being continuously connected; repeatedly checking text messages, emails, and social media has been linked with higher stress levels.

According to recent studies, “a weeklong break from social media can lower feelings of anxiety and depression.’’ Some people might find it difficult to suddenly disconnect from social media for a whole week, that is why it is easier to start with a day, a day-off from social media.

2. Meditate

To calm racing thoughts and reduce anxiety there is no greater, easier practice than meditation. Sit down, take a deep breath, exhale and clear your mind for a few minutes. Then repeat, it’s that simple.

3. Say Positive Affirmations to Yourself

Positive affirmations can help you overcome negative thoughts, boost your confidence, and motivate yourself. Repeating them often will cause you to start believing in them, which will alter your perception of life and make it more positive.

You can choose a phrase from the following phrases or come up with your own.

4. Indulge in Your Favorite Activity

This is an opportunity for you to spoil yourself. Think of an activity that you enjoy doing the most, from shopping, to making your favorite meal, dancing, binge-watching a show on Netflix, or simply relaxing with a book and a cup of coffee.