Self-care is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Self-care is more than just doing a face mask and watching Netflix. It’s about taking some time out of each day to focus on yourself and work on the things that are important to you.

Self-care often gets pushed aside as we forget about just how important it is, but taking care of your body and mind is one of the most crucial things you can do for yourself. Here are a few ideas of self-care practices you should take the time to do each day:

Move your body
Whether that’s going for a walk, going to the gym, or doing some simple stretching, moving your body is vital for your mental and physical health.

Journal
Writing things down with a pen and paper can be extremely satisfying and rewarding. Take some time to get away from the computer screen and write things down in a journal.

Cook something
If you like to cook, cooking can be relaxing. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but making something from scratch and then enjoying it yourself/sharing it with others is a fantastic feeling.

Read a book
Reading is an amazing way to clear your mind and remove yourself from the stresses of each day. It doesn’t have to be a long book or something complicated; even reading a few inspiring quotes each day can be great for our minds.

Clean
A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. Cleaning and organizing your room, kitchen, living room, wherever can give you a huge sense of relief and might help you feel more at peace and calm.

Go for a drive
Driving and listening to music has to be one of the best feelings in the world. Driving is a time where you can be alone with your thoughts, and it can help give you clarity on whatever you might be struggling with.

Do something you love
Whether that’s going for a run, writing something, or even watching your favorite show, doing something you genuinely enjoy each day is so crucial for our mental health.

Talk to a friend
Not talking to anyone all day can be seriously damaging to your mental health. Call or text a friend for a quick catch up to see how they’re doing. It will help you in the long run.

Say no
Saying no can be tough, especially if you’re someone who always wants to please everyone. But learning to say no to the things you don’t want to do or can’t do, and learning to prioritize your tasks is so essential for your mental health. It’s okay to say no!

Listen to a podcast
No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a podcast for you out there. Podcasts are an amazing way to relax and learn something new at the same time. There are so many podcasts that cover every topic, so you’re bound to find one that suits you.

Sit in a coffee shop
The smell of coffee is incredibly relaxing in itself, right? Sitting in a coffee shop with your favorite drink, even just for a few minutes, can be calming. Better yet, bring your work to a coffee shop so you can be productive and relax at the same time.