Focus On Yourself With These Easy Ideas

When you are a parent, a spouse or partner, a professional, an adult child, a sibling, or a friend, you are pulled across the map every day and in every direction over and over again. Being everything to everyone or even just something to someone means you are always caring for someone else. While these roles are likely points of pride and great achievement, they can also wear you down. Take some time today and every day to focus on yourself. Continue reading for some accessible ideas.

Play a Game on Your Own

When you choose to play a game by yourself, you are giving in to being on your own and in your own mind. It can be a respite from the outside world and a few moments to indulge in brain-powered intentional activity. Play the solo game of Solitaire anytime without having to carry around a deck of cards. While they are small, your phone is always with you, so it is the perfect solution to gameplay on demand.

Look for other games in addition to Solitaire that you can play on your phone, such as a word search or the daily crossword puzzle. Using your brain for these games helps enrich it while challenging yourself to do better every time. When you achieve your goals, you will feel better about yourself and be happy that you gave in to a little time for yourself.

Focus on Exercise

Exerting physical energy is a great way to focus on your whole self. Moving your body is not only beneficial for a variety of physical health reasons, but it is great for your mental health and stress relief. Physical fitness is a gift you can give yourself that will help you today and tomorrow.

Exercise is the perfect vehicle for self-care. You can choose how you want to move your body one day and then do something different the next. Find an exercise regimen that works for you and stick with it until you are ready for a change. Running with your dog in the morning or working out on the treadmill while you catch up on the news or a new podcast are good ways to start.

Begin Journaling

You have probably heard about journaling before. It is an easy-to-implement activity that is for your eyes only. You can use your smartphone, laptop, or the more conventionally-held notebook. A fancy notebook and colourful pens are not a prerequisite to getting started with journaling, but if you prefer, that is what you should do.

Watch this video to learn about six journaling strategies you can implement today.

Read Something

If your TBR (to be read) list is longer than it should be, that is probably a sign that you need to do something about it. Pick out a book at random, look for the book your friend has been raving about, or stop into your local library and peruse the stacks. Select only as many books as you think you will read, not the number you think you should read. Ensure reading is enjoyable and leisurely instead of stress-inducing by reading for pleasure and not for tracking or sharing your books read on social media.

Joining a book club is another way to pay attention to your needs. Sit with like-minded readers in person or meet up virtually. Let yourself be inspired by others and hear their interpretations of your much-loved books to gain a new perspective on the content. Only participate in these gatherings and groups as long as you enjoy the process. Once it becomes a burden, it is time to move on.

Book a Massage

Merely existing in this busy world means you probably have more stressors than you should weighing you down at any given time. One of the best ways to focus on yourself and relieve tension is to book a massage. With the many options and styles available, find the one you are most comfortable with and then prepare to let your worries melt away.

Talk with the masseuse about your comfort level with the experience, whether or not you have had a professional massage in the past, and what you do or do not like in terms of pressure or anything else you would like to relay. The idea is to relax and feel good instead of experiencing any discomfort.

Practice the Art of Self-Care

Self-care can mean something different depending on who you are or what you are going through at that particular moment. If a 10-step bedtime facial care routine resonates with you, do that! If you prefer to soak in the bathtub while listening to soothing music, there you go. 

Find whatever you identify as self-care, regardless of its definition or what others are doing on social media. If doing something makes you feel good, that is your answer. Everything from meditation to baking pastries and listening to a true-crime podcast whilst working in the garden can be a form of self-care. Do what gives you happiness.

Watch a Show

There seems to be nothing more relaxing than sitting back in a comfy spot in your house with nothing to do but watch a show. Pick a tried-and-true favourite you enjoy watching on repeat or something new. The most important thing is that you do not allow any guilt to creep into your me-time. If you choose a movie, give yourself the gift of watching it in its entirety. 

A show is in a different category because it is all too easy to binge-watch episode after episode. Take a moment before you begin to turn off the autoplay feature in the settings. Consider whether you want to watch one or two episodes and then turn off your TV or laptop as soon as the episode is over. That way, you will not fall into a state of regret over spending too much time watching something instead of doing something. The idea is to treat yourself.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-tank-top-holding-blue-plastic-cup-3768138/

There is no better time than the present to pay attention to you. You are always there for others and sometimes need to give yourself the grace to indulge in a game, practice self-care, watch a show without guilt, and lean into whatever makes you feel whole again.