Recently, I took several days off for rest and self-care in gorgeous Newport, Rhode Island. I rented an Airbnb with a friend, and I am so grateful for the time I spent unwinding and recharging. The purpose of this trip was to take care of my mental health by taking a break from work and the busyness of life. When I do this regularly, I am better able to care for those around me, and I more easily perform at my peak in all facets of life.
Too often, our culture regards weekend trips, vacations, and using paid time off as an unnecessary luxury. There can also be an expectation that getaways should be packed full of activity in order to get the most out of your trip. Silly, right?! And while it is important to recognize that having the ability to get away is a privilege, everyone should feel empowered to fully unplug from daily life — whatever that looks like for your situation.
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In order to fully harness the life-changing benefits of self-care, we need to dive deeper into what it means to take care of yourself. Yes, bubble baths and spa days can be fun and restorative. But these activities are not the pinnacle of self-care. Genuinely recharging involves looking at what drains our energy — as well as what gives us energy — and restoring balance within ourselves. Self-care routines are not one-size-fits-all, and should be tailored to what brings you peace and inner tranquility.
Here are five ways you can recharge your mind and body to the fullest:
Push pause on the energy vampires
In our daily lives, there is an endless list of things that drain our energy levels in a harmful way. This is different from the energy you’d exert on a passion project, a workout, or on another rewarding activity. I’m talking about the tasks, activities, relationships, and habits that leave us feeling exhausted in an unhealthy way.
For example, if you have a highly critical relative who is always making unkind remarks about your spouse, your career, or your interests, this will deplete your emotional energy quickly. Or if you have a habit of saying “yes” to every request you receive at work, you are likely on the path to burnout.
Whether for a day or an entire week, pause one (or more) of the most draining activities, habits, and relationships in your life — and don’t feel guilty for doing so! Constantly being subjected to things that wear you down without any kind of break is toxic for your mental health. Doing this self-care activity will look different for everyone, and will depend on your unique circumstances. Ideas that you can use include shutting off your phone for the day, not responding to texts or emails from a specific individual, or delegating tasks.
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Give yourself a time-out
Stepping away from your normal surroundings is a powerful way to renew your mind and body! Even when we take time off at home, the temptation to cook, clean, and take care of family members is always present. Removing yourself from your normal setting is an effective way to unwind.
How much time should you spend away? This will depend solely on your needs, preferences, schedule, and budget. Taking an afternoon, a weekend, or an entire week to tend to your needs is perfectly reasonable. You can also choose to get away by yourself, with a friend, or with your partner. Whatever travel arrangement makes you feel your best, do it and don’t feel guilty!
For me, getting away meant that I only had to worry about my own needs for a couple of days. Not anyone else’s schedule, or where they needed to be, or what they needed to be signed up for. That removal from our daily routine is incredibly powerful for our psyche. We tend to do a lot of pre-planning for our families, and that can be exhausting without us even realizing it.
Turn up the light
In addition to removing yourself from the things that drain your energy, replenishing yourself with life-giving activities is crucial in achieving balance.
Start this habit by creating a list of the things, activities, people, and so on that light you up. This list might include having conversations with one particular friend, dancing, taking a yoga class, going for a walk in nature, painting, playing piano, reading novels from a specific author, or enjoying a romantic date night. Once you have a solid list of at least 5-10 items, schedule time to regularly engage in these activities. Doing more of what makes you happy is a sure way to add more harmony and joy into your life.
Plan your next adventure
During an NPR segment from several months ago, an interviewer talked with multiple individuals about their post-pandemic plans. Listening to each interview, it was clear that the mere act of planning a vacation, a family gathering, or even dinner at a favorite restaurant brought these interviewees a genuine sense of happiness and excitement.
The same goes for your everyday life. Making concrete plans to do something that brings you joy — such as going camping, attending a concert, or having an evening out with your best friends — can make you happy right now. The anticipation of having something exciting to do in the future often creates an immediate sense of delight, which can do wonders for your mental health.
Set boundaries that make self-care easier
Having boundaries in all areas of your life — including work and relationships — is necessary for your well-being. Not only do boundaries help your days feel less chaotic, but they can also make it easier for you to practice self-care. Some of the most helpful boundaries you can set include having a fixed end time for work each night, not answering work emails or texts on the weekend, and requiring family to give advance notice before coming over.
And of course, what constitutes self-care for you may not for someone else. Everyone needs to find their own definition of “me time” to most effectively care for their mind and body. Making a commitment to caring for yourself will allow you to show up as your best self each and every day.
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
