It’s easy to lose sight of the most important thing that refuels us: looking after ourselves. Self-care is literally the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health. Whether it’s mental, emotional, or physical health, creating habits that allow you to check-in with yourself and focus on what your body and mind needs is crucial for maintaining your well-being and happiness. Implementing time for yourself in your life is not selfish, careless, or vain; in fact, it is the ultimate care for the world. When we love and care for ourselves, we value life more and inspire the people around us. It’s time to do you, boo-boo!

Self-care isn’t always taking a bubble bath with candles and wine and face masks (and if it is, no one’s blaming you, sis). It is knowing your worth, stress management, creating a work-life balance, and maintaining physical health. It is sometimes getting down to the nitty-gritty of our souls and figuring out what we truly need. We’ve put together a list of some self-care tips to get you going and tap back into the person that’s always gonna have your back: you.

Saying no to something that could possibly infringe on your well-being is establishing your worth. Making the decision to turn down plans or something you genuinely do not want to do in a respectful way is empowering. If someone has a problem with that, well that’s on them to let it go.

Drink water. Eat healthy throughout the day. Get quality sleep. Your body needs these things to feel its best and without them can affect your physical, mental, and emotional health.

I know, easier said than done. But when we practice letting things go that are out of our control, we can focus more on what’s truly important and worthy of our time. A good vent sesh with a trusted friend, meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling are great ways to release stress that is sitting with us. Fun tip: the AF Team has group screams to let out everything that’s swirling around in our brains.

Make time to do what you love! Painting, dancing, writing, gardening, whatever makes your heart feel full and releases your creative potential. Maybe try something new that you’ve always wanted to but never made time for!

There’s a difference between being there for someone and letting someone emotionally drain you. If you sense someone in your life is bringing you down, you have the freedom to remove yourself from their grasp. You have the power to choose who you exchange energy with, and surrounding yourself with people who love you and respect you is a revolutionary act in the betterment of you.

Exercise is a large part of self-care because your body needs it to feel it’s absolute best. It releases endorphins, helps with stress, lifts your mood, and keeps your heart healthy. Go for a neighborhood walk or run, dance, swim, stretch, pick up a sport--anything that works for you that gets your body pumping the good sh*t and rids the bullsh*t.

Having somewhere you can go to be with yourself without distractions can really help refresh your soul. Zen out your bedroom with your favorite colors, sounds, and items. Go to your favorite spot in nature. Embrace being alone and tapping into yourself.

Have you always wanted to go somewhere in particular or try something new? Go for it! We can’t always be held down by “what-ifs.” Sometimes you just have to say screw it and allow yourself the spontaneous moment of doing what you want to do. This doesn’t mean throwing away all responsibilities. It’s just a reminder that we only live once and that your desires are just as important.

Yes, this is where the bubble baths come in. Your body needs to relax to recharge. Doing something enjoyable that requires minimal effort and tension and allows you to just be is a perfect way to realign the body, mind, and soul. Listen to music that soothes you, soak in the tub, meditate, do breathing exercises, or take a nap. Whatever relaxation means to you. 

We all know how good it feels to be doubled over laughing until we cry. Take a moment to be goofy with friends or watch something funny. The release of endorphins will boost your mood and mental health, even if it’s fleeting. Need some help? It’s proven that if you reach your arms up over your head, stretching to the sky while smiling, you will feel your happiness increase. Take a deep breath, and sigh it out with a smile.

Remember that self-care should be a regular habit, not a special occasion. You owe it to yourself to care about your well-being. You are worth care and love. Creating a balance where self-care is just as important as responsibilities is bound to improve your life, and we want nothing more than to see you shining, Fox Fam! Self-care looks different to everyone and we’d love to hear what “me time” means to you, tell us in the comments!