Let me start by saying that self-care is an ongoing struggle for me. I realize the importance of it, so much so that I have been working with a self-care coach! I also realize that there are some misconceptions when it comes to self-care, and I really want to encourage you all to find a few extra minutes in your day and do something special for you. Here are some things that are easy and can be done now, wherever you are.

Take yourself out on a date. When is the last time you sat and enjoyed a meal or went to the movies by yourself? There’s nothing I love more than a little bit of me time. If you don’t have the time, go to work a few minutes earlier so that you can eat lunch out of the office. Or, escape on a Sunday and take yourself on a nice quiet walk.

That “when I get around to it” thing? Get around to it. Make things that are important to you a priority. Whether it is taking your car for an oil change, or taking yourself to the doc for your annual check up, you will feel so much better once it’s off your plate. Put it on the calendar now.

Allow yourself to breathe. No, really breathe. Spend some time listening to the beat of your heart and fill your lungs with air. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. When I get a little bit anxious, I place my hands on my heart and breathe. I thought it was silly at first, but now it’s my go-to. Sometimes I do it for 30 seconds. Sometimes I do it for 5 minutes.

Ask for help. Man, I’m bad at this, but I’m learning that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a very strong and admirable thing to do, to be able to look at your situation and realize that you can’t tackle it alone. Situations differ. You may need help with running errands, or you may need help getting through a loss. Know that you are not alone and can do this, with your tribe of supporters.

Write your thoughts down, don’t type them. If there’s something on your mind, put it on a piece of scratch paper. Maybe you’ll write one thing down, or maybe you’ll write ten things down. Either way, you don’t have to keep it, but now it’s out of your head so you can let it go.

Treat your body extra special. Whether it’s spending more time moisturizing your skin in the morning or adding a deep conditioning treatment to your hair, honor your physical being with a little extra TLC.

I hope the above gets you going.

Please share your self-care rituals in the comments below!