There are so many reasons for us to feel stressed. What are you doing to take care of yourself? Some of us are programmed to take care of others first – before ourselves, but how can we give when our own cup is empty? Self-care helps to fill our cup to overflowing – allowing us to care for others from the overflow.

Here are a few ways I take care of myself:

1. Breathe

When I get stressed, I either hold my breath or shallow breathe. Crazy, right? Friends even remind me to breathe when I’m stressing. Try it: Sit up tall and take a nice long inhale. Hold for a few seconds (not too long – you don’t want to create more stress) and then slowly exhale – completely. Feel all the air leave your lungs. Then start again. A few rounds of this should leave you feeling more centered and able to think.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

I get distracted sometimes and forget to drink my water. Other times I turn to coffee or tea when tired. While any of these choices are better than nothing, water is best. When I get dehydrated, I end up with headaches, dry skin, brain fog, and digestive issues. I try to drink at least 80 ounces of water every day. I’ve also added coconut water to my routine – it’s very hydrating and replenishes essential electrolytes.

3. Eat Regular Healthy Meals and Snacks

We all laugh at the commercials when someone is “hangry,” but it isn’t funny when it’s us (or someone around us). I bring snacks with me everywhere I go and usually have some water with me too. I find it stressful physically, mentally, and emotionally if I don’t eat good quality food when I need it. Do you turn into a not-so-nice version of yourself when you don’t eat when you need to?

4. Unplug for a Few Minutes Each Day

Working with my laptop, phone, or tablet for long periods makes me ungrounded and spacey. I lose focus and become less productive. We are attached to our electronic devices for staying connected to family, work, and friends. It’s not all bad, but our bodies are bombarded with electronic stimuli that can leave us feeling jangled. If you unplug (put your phone or tablet in another room), it allows your body and mind to settle and relax. Even better, find some orgonite, shungite, or smoky quartz to help neutralize the effects of electromagnetic frequencies around you and your space.

5. Move Your Body

It’s important for me to move my body. This can mean working out at the gym, taking a walk, going for a bike ride, or practicing yoga. If I don’t move my body, stress seems to settle in, and my body becomes more uncomfortable. Movement helps physically and energetically. How do you like to move your body?

6. Take a Bath

At the end of the day, I like to take a bath. This has been part of my routine for more years than I can remember. A bath cleanses my physical, energetic, and emotional bodies. I have one friend who says her morning bath leaves her aura sparkling clean to protect her all day long. My preference is to have my bath at the end of the day – it helps me leave my day behind and relax for bedtime. Visualization helps me with allowing all my cares and worries going down the drain, leaving me in a great place to rest for the night. Essential oils and Epsom salts are two of my “go-tos” to cleanse and restore my energy. I usually use Frankincense, Sandalwood, or Lavender for an evening bath or mint or citrus oils if I start my day with a bath.

7. Make Time to Go to the Beach (or Other Places in Nature)

I feel recharged after a little time at the beach. The sun feels amazing on my body (yes – even with sunscreen), and the salt water cleanses away stress. This is essential for me regularly.

These are just a few ways I take care of myself. Sometimes there are bumps in the road, but I do my best to work around them and be prepared with snacks and water when adventures start. For me, staying on track with self-care helps manage stress, and the more I practice it, the easier it is to make time for it. An overflowing cup created in part by self-care makes it possible for me to support others.

Other Ideas for Self-Care

1. Get a massage regularly.
2. Play with a pet if you have one.
3. Take a mental health day from work and do what feels best for you.
4. Spend time doing something creative.
5. Read for pleasure.
6. Study something that has always interested you.