Reduce Daily Stress and Pamper yourself Silly with Small Acts of Self Care

Let's face it. Life can be hectic these days. 

Long hours at the office, a packed schedule of daily errants, plus the ever present demands at home. 

We are living in a fast-paced world where dealing with tension, has become part of our routine. 

Reduce Daily Stress, using Small Acts of Self Care

We have endless lists of what we must, should or have to do, everyday and we also spend so much of our time taking care of others, that we have become accustomed to neglecting our own needs. We feel overwhelmed and frazzled and yet we still move forward, without thinking of taking a breather. 

The stress keeps pilling up and eventually it could take a physical and emotional toll on us --and in most cases it does. But still, the idea of just stopping for a while, sitting back or taking some time to relax, --not to mention pampering ourselves--, simply doesn't feel right.

So, why is it that?

Well, I should know! Why? Because I used to feel compelled to be doing something productive, at all times. I used to have an instant resistance to the very thought of pampering myself. Feelings of guilt were flooding in, every time a thought of self-care, came to mind. Taking time for myself, was some sort of luxury I simply could not afford --well not without the guilt trip, anyway. It took me a lot of time and self monitoring to become aware of the importance of self-care and how productive that can be, in the grand scheme of things.

What many of us fail to understand is that self-care is not a luxury.

Pampering oneself is not an act of selfishness. Relaxing, even for a while, during our busy schedule will not sabotage our efforts to become successful entrepreneurs, parents or partners.  Quite the contrary. Personal indulgence is vital to our health and overall wellbeing. Taking some time to pamper ourselves silly, throughout the week, helps boost our mood, become more relaxed and energised and significantly reduces stress. 

And while we can't magically eliminate all the stressors from our lives, we can surely reduce them by simply taking some "me" time, every day, to honour ourselves, relax and recharge. 

I know what your are thinking. But I don't have enough time to go to the spa and have a massage... I don't have enough money to travel or take a vacation, right now… My work is my number one priority at this moment, I'll deal with this pampering thing later...  

And I say, you better start taking care of your number one asset: yourself. Treating yourself to a nice relaxing hot bath, will not break the bank, will not take you out of your way and it will certainly won't make you a bad manager!

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Put yourself first. You can't be anything for anybody else unless you take care of yourself.[tweet this]

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Sprinkle your days with small acts of self-care. Remind yourself that you deserve to be pampered. Say it out loud, if you have to, just to feel the impact of what you have said. Take a few minutes every day --or every other day, if that's too much for you-- to sit back, indulge and relax. Do something enjoyable for yourself whenever you can, sometimes even closing your eyes for a few minutes visualising a beautiful landscape or simply lingering in the peaceful silence, can free the stress from your mind and body.

When was the last time you set aside time for yourself?

Lately I have been trying to incorporate regular relaxation into my daily schedule and I found it quite effective and enjoyable. Plus, I now feel more productive, more positive, less stressed and more gentle with myself.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to spoil yourself.

Here is a list of the mini stress relievers, that bring me joy, energy comfort and peace.

• Going for a walk in the park by myself has become a sacred ritual for me. 
  
• Doing yoga for 30 minutes at home, every day, is one of my greatest stress relievers.
  
• Playing a soothing CD, while I enjoy a cup of tea, on the balcony, always takes the edge off the day.
  
• Getting a manicure or a pedicure never fails to lift my spirits.
  
• Dimming the lights, pouring myself a glass of wine and reading, is the perfect way to end a long, busy day.
  
• Visiting a cute tea shop on my way to work everyday and getting myself a bubble tea, unfailingly makes my day. 
  
• Lighting a few candles and practising mindfulness meditation, help me relax after a busy day, at the office.
  

Most of my stress relievers are inexpensive, readily available, little luxuries, I indulge myself into, almost every day. They are mostly about me, taking some time to tune into myself and enjoy a small break from my daily stressors.

Stress can be hard to avoid nowadays and that's why taking good care of ourselves is extremely important. Everyone is entitled to some pampering, including yourself. 

Take out some time for yourself every day. You can start by asking: "How can I pamper myself today?" Even a nice cup of cappuccino or a long bubble bath can change your day around, help you relax and give you the opportunity to acknowledge yourself for the many things you do.

What can you do for yourself today? 
What can you do to ease the stress, nourish your soul and bring you calm?

Remember, if you have a question you’d like me to personally answer, 
email me at nichole@take-ten.com

Thank you for Sharing the Love.

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Other Posts You might Love:
5 Tips for moving from Self-Judgment, to Self-Compassion
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Are you holding yourself back? | Break free from your own limiting beliefs, starting today
How I changed my life by Taking 10

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About Me

Hi, I'm Nichole, and I am a Life Change Architect and a Motivational Speaker, Coaching, Writing and Running Workshops about Personal Growth and Positive Change. 

Connect with me on Facebook or email me at nichole@take-ten.com

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