5 Daily Self-Care Practices for Young Adults

For young adults, self-care isn’t always a priority. The pressures of school and/or starting a job can make basic self-care seem more like a luxury than a necessity. But making a commitment to incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine can create a positive difference not just now, but for the rest of your life.

It’s easy to think that self-care is just about getting your hair done, bubble baths or pedicures (while those are good!). It’s also about creating sustainable habits that can be incorporated daily into your schedule to boost your mental health and overall well being.

Here are 5 self-care practices to incorporate into your life daily:

1. Sleep, Nutrition & Exercise

In the midst of our busy routines, it’s easy to lose touch with what we need on the most basic level in physical self-care. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise are essential to your health and wellness. Are you getting enough sleep and nourishing your body? If not, look at ways to adjust your schedule and improve your eating habits.

Even more, moving your body, exercising, physical activity for just 20 minutes a day benefits not only your physical health but mental health as well. In fact, exercise increases the body’s production of endorphins, what tells your brain to “feel good.”

2. Mindfulness & Relaxation

Learning to slow down and appreciate each moment, and relax at times is a game changer to your mental health. It helps recharge you mental batteries.

Here are ways you can incorporate mindfulness and relaxation self-care practices into your daily routine:

1. Breathing: Before you brush your teeth in the morning and at night, take three slow, deep breaths. You can also do this at other moments of your day too!
2. Activating your senses: While you’re walking to class, waiting at the bus stop, or walking from your car to your job, observe and savor what’s around you. Additionally, pay attention to the way the air feels, what you see nearby and in the distance, and the sounds you hear. Tune in to what is beautiful and interesting in your environment.
3. Journaling: Write down 5 things you’re grateful for every single day. Don’t like to journal? Say those 5 things you’re grateful for out loud to yourself everyday. Examples: your health, your friends, your family, your job, your school, your dog, your legs to walk, your eyes to see, etc!

3. Help

While independence is important for young adults, reaching out for help is just as essential. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Be willing to let go of what you think you “should” do on your own. Give yourself permission to ask for and receive the help you need—whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, help with studying or homework, or just someone to vent to.

4. Connection

Self-care includes spending time with people you trust who listen to you, care about you, and make you feel good about yourself. Therefore, create your own support network, including family, close friends, like-minded peers, and/or mentors. Practice active listening, speaking the truth in a respectful manner and authentic connection to those around you.

5. Self-compassion

It’s hard to not compare ourselves to others in the digital age of social media and technology. But being kind to yourself goes a long way when it comes to your overall positivity and mental health. Show yourself self-compassion and self-love daily. Write down a motivating note to yourself and hang it on your mirror. You got this!

For more self-care tips, click here.

HOPE is here.

Georgia HOPE is currently providing Mental Health and Substance Use services throughout the state of Georgia online and in-person. If you, or someone you know, are interested in services, you can enroll today or refer someone with a simple form. If you need more information or would like to speak to someone directly, please contact us here.

We are all in this together. Stay well! #HOPEisHere