From gua sha and ‘everything showers’ to a quiet hour with a book, the definition of self-care means something different to everyone. So, it can be tricky to pinpoint what self-care means to you and how to balance that with looking after the people you love.
When you find that sweet spot between caring for yourself and others, you create a positive cycle. Each little act of kindness—whether it’s a sweet treat for yourself or a supportive message to a friend—adds up, boosting your overall wellbeing. Keep reading for our practical and inspirational tips to make the habit of kindness stick.
What Are The Benefits Of Caring?
Investing in yourself and loved ones has profound benefits, both mentally and physically. Let us explain. Small acts of kindness can trigger the release of endorphins and lead to the so-called ‘helper’s high’, which in turn can boost mental wellbeing, lower stress levels and reduce anxiety.
Aside from these physical benefits, altruism has also been proven to enhance your emotional wellbeing and spiritual growth. Caring for others requires you to be fully present and attentive—cultivating a sense of mindfulness—while amplifying your sense of gratitude for what you have, leading to a greater sense of satisfaction. Sounds rewarding, right?
But the more you do for others, the more you need to do for yourself. Self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and hobbies help restore your energy, so you can continue to care for others effectively.
Practice Kindness And Generosity
The smallest gestures can brighten someone’s day, from buying an extra cup of coffee to giving up your seat or offering a passerby a smile. Be an active listener when catching up with friends and check in regularly, even if it’s as simple as a text message. Small acts of kindness show that you care and are willing to invest your time into making their life easier, helping others feel understood and less alone.
Caring Cheat Sheet:
- Cook freezer-friendly meals for a time-poor friend
- Donate blood at Australian Red Cross
- Offer to run an easy errand
- Put your hand up to be the designated driver
- Write a handwritten ‘affirmation’ card
- Celebrate milestones (showing up is the best gift of all)
- Share a mood-boosting podcast episode
Establish Wellbeing Rituals For Yourself
To figure out the rituals that resonate with you and your lifestyle, start by assessing your needs—whether it’s reducing stress, boosting energy, or finding balance. Begin with small, simple practices like morning meditation or a daily walk, and experiment with different times of day to see what fits best.
Pay close attention to how you feel after each ritual and track your progress to see what lifts your mood or calms your mind. If TikTok is anything to go by, one of the most common ways to wind down is with a soothing skincare routine. Whether you follow a 10-step regime or like to experiment with products, this daily practice allows you to slow down, relax and put yourself first.
Not sure where to start? Conscious beauty brand Jurlique creates skincare products with self-care rituals in mind. The new Calendula Face Oil is crafted with Vitamin E and calendula, which is known for its intense soothing properties, making it a beautiful daily essential. Apply 3-5 drops with a mindful press, smooth evenly onto the skin, and take the time to inhale the calming aroma.
Immerse Yourself In Nature
One of the easiest ways to care for yourself is to spend time outdoors. The natural environment is proven to enhance mood, boost creativity, and even improve sleep quality—helping to restore mental clarity and focus. We’re fortunate in Australia to be blessed with an abundance of stunning landscapes, including national parks, rainforests and some of the most beautiful oceans in the world for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. For an instant dose of self-care, simply get outside and soak up the sunshine (with SPF 50, of course).
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
