We exist in relation to others—as sons, husbands, brothers, daughters, wives, and sisters. We work to take care of our families. Our days are shaped by what our family life demands from us. In this hustle and bustle, looking after our own well-being often takes a backseat. This leads to burnout and has many other repercussions in the long run.

Self-care shouldn’t be an option. It should be a conscious act that is non-negotiable. Taking care of yourself and your mental health will make you better able to take care of others as a happier person is always able to be kind and give more.

So make no excuses and take out some time to indulge in some pampering. There are many little things that you can do to feel better physically and mentally. Here we bring to you some random acts of self-care that are simple and easy to follow even when you are hard pressed on time.

Spend time in nature 

Studies have shown that early morning sun exposure not only sets your body’s biological clock but also keeps your vitamin D levels in check and boosts mood. Make sure you get your morning dose of sunlight as soon as you wake up. Go for a short walk or read the morning papers in the garden while soaking up the sun. If your mornings are rushed, try getting up 15 minutes earlier. Alternatively, try to spend some time outdoors whenever you can. It could be an evening stroll with your mother, a short hike with your friends during the weekend, or some gardening activity by yourself. Nature has calming effects and can soothe a tired mind while giving you some time to reflect on things as well.

Go on a solo date

We’re always surrounded by people, whether it be at work or at home. Rarely do we get the chance to be by ourselves. Most of us have become so habituated of being with people that we think we won’t enjoy our own company, but you’d be surprised. Spending time alone can be a wonderful way to reconnect with yourself and figure out just what you want. Try going on a solo date. It could be to get a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop, or for brunch, or just a stroll around the mall by yourself. Aim to spend at least a couple of hours. This time by yourself can be extremely relaxing and recharging. It’s necessary to spend time by yourself to cut out all the noise around you and give yourself the space and the luxury to think. You might think of new ideas and come up with innovative solutions to problems by being alone and allowing your mind to wander.

Indulge in a spa session

A nice, healing spa session is just what your body and mind need after a long work week. This is a great couples’ activity as well. Book a spa session for you and your partner. There are many spas in town that offer different packages to suit your needs. You can choose from a wide range of services that include specialized Ayurvedic massages to deep tissue treatments. You can also choose to make it a whole day affair by coupling a salon session along with a massage hour. Get a manicure, pedicure, and a hair treatment along with the massage. Trust us, you will feel like a new person after an invigorating therapy session. If you can’t manage a weekly spa session because of your hectic schedule, try to book yourself one at least once every two weeks.

Buy yourself something nice

We generally buy things that we need or those that serve a practical purpose. But when was the last time you bought something that made you happy? For instance, a bunch of flowers, a pretty scarf, or a lavender scented candle. Little things can bring joy but we often fail to see it, considering them to be a waste of money. A really great self-care ritual is to buy yourself something nice every once in a while. It doesn’t have to serve a practical purpose, and can be something as silly as a Disney character keychain. The point is it has to bring a smile to your face. We recommend browsing through the farmer’s markets as there are usually many stalls that sell cute items ranging from jewelry and art to decor and crafts. Practice giving gifts to yourself and not just to others. It can change the way you feel about yourself.

Change things up

While a routine life is great for discipline, it can also bore you in the long run. So consider changing things up every once in a while. Take a midweek break and have a leisurely lunch with your friends. Plan an impromptu date with your partner. Try a new cuisine instead of ordering in from your regular restaurant. Self-care can come in the form of little acts of love that you extend to yourself. Changing your routine and doing little things that make you happy is one of the easiest ways of showing love to yourself. A simple change can make a whole lot of difference in elevating your mood and making you feel better about yourself.