Self-care is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can be difficult to find time to fit self-care into a busy schedule, but there are some easy ways to make it work. Here are four tips for how to do self-care and feel your best.

Define what self-care is for you

Self-care is a necessary part of life that helps us stay healthy and happy. To me, self-care means making sure I take the time to do things that nourish both my mind and body. It means turning off the noise of the world and taking a few moments to reflect on what’s important in life. Whether this is going for a walk outdoors, meditating, journaling, or cooking a nutritious meal, my self-care practice involves carving out small moments of pleasure and joy every day. It also involves recognizing when I need to slow down, check in with myself, get more sleep, or just give myself some space and grace. Self-care can come in many different forms and everyone should create their own unique version that works for them - one size does not fit all!

Make time for yourself every day, even if it's just 10 minutes

As life continues to become more and more hectic every day, it's important to remember to make time for yourself—even just 10 minutes a day can make all the difference. Taking some time away from whatever is stressing you out can help clear your mind and reset your attitude, giving you an opportunity to destress or even come back with fresh ideas. Whether you take the time for yourself to read a book, stretch out those tired muscles, reflect on the positive aspects of your life, or simply sit outside and relax; taking these small moments each day will bring big rewards. Make sure that wherever you are in life, there is always some time aside specifically dedicated to you and what will best benefit your well-being.

Find activities that help you relax and make you happy

Finding activities that bring you joy and help you relax can be a great way to de-stress and spend quality time with yourself. Looking within is often the best way to figure out which activities make you the happiest! Whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, exercising, journaling, spending time with family, taking a warm bath/shower, exploring nature or writing letters to friends - the choices are truly endless. It all comes down to what makes you feel grounded and at peace when life's stressors start bearing down on your shoulders. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; focus on personalizing your own experience by doing everything with intention. Taking valuable moments for yourself can make all the difference in your day-to-day routine!

Be patient with yourself - this is a journey, not a destination

One of the most important things you can do on your journey in life is to learn to be patient with yourself. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and life goals, but it is important to remember that reaching your destination often takes time. Learning to remain patient and kind with yourself will help you stay steady and focused throughout your journey, so that when you do reach your destination, you have a lasting sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Take time for self-care, learn to forgive past mistakes, set realistic goals for yourself - all of these have the power to help ease impatience and stress as you traverse through life. Keep in mind that life is a journey—not a destination—and it should be enjoyed along the way.

You deserve to put yourself first sometimes – in fact, you need to in order to be the best version of yourself for others. Give yourself time every day to do things that make you happy and help you relax. This is your journey, so go at your own pace – but know that I'm here cheering you on every step of the way.

Jayd Harrison (Jaydigains) is a personal trainer and affiliate streamer on Twitch. She has been an active trainer since 2014 and now specializes in comprehensive weight loss coaching. Check out some of Jayd’s coaching videos on Youtube, or join Jayd live on Twitch on Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30am EST for a Fit Q&A session.

Follow Jayd on social media by clicking on the icons below: