Self-care is not selfish; you can’t serve from an empty vessel. For this reason, it’s essential to manage your own well-being. Once you get yourself right, you can then extend and reach beyond into the world and help others. In today’s post, we’ll explore 18 daily self-care practices that create massive energy so you can continue giving your best to the world. Now, you don’t have to practice all of these tips to see the benefits (that would eat up your whole day). 

Choose the ones that resonate with you most; moreover, experiment to see which of these practices works best for you. Remember, we’re all different; what works well for someone may not work for someone else. However, these 18 daily practices (this article being part 1 divulging the first 9) are universally shared when it comes to self-care. So keep reading to learn more.

 1.  Sleep

Few things can compare to the restorative power of a good night’s rest. If you’re not getting enough sleep each night, you’re not even in the game. The science of the power of sleep is profound. Did you know someone with severe sleep deprivation has the same level of awareness as a drunk driver? Think about that for a moment. And let that thought remind you of the importance of sleep.

2. Nutrition 

Everyone knows the importance of eating a healthy well-balanced diet. But how many of us actually practice it? Your nutrition is an essential component of self-care. A healthy diet makes you feel stronger, more lively and focused and is beneficial in countless other ways. Here are a few ideas of what you can incorporate into your diet:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, turnip greens)
• Good quality protein (chicken, tuna, salmon, etc.)
• Drink enough water (8 to 11 cups a day based on your size and weight)
• Fruits and vegetables

3.  Exercise

Your body needs exercise; nature designed it to skip, jump, run, swim, and live actively. Exercise helps with everything from staving off disease to enhancing your mood. As a result, it is one of the ultimate forms of self-care. A daily exercise routine can:

1. Improve concentration
2. Strengthen your bones and muscles
3. Manage weight
4. Boost brain function
5. Improve sleep quality 
6. Enhance creativity
7. Increase self-confidence, and so much more!

Whether you enjoy running, lifting weights, doing yoga or callisthenics (or anything in between), try to do some form of exercise every day and watch your energy levels skyrocket.

4. Learning

One of the best ways you can care for yourself is by constantly learning. Read books, attend seminars, take courses and programs, etc., to expand your knowledge and become more valuable. This kind of self-care is just as important as taking a trip to the spa.

5. Meditation 

Meditation is a habit you should not ignore if self-care is a priority for you. This simple practice can be beneficial in countless ways. For example, a regular and consistent meditation habit can help you:

• Become more present in your daily life
• Develop resilience against stressful situations
• Learn to properly manage your negative emotions
• Reduce fear and anxiety 
• Improve your focus and concentration levels
• Boost your brain function and cognitive ability

So whenever you get the chance, take 10 to 20 minutes to be in solitude. Be still, silent, and focus on calming your chaotic thoughts and being present with the moment.

6. Affirmations

We’re constantly thinking to ourselves all day long. But how many of those thoughts are positive and affirming? Affirmations allow you to take control of your thoughts and shift them to empowering messages that—over time—can have a tremendous impact on your mental health and self-image. Here are some affirmation suggestions to try in your own life if you’re so inclined:

• I am powerful
• I am strong
• I am abundant
• I believe in myself
• I am worthy 
• I have loving friends
• I am lovable 
• I am a leader
• I have purpose 
• My life has meaning
• I am valuable 

You can use the list above or you can try making your own list of ennobling affirmations to repeat to yourself every day; this will be invaluable in building a strong, healthy, and positive self-perception.

7. Visualization

Some of the world’s most successful people use visualization; this includes actors, business moguls, entrepreneurs, athletes, and more! So this isn’t some woo-woo pseudo-science mumbo jumbo. Visualization has been scientifically proven as an effective way to prime your mind for improved mental health, more abundance, greater success, or anything else you desire to experience more of.

8. Journaling

Journaling is perhaps one of the most powerful ways of demonstrating self-care. It allows you to reconnect with yourself, develop more self-awareness, and alleviate tension by getting your frustrations out of your head and onto the page. And the best part? It only takes 5 to 10 minutes! It’s a simple, fast, and great habit for improving your mental health.

9. Coaching

Both having a coach and being a coach are essential. Having a coach enables you to see things from new perspectives and helps you resolve problems with solutions that are already inside you. Being a coach allows you to help others, which in turn, contributes to your own wellness. Why? Because by helping others, we by default, help ourselves.

Are You Ready to Experience Massive Energy Through Self-Care?

Developing massive energy is the result of ensuring our own cup is full first. By caring for ourselves, we create the conditions for us to care for others. After all, you can’t give away what you don’t have. At Certified Flourishing Coach, our team of coaches and facilitators are here to help you flourish in business, in the workplace, and in life. So if you’re interested in learning more, contact us today for additional information.

About The Author

Abe Brown, MBA, Founder of Certified Flourishing Coaching™

Abe Brown, MBA, CMCT, CPHSA is the Coach’s Coach, and is an Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, International Best-Selling Author, and High-Performance Leadership Coach. He is the founder of Certified Flourishing Coach™, the Flourishing Life Coaching Program™, and Flourishing Workplace. Abe is also the author of the Certified Flourishing Coaching™ Programs.