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Self-care is not just about bubble baths and face masks. It’s about the small, daily habits that help you feel good about yourself, and psychology has a lot to say about it.

Just as you don’t need grand gestures to influence others, you don’t need big actions to take care of yourself. It’s the tiny routines that make all the difference.

In this article, I’m going to share with you ten small self-care habits that can significantly improve your perception of yourself, all backed by psychology.

These easy-to-incorporate routines will not only enhance your personal growth but also help you build resilience and a deeper understanding of your own needs.

So join me in exploring these tiny changes that can lead to a more fulfilling life.

1) Embrace mindfulness

It’s hard to find a field in psychology that doesn’t recognize the power of mindfulness.

Mindfulness, the practice of focusing on the present moment without judgment, is a simple habit that can bring significant changes – it’s like the social proof of self-care.

Practicing mindfulness doesn’t require you to sit in silence for hours. It can be as simple as paying attention to your breath while waiting for your coffee or noticing the feel of your feet on the ground as you walk.

Mindfulness helps alleviate mental load by teaching us to focus on the present rather than worry about the past or future. It’s a small habit, but its impact on self-perception and overall mental health is immense.

Remember, it’s not about trying to change anything. It’s about accepting yourself and your current situation. And that acceptance can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

2) Small acts of kindness

We often underestimate the power of tiny gestures. I remember a time when I was feeling particularly low. I was walking down the street, lost in my thoughts, when I saw a woman struggling with her groceries.

Without thinking, I helped her carry them to her car. That small act brightened not only her day but mine too.

Psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl once said, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” Helping others can provide that ‘why’, making us feel useful and improving our self-esteem.

Incorporating small acts of kindness into your daily routine doesn’t just benefit others; it benefits you too. It’s a tiny self-care habit that can change how you feel about yourself, making you realize that you have the power to make a difference, no matter how small.

3) Embrace your flaws

No one is perfect, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay. It’s human. I’ve spent much of my life trying to hide my flaws, believing they made me less.

But in reality, they make me who I am. My flaws are part of my story, part of what makes me unique.

Carl Jung, a renowned psychologist, once said, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” But it’s also one of the most liberating things. When you stop fighting your flaws and start embracing them, you begin to feel better about yourself.

Recognizing and accepting your flaws doesn’t mean you stop growing or improving. It simply means you stop beating yourself up for being human.

This small change in mindset can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and overall wellbeing. It’s a tiny self-care habit that leads to big changes.

4) Practice gratitude

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the more you focus on the positive, the more positive your life becomes. This is where gratitude comes in.

Taking a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right. For me, it’s as simple as jotting down three things I’m grateful for each morning.

This tiny habit has made a significant difference in my outlook.

And what better way to alter your attitude than by focusing on the good?

Practicing gratitude is a small act of self-care that can have a big impact on your self-perception and overall happiness. It’s about recognizing the good in your life and in yourself.

5) Allow yourself to feel

It might seem counterintuitive, but one of the most effective self-care habits is allowing yourself to feel your emotions, even the negative ones.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we should always be happy. But the truth is, it’s healthy and necessary to experience a range of emotions.

I’ve found that trying to suppress my feelings only amplifies them. But when I allow myself to sit with my emotions without judgment, I gain a deeper understanding of myself.

So give yourself permission to feel. It’s a small act, but it’s an essential part of self-care and personal growth. It teaches you resilience and helps you navigate life with authenticity and balance.

6) Get moving

Physical activity is not just about keeping your body fit; it’s also about taking care of your mind. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or an intense workout, moving your body releases endorphins – the feel-good hormones.

The connection between our physical and mental health is a testament to this. What we do with our bodies often has a profound impact on our minds.

Make it a habit to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine. This small self-care habit can drastically improve your mood and self-perception, making you feel better about yourself.

Remember, it’s not about the intensity of the workout but the consistency.

7) Take time for yourself

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking time for ourselves. I used to feel guilty about carving out “me” time, but I’ve learned that it’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and connect with yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or just sitting quietly with your thoughts, these moments of solitude are vital for your mental health.

Nothing brings about this awareness more than spending quality time with yourself.

This small self-care habit can lead to a greater understanding of self and contribute significantly to your overall well-being. So, don’t shy away from taking that much-needed “me” time. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care.

8) Learn to say no

Being honest with ourselves often means learning to say no. It’s something I’ve struggled with, always wanting to please others and fearing the disappointment that ‘no’ might bring.

But I’ve learned that sometimes, saying no is the best form of self-care.

Learning to say no when it matters is a significant part of that change.

Saying no allows you to set boundaries and prioritize your needs. It’s not about being selfish, but about understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

This small act of self-care can lead to a healthier relationship with yourself and others, fostering personal growth and resilience.

9) Practice self-compassion

It might seem counterintuitive, but being kind to yourself can sometimes be one of the hardest things to do. We’re often our own worst critics, and this can negatively affect our self-esteem.

Psychologist and self-compassion expert, Dr. Kristin Neff, said, “With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.”

This simple yet profound shift in perspective can have a significant impact on how we view ourselves.

Practicing self-compassion involves acknowledging your flaws and failures without judgment, understanding that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay not to be perfect. This small act of self-care can greatly improve your relationship with yourself, leading to better mental health and overall well-being.

10) Start a self-care routine

Establishing a self-care routine was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t about grand activities, but rather small daily habits – a morning walk, an evening gratitude journal, mindful moments throughout the day.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” A self-care routine is definitely stepping forward into growth.

Creating a self-care routine that suits your needs and lifestyle can significantly enhance your wellbeing and self-perception.

It’s not about the length of the routine, but the consistency. This small self-care habit can make a world of difference in how you feel about yourself.

And remember, it’s not selfish; it’s essential for your growth and wellbeing.

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