It doesn’t have to take much to improve health and wellbeing. In fact, sometimes, the smallest acts and changes in our routine when done regularly can have the biggest impact! Self care doesn’t always have to mean expensive spa trips and elaborate acts of self love. And self care definitely isn’t just for the bad times in life either.
Self care is for every day. Not just the bad days. We should be looking after ourselves and doing things to positively effect our well being every. single. day. This is something I’ve been focusing a lot on this year – and I think a lot of people probably have since the start of the pandemic.
Related reads:
- 50+ Amazing Self Care Goals To Improve Your Life
- 30 Self Care Ideas in 30 Minutes Or Less
- Unusual Self Care Ideas If You’re Bored of Baths & Candles
But today I wanted to share some teeny, tiny almost insignificant things we can do every day (or nearly every day – circumstances depending) that will improve health and wellbeing. Today, tomorrow and every good and bad day to come.
Small routine and mindset shifts can do incredible things for your body, mind, soul and spirit. So don’t neglect these small things which will undoubtedly improve your health and wellbeing!
6 super easy ways to improve health and wellbeing:
Drink enough water
Obvious. But one that gets frightfully overlooked. I have a connection to water. Water calms me and has ever since I developed an anxiety disorder back in 2011. I sip on water when I’m feeling anxious, I think about water if I need to calm my racing mind and being around water is an absolute dream. But drinking enough water is so overlooked but it’s the easiest thing to do to improve your well being. If you don’t like plain water, there are plenty of alternative!
Related read: The Surprising Benefits of Drinking Water
Stretch – it feels good!
Taking 5 minutes for yourself when you get out of bed in the morning to just stretch it out can feel wonderful. Like literally, it feels amazing. Why wouldn’t you want to do it?! Basic arm, neck, shoulder and leg stretches, which take 5 minutes of your day but can have an amazing effect on the rest of it. If you have pain which isn’t going away or something you feel needs more attention, it’s always worth checking it out with your local GP or a physiotherapy specialist such as Physio Comes To You.
Related read: Yoga Poses For Lower Back Pain
Express gratitude
This doesn’t have to mean from a rooftop, with a speaker in the middle of town. You don’t even have to do anything in order to express gratitude but feeling grateful and actively thinking about things that you’re grateful for that day can have a huge psychological and mental benefit on your overall well being.
I kept a gratitude journal a few years ago and wrote down one thing I was grateful for every day for a year. I completed it but it didn’t really work for me because by the end, I felt like I was scrambling for things to write. Now, I simply take a few minutes each day to think about or say out loud what I’m grateful for in that moment.
Breathe (and do it properly)
Since learning more about Yoga, I’ve learnt a great deal about the importance of breathing and the effect it has on the body. There’s so many difference types of breath we can do (I’m not qualified enough to explain them nor do I know all of them) for difference situations and just taking stock of your breathing throughout the day can be so beneficial.
I’d highly recommend researching breathing techniques, especially if you’re looking to improve your mental wellbeing more. We lose the ability to breathe properly as we get older so simply learning how to breath through your diaphragm again is magical.
Improve health and wellbeing by getting outside
I know this is a difficult one because everyone’s situations are different and there may be a ton of reasons why you can’t make it outside on any given day but just for the sake of this post, let’s keep it in. I always, always, always try and get outside at least once a day. I work from home so I don’t have any need to commute and working from home certainly has a impact on this one (which I’m sure you’ll agree with if you work from home yourself).
In the summer, I take my laptop outside to work (if it’s not too hot, in which case I’m in front of a fan!). In the winter, I’ll take my dog for a walk over a nice park we have near us. There’s so many options!
Work on your posture
Ugh, one I am awful at but definitely have started noticing more. Your posture can have a huge effect on things such as muscle aches, headaches or tense shoulders. We spend so long hunched over our phones and laptops that we forget how to sit properly! In fact, right before I started typing this sentence, I realised how hunched I was and quickly sat up straighter. Again, take stock. Notice.
Fantastic and easy advice, as always 🙂
Thank you 😌
I try to get outside for some fresh air and a walk every lunchtime, and to drink as much water as I can, which makes the world of difference to your mood as you’re getting exercise and hydrating yourself properly!
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
Oh for sure water is one of the easiest but most beneficial things we can do!
Self-care is so important! I love taking time out for myself. Posture is one of my favourite things – I always got told to put my shoulders back when I was a kid, so now it’s just ingrained in me! If I’m slouching I find my back gets really sore 😀
Wow I wish I was like that! ccx
Yes, you’ve totally hit the nail on the head here. It’s like saying “I’ve started feeling better so I’ll stop taking my inhaler daily” and then wondering why your asthma comes back. Prevention is the best cure and all that! Making small changes on a daily basis can help your overall state of mind and I’ve been trying really hard to implement some changes to my own life. Like you, getting outdoors is very important to me. I also find taking time to look after my skin, hair and body is making such a difference – putting on a body lotion or a face mask reminds me that I am important and worth caring about, and makes me feel so much more human!
Beth x
That’s such a great way to describe it, with the inhaler thing! You’re totally right xxx
Loved all these tips you shared with us, we can easily apply them to our everyday schedule. I love the idea of self-care every day, not just when we are feeling down. I tend to do outrageous things when I am sad, I should be spontaneous every day….
Something I will do every day is Stretch! I rarely do this. I am actually currently at work with a stiff neck from all the stress I am under. Thank you for these tips! Going to stretch right away lol
xoxo,
Budgetgirlife.com
@budgetgirlife
Love this. Water is my number one go to self-care tool. It’s sometimes hard to remember but has so many overall benefits! I also have a mini gratitude journal but forgot to pick it up lately so thanks for the remainder 🙂 I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely 🙂 xx
Such a great post! I do the same thing with drinking water when I get nervous. It’s kind of annoying for me though because then I feel so full lol. But at least I stay hydrated!
Haha same! I can get so bloated when I drink a lot of water xx
I would recommend to always wash your face! And I love the tips that you shared. I never really thought about my posture!
Oh yes great point! 🙂
Great post, definitely true that we need to focus on self care everyday and not just on down days!
Absolutely 🙂 xx
I agree that we should take care of ourselves and do things that make us happy. I count my blessings, read an inspiring book, watch a funny movie, listen to music, etc. 😊
I’ve been watching more movies recently and it’s actually having a great impact on my mental health xx
Great blog I loved reading this 100% following your blog
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Jack Deyes
jackdeyes.wordpress.com
Thank you Jack 🙂
Getting outside is the perfect motivation for self help! Lovely tips and great post
Absolutely 🙂 xxx
Great post! This is such a great list! As a dancer I love to just take time to stretch whenever I get a chance haha x
Sounds lovely! xxx
Love this. I always leave it til I’m burnt out, & you’re right, it helps but never enough. I’m really going to try these things this week x
You totally should 🙂 Good luck!
Thank you
You are so right about self-care being something we need to work into our daily habits – it helps keep us strong and resilient for when those tough days you mentioned come along. One thing I love to do each morning is I let myself have a cup of coffee and 15 minutes of quiet with one lovable big oaf of a dog on each side of me. Starting the day with their incredible unconditional adoration makes me feel like I’m amazing!
Joan Senio
kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com
@joansenio1
Awh that sounds so perfect! xxx
These are such useful tips to improve our self-care game. It is so important to practice it because it’s how we relax from a long day of work or whatever we’re up to.
Drinking enough water is so important. It’s also how we keep our skin healthy! 100% with expressing gratitude. Sometimes, there are people out there who have it worse than us and we should be thankful for what we currently have. Posture is so important. This is where the whole ergonomics game come into play. Having a bad posture can cause long-term injuries!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I’m definitely getting more and more grateful the older I get! 🙂 xx
Great tips, it really can be so simple but I, like so many others, am guilty of not looking after myself very well! I need to focus on number 1 this week! x
Definitely! xxx
This is such a great list! One that we can easily do every single day if we just pay attention to it a little. Thanks for sharing!
Soffy // themumaffairs.blogspot.com
You’re welcome 🙂 xxx
Lovely post! I especially agree on the ‘getting outside’ part. I always always always have to go for a walk at least once a day, even if it is late in the evening or in the most miserable of weather conditions. I need that part of the day for me to calm me down:)
Haha I’m struggling to get outside at the moment because it’s too hot! xxx
some great tips here, couldn’t agree more with drinking water – helps so much! I have recently got back in to yoga as well, which works wonders. Thankyou for sharing.
abbiejadewanders.co.uk
You’re welcome 🙂 Water is just incredible xxx
It’s amazing what stretching and breathing consciously can do for your mental health! Great post, sometimes we all could use a reminder xo
Thanks! Totally agree 🙂 xxx
great list… especially the posture part, I really need to work more on that front. Thanks for highlighting it.
https://incensexpert.com/incense-for-meditation/
Oh me too, I think we all do!
Love all these tips. The little things can still make a huge difference! I’m terrible at drinking water. in fact, it was one of my New Years resolutions to drink more water throughout the day. I can definitely think a lot clearer when I’m hydrated though. Going on walks always helps me as well. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! The little things really do count 🙂 xxx
Selfcare is so important! I think drinking lots of water definitely helps me to feel better, as does going out for a walk! Skincare is one of my fav ways to practice self care, a face mask can make me feel 100x better!
PaleGirlRambling xo
http://palegirlrambling.co.uk
I wish I had the money to invest in proper skincare so I could have a proper routine! xxx
I love that you included stretching! That honestly helps me so much, it’s like having a mini yoga session during your work breaks. Getting outside is definitely one that I need to do more!
jenny x | http://www.jennyrosee.com
Literally little stretches throughout the day can do wonders! xxx
These tips are really good! I don’t do enough of these and I think I need to start. I also really want to start getting into yoga and meditation xx
If you need any tips for that, I have a post called “tips for people who want to get into Yoga” 🙂 xxx
This is a wonderful post! I agree with the water, I recently stopped drinking so much water (normally I drink around 10 glasses a day) but I really need to get back into it because not only am I more anxious as well, I feel physically worn down if I don’t! Another self care thing I do is take at least 30 mins a day to work on my appearance. Whether it be a little makeup, or doing my hair, or finding an outfit that makes me feel good! It definitely adds to my confidence and makes me feel a little better about myself on rough days!
That’s a great tip! I don’t always wear make up but as it’s summer I take the time to do my fake tan and taking that time for myself is really beneficial xx
I really need to work on improving my posture, it is dreadful!
So is mine! xxx
I’m so up and down with drinking enough water but it definitely makes a difference. Getting outside is so powerful too!
Steph x
http://www.wanderlustpulse.com
Absolutely agree 🙂
Totally with you on this – it’s so important to practice self-care everyday, even when you’re feeling good! I need to take some of your advice – especially when it comes to drinking water. I’m terrible at that!
Oh no! Go and grab a glass now!
I feel so much better on the days I have had enough water x
Same! xx
I love this post! It’s so important to practice self care! I like to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! X
http://Www.bexfaye.com
Absolutely 🙂 my hay fever is too bad to do that at the moment xx
I love how simple these things are, I know the title says tiny but they really are tiny. I definitely feel a difference if I haven’t been drinking my usual levels of water. I need to improve my posture though, the hunching over a screen all day life is not doing me any favours x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oh same! I spend all day hunched over it’s awful! xxx
I definitely focus on water, gratitude, and spending a bit of time outside every day! Me and oreo looks sitting by the pool every morning. I definitely need to work on posture arms stretching though 🙂
In need to continue working on my posture too xxx
“breathe” I feel like it was written for me lol, I really need to breathe and chill sometimes.Love this.You’re always so honest with your info, and it’s just what we need.keep doing you!
Thank you 🙂 We do need to just stop and breathe sometimes, meditation is brilliant for that xxx
Personally, I do these stuff. They’re so calming <3
// https://octoberslallu.blogspot.com
Wonderful to hear 🙂 xxx
I’ve been trying to drink more water and since I have, I definitely feel more awake and refreshed! I also want to start running as it’s an excuse to get outside and be in the fresh air which always helps when you are feeling poo! Thanks for these great tips Jenny!
Tabitha xx | whattabithaloves.co.uk
Great to hear about the water! 🙂 xxx
These are great tips, Jenny! I’m all about self care nowadays, but I personally need to work harder on ‘drinking enough water’ and ‘posture’. Posture is the worst since I can’t see myself but the moment I feel like I’ve been hunching, I’d start feeling sorry for my body. Lol. xx Ain
Haha posture is so difficult especially when we spend so much time huddled over our phones and laptops! I’m still working on mine 🙂 xxx
Loved reading through all your points, I’m definitely someone who doesn’t drink enough water – so I definitely need to start! Great post as always:)
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk
Go and grab a glass now! 🙂 xxx
Great post. I am really working on drinking more water. I just treated myself to a fancy water bottle in the hopes it will make me want to drink more water.
I really want one of those nice water bottles! Hope it helps you 🙂 xxx
Some really great tips here which I am going to incorporate into my daily routine 😊 I’ve upped my water intake recently and removed caffeine from my diet and it is surprising how these little changes can effect your mood. Great post 😁 x
It only takes something little for sure 🙂 xxx
Love love love this post! Such great tips which I completely agree with. A good stretch in the morning is alwahs great, and I’ve been loving working out each morning as it’s really helped keep me in a good, anxiety-free mood all day! I love the idea of the gratitude journal as well, it’s definitely a great thing to think about! Xx
Exercising in the morning definitely affects my anxiety levels for the rest of the day! xxx
All great reminders!
As someone with chronic illness that is homebound, I would add to ge5 dressed and make yourself presentable even on days you don’t feel good.
That’s a great tip, I need to do that more often xxx
This list is spot on.
Going outside is my main coping mechanism. I work in an office but rather than sit at my desk to eat at lunch time I always go outside for a walk. A midday break in the fresh air makes a big difference to my mental attitude.
I also try to note moments of gratitude by keeping a jar full of slips that note good things that have happened to me. I don’t do it every day but try to do one as often as possible. I started doing it last year and it was great to open the jar and review what I’d written on New Years Eve.
Keeping hydrated is a weak spot for me at the moment but I’m working on it!
Thanks for the other tips as well x
Having a walk on your break sounds like a great idea! 🙂 xx
Love this Jenny! 💖 Totally agree, self-care should be a daily thing! I’m so bad at remembering to drink enough water, but I notice the difference when I do. Going outside, even if it’s just for a quick walk is so beneficial. Great post, thanks for sharing! 😘 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I’m so struggling with getting outside at the moment because it’s so hot! xxx
Great motivation! I think showing gratitude is so important! xo
Sinead | http://www.subjectbeauty.com
It really is 🙂 xxx
The posture tip is so good – Im so guilty of slouching at my desk! I totally don’t drink enough water but in Primark they had those water bottle infusers so now I buy a load of lemons and throw them into my water which makes rattling through the water in take much easier! Being outside is so lovely – but it is hard to motivate yourself sometimes! Great tips.
Kate x
http://www.finidngkate.co
I really want to buy one of those for my Mum! She hates plain water xxx
Great post Jenny! I have such a hard time with drinking enough water. It’s not something that I really think about throughout the day but something I’m trying to work on. I’ve also told myself (time permitting) to read at least 2 chapters of a book every day. Just being able to sit and relax and forget about everything for a little while helps me stay calm and keeps my anxiety down.
Oh totally! Me too! I love shorter chapters so I can get more read daily 🙂 xxx
Posture makes a surprising amount of difference, walking with purpose as well – makes me feel like I’ve got my sh*t together!
Francesca x | glutenfreehorizons.com
Haha it totally does! xxx
Wonderful, as always! 💕 I definitely find that I struggle the most with some of these simple aspects of self-care…always great to get a reminder xx
Thank you 🙂 xxx
Great blog post doll, you’ve shared some really fab tips! 🌸✨
With love, Alisha Valerie x | AlishaValerie.com
Thank you xx
Great tips!… Now if only I would TAKE this advice!! 😉💖🍻
You should! None of them require any effort 🙂 xx
I find expressing gratitude is the one big thing that makes my life so much better and so much happier. And it’s not difficult or expensive to do!
It’s totally free! 🙂 xx
Self care is so important even the little things each day x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Totally 🙂 xx
Some seriously important tips here! Gratitude is such an important one!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you 🙂 totally agree! xo
It comes under gratitude really but I always say count your blessings. Thank you for the reminder about posture, here I sit hunched over the laptop! I try to live in the moment too, it helps with my anxiety.
You really should count your blessings, there always something to feel blessed for xo
So, so many good tips there. I also sat up right away when I read the tip about posture ha. I’m really going to try to take these tips on board. I want to do more yoga/exercising but my motivation for everything is gone right now. One thing that has helped me recently though is letting go of materialism. I always wanted to have everything and have the best. Now I realise that was making me feel worse because it is not attainable. Now I save my money for bigger projects and experiences rather than spending it to keep up with people.
Haha! That’s the spirit 😉 I’m with you on that one – I’ve never been a materialistic person and don’t like “stuff”. It makes me happier seeing my savings go up, so I know I have that safety net rather than a new handbag! xo
Make sure you have “me” time every day, even if it’s just 10 mins. have a good sleep, eat at least one meal a day.
Totally agree xo
Great tips Jenny. I am with you on drinking gallons of water. Water is my poison literally. 🙂 Another self-care hack for me is daily 10- minutes skin-care regime- cleansing, toning, moisturizing. It feels cathartic to nurture my body.
That sounds nice! I don’t have the money for all the products to do that, unfortunately! xo