Nowadays, self-care is more important than ever. Self-care tools, therefore, are essential. Do you often feel overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or perhaps depressed? You aren’t alone. Many of us are prone to low mood and stress. Depression is the leading cause of disability, and 18% of adults report significant levels of anxiety.
Fortunately, there are many simple self-care tools you can use to improve your quality of life and day-to-day wellbeing. Taking a proactive approach to self-care will build your resilience and leave you feeling prepared for life’s challenges.
8 Self Care Tools To Improve Your Quality Of Life
Here are just a few tools to get you started:
1) ThinkUp App:
This app puts you on the road to a healthier, more positive outlook on life using affirmations and music. It lets you record affirmations in your own voice and then listen to them juxtaposed with relaxing sounds. This can give you a boost in the morning, or help you drift off to sleep at night.
2) Happier App (US Only):
Developing an attitude of gratitude will help you find more joy in everyday life. This app encourages you to appreciate the little things that you may usually take for granted, thereby improving your mood.
3) MoodKit App:
MoodKit offers you a range of tools and exercises based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The app will help you examine and change unhelpful thinking patterns, and support healthy lifestyle habits.
4) Breathe2Relax App:
Sometimes, just taking a few deep breaths can be enough to help you feel better. The Breathe2Relax app guides you through quick, effective breathing exercises that will reduce your stress levels within minutes.
5) A traditional journal
If you would rather put pen to paper than use an app, buy yourself a special notebook and pen. Set aside ten minutes for journaling every day, allowing yourself to write about whatever comes to mind.
Getting your thoughts onto paper can help you reframe a situation and devise new solutions. It gives you a means of processing overwhelming experiences and can improve your emotional resilience.
6) Yoga Studio App
Yoga is a safe, effective form of exercise that can reduce your stress levels after just one session. This app will help you get started with its vast library of poses and simple instructions. Along with yoga classes, you can also relax with guided meditation tracks. You can download classes to play offline.
Sign up for a two month free trial of Skillshare and take this 3-day meditation challenge! You could take even more yoga classes that are available before your trial runs out, all for free.
7) Essential oils:
A study by Thai researchers has shown that inhaling lavender oil calms the nervous system. Other relaxing scents include vanilla and frankincense.
To get the benefits of essential oils, place a few drops on a tissue and inhale the scent. You can also buy diffusers and candles that have a similar effect. You can also dab a small amount of oil on your wrists or behind your ears. Never apply undiluted oils – always use them with a carrier oil per the manufacturer’s instructions.
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8) A Foot Massager
A massage doesn’t have to incorporate all areas of your body to be effective. By stimulating specific foot pressure points, you can quickly boost your mood. For example, massaging the tip of your big toe is a great way to alleviate mental tension. I would love to try this one.
Your hands will do the job just fine, or you can choose foam rollers, electric massagers, and other aids. If using your hands, use a few drops of oil or lotion to reduce friction. Once you learn how to use self-massage, you can do it anywhere, whenever you need a pick-me-up.
These tools are not intended as a substitute for a doctor’s care. If you are struggling with the symptoms of anxiety or depression, always seek medical advice. However, if you do receive a diagnosis, they can also be used alongside other treatment to speed up your recovery. Why not pick one of these tools today and give it a try?
Guest Post Created By:
Clara Masters
Clara is an entrepreneur and content marketer. In a former life, as a corporate business executive, she relied on yoga, reflexology and other alternative practices to fight stress, anxiety and find balance. At Massageaholic.com she’s on a mission to bring massage therapy closer to those who want to live a balanced, healthy life, connecting body, mind and spirit. You can follow her on Facebook and Pinterest.