Daily self-care practices for young adults

For young adults, self-care is not always a priority. The pressures of school and/ or starting a job can make basic self-care seem more like a luxury than a necessity. But incorporating self-care practices into your daily routine can create a positive difference. There are many sustainable self-care habits that can be incorporated to boost overall wellbeing.

In the midst of our busy lives, it's easy to lose touch with what we need on the most basic level in physical self-care. Are you getting enough rest and nourishment? Adjust your schedule to improve your sleep and eating habits. It is also good to move our bodies by exercising.

Mindfulness is key to psychological self-care. Learn to slow down and appreciate each moment, rather than rushing through one task after the next. Take the time to notice your experience instead of getting caught up in thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Here are 4 ways you can incorporate mindfulness self-care practices:

• Keep a mindfulness journal

• Conscious breathing

• Body scan

• Activate your senses

While independence is important for young adults, reaching out for help is just as essential. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Give yourself permission to ask for and receive the help you need - whether it is a shoulder to cry on, practical assistance or company on a day you are feeling blue.

Self-care includes spending time with people you trust will listen to you, care about you, and make you feel good about yourself. Create your own support network - including family, close friends, like-minded peers, and/ or mentors.

Studies show that relationships improve mental and physical health. The more connected we feel with others, the more resilience and positive we are.

Research has found that people who are compassionate to themselves are much less likely to be depressed, anxious and stressed. They are also much more likely to be happy, resilient and optimistic about their future.

We spend so much time rushing around and responding to technological stimuli that our nervous systems are in constant fight-or-flight mode. To counteract this, we need relaxation techniques to move to to the ‘rest and digest' mode:

• Progressive relaxation

• Visualisation