5 Easy Self Care Hacks For A Healthier You

Simple, easy tips we can all do

I know, I know, I apologize for the Gen Z-click-bait-y title. But I didn’t know how else to succinctly title this piece. So Hacks for a Healthier You it is.

If there’s one thing I’ve realized/noticed lately, it is: people in today’s society lack patience. Their attention span is shot (thanks social media!). So if things aren’t quick and easy, people turn away and say ‘no thanks, ain’t no time for that!’.

But what if I told you that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to take much time and effort? (and I’m someone who wants things as simple and easy as possible! For example: I have curly hair. But you won’t find me spending much time or effort in getting my curls to look nice. I want a routine that’s as quick, easy and simple as possible (and for me that is - wet my hair, add curl cream, air dry. Done!).

So, you’ll see from that I’m kinda an expert at doing things simply - no fuss, no muss, minimal time and effort. That’s how I stick to routines.

And the same goes for self-care. Self-care is essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s so easy to overlook our own needs, but small (and easy!) changes can make a big difference in how we feel.

Which is great news, because who has the time (or energy, am I right?!) for making big changes anyway?

So here are five easy self-care hacks that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you stay balanced, refreshed, and energized.

1. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine

One of the most underrated self-care practices is getting enough quality sleep (someone please tell my husband that!).

Sleep affects every aspect of our health, from mood and energy levels to immune function and cognitive abilities. It's basically the biggest thing you can do to improve your health and wellbeing (despite the bad adage “I'll sleep when I'm dead!”).

To make sure you’re getting restful sleep, it's important to have a consistent bedtime routine - but it doesn’t have to be complicated. It can include winding down with a cup of herbal tea, turning down the lights, and turning off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed ( I wonder if my ereader counts?).

Hack: Use a sleep mask and a white noise machine (or app) if you have trouble falling asleep. These tools can block out distractions and create a more serene environment for rest.

2. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when you’re busy, but dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and irritability (that might explain why my husband can be so grumpy - or can I blame old age?!).

Keeping a water bottle at your desk or in your bag can help you remember to drink throughout the day. I'm always telling my husband to drink more water! He’s like a cactus or something.

Hack: Add slices of fruit or a splash of flavor to your water, like cucumber, lemon, or mint, to make plain H2O more enjoyable. If you’d rather have warm beverages, herbal teas can also keep you hydrated and offer calming benefits.

3. Take Short, Intentional Breaks

Working long hours without breaks can cause burnout and decrease productivity. So it’s helpful to take short breaks to reset your mind and body. And I emphasize short — even a five-minute walk or a few minutes of stretching at your desk can work wonders.

Hack: Set a timer every hour to remind yourself to take a break (or perhaps your smart or fitness watch has an alert). Use this time to do something that helps you relax, whether it’s stepping outside for fresh air, practicing deep breathing, or doing a few stretches to release tension.

4. Practice Gratitude

Taking a moment each day to acknowledge what you’re grateful for can significantly improve your mental health. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, cultivating a positive mindset and reducing stress. You don’t need a long journal entry; just a few minutes each day can have lasting effects (see the ‘famous’ morning pages that some people ascribe to each day (specifically in the morning, hence the name)).

Hack: Keep a gratitude jar (I had a gratitude tin). Write down something you're thankful for each day on a small piece of paper and add it to the jar. Whenever you need a mood boost, read through the notes to remind yourself of the good things in your life. I did this for a few years, and at the end of the year, dumped the whole thing out and my husband and I read through them.

5. Declutter Your Space

A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. Which is why I love Spring cleaning (whoo! It’s that time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere anyway) and throwing out old stuff and tidying the house. Taking time to clean and organize your environment can provide a sense of calm and control which can help lower stress. Whether it’s your bedroom, kitchen, or workspace, having a tidy area can improve focus and reduce anxiety.

Hack: Spend just 10 minutes a day tidying up one area of your home or office. Break it down into small tasks (e.g., organizing your desk or folding clothes) to prevent feeling overwhelmed. This quick daily habit can make a big difference over time.

So just another final reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming (because either or both of those things will lead to you not continuing with it!).

But by making small changes like improving your sleep routine, staying hydrated, taking breaks, practicing gratitude, and decluttering your space, you can create a solid foundation for a healthier and happier you.

Prioritizing self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity — so make time for yourself and enjoy the benefits of feeling good - both inside and out.

What self care hacks do you have? I’d love to hear them! Please share with me!

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