Most people don’t treat themselves as nicely as they should, even if they don’t consciously realize it. The little things you do every day add up to make a big impact on your mood and disposition, gradually accumulating to shape your thoughts and feelings.
So, what steps can you take to treat yourself better and boost your mood in the process?
Splurge on Items That Make Daily Life More Comfortable
First, consider splurging on certain household items that can make your daily life more comfortable. Most of these items are relatively inexpensive, but they can significantly boost your comfort at home – and boost how you feel about yourself and your life in the process.
· A bidet. One easy way to introduce more comfort into your daily life is to install a bidet (or a bidet attachment) in your bathroom. Even if you’re skeptical about the average bidet experience, you should know that bidets provide a more thorough clean, a more hygienic experience, and health benefits (like preventing hemorrhoids). It’s also an easy way to save money on toilet paper.
· Big, soft towels. Drying yourself off after a shower or bath isn’t exactly rocket science, but having the right type of towel available can make a big difference in how you feel – and sometimes for the rest of the day. Get huge towels you can fully wrap yourself in and make sure they’re nice and soft; if you take good care of them, they can last many years.
· Quality sheets. You’re not conscious when you sleep, but you might be surprised at how refreshed you feel after a night of sleeping on soft, high-quality sheets. There are many types of materials to consider; what’s important is that you find something that’s genuinely comfortable for you.
· Absorbent socks. Even if you’re not on your feet all day, your feet can feel gross and tired after a day of work. Getting better quality, more absorbent socks can keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day.
· A comfy robe or pajamas. You should also get yourself a comfortable robe or a set of pajamas that you can freely wear and lounge in. These aren’t the types of things you’ll wear to job interviews or the workplace, but they can make your home life much more luxurious.
Prepare Healthy, Nutritious Meals
Regardless of how you feel about the expression “you are what you eat,” there is some truth to the sentiment. If you take the time to prepare healthy, nutritious meals for yourself, you’ll feel better throughout the day. A premade gas station breakfast sandwich may be convenient and tasty, but you’ll feel much better eating some scrambled eggs and oatmeal yourself. Similarly, you should have healthy snacks available throughout the day, such as fruits, raw vegetables, and nuts.
Drink More Water
It’s hard to overstate the benefits of drinking more water every day. Staying hydrated can boost your cognitive performance, your athletic performance, your mood, and your health, especially in the long term. If you don’t drink much throughout the day, or if you rely on beverages like sodas or coffee, pack a water bottle with you everywhere you go and drink from it regularly. You might be surprised at how much better you feel with this one simple lifestyle change.
Schedule Time for Yourself Every Day
No matter how busy your schedule gets, it’s important to schedule at least some time for yourself daily. You need time to reflect on your experiences, separate from other people, and do things you genuinely love. What you do during this time is totally up to you; in fact, that’s kind of the point. Some people want to read. Some people want to hike. Some people want to eat popcorn and watch a movie. You do you.
Practice More Positive Self-Talk
Self-talk is your inner voice; it’s how you talk to yourself in all those isolated, private moments throughout the day. Many people are plagued with a stream of constant negative self-talk, often without even realizing it. It’s very hard to change how you talk to yourself, especially if you’ve been doing it for years or decades, but it is possible. Whenever you catch yourself saying something negative, stop, examine what made you feel this way, and try to restructure your self-talk in a positive light.
For example, if you catch yourself saying something like, “Of course I’m late again. I’m so stupid!” Instead, say, “I am late, but people are allowed to make mistakes, and I’m on time for most occasions, so it’s not that big of a deal.”
Surround Yourself With People Who Make You Feel Good
Another way to treat yourself better is to surround yourself with people who already treat you well. Do whatever you can to spend more time with friends, family members, and even coworkers who make you feel good about yourself. And conversely, consider separating or cutting ties with people who make you feel bad. You know who they are.
Once you start treating yourself better, you’ll likely see positive results in many areas of your life. You’ll feel better, look better, and even perform better in your work and hobbies. It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself, and many of these strategies are both easy and free – so get started today!
