Me First

Most of us tend to put the needs of others, including spouses and kids, before our own – often to our detriment.

“We feel so much ‘needs’ to be handled, and we get overwhelmed,” says Melissa Buffington, a mental health counselor who owns NewVu Therapy in Boca Raton. “Often, the first thing to go is caring for yourself. But that’s non-negotiable if you want to do a good job caring for anything else.”

The answer is self-care: tending to your mental, emotional and physical needs. If you don’t, your body will let you know. Chronic stress weakens your immune system, making you vulnerable to weight gain, colds, sleep problems and cardiac issues. 

“You become resentful, irritable, burnt out, exhausted, impatient,” Buffington says. 

Try these self-care tactics for a happier and healthier you.

Value yourself. 

“The only way to care for yourself is to see yourself as valuable,” Buffington says. She suggests, each night, recording three things you’re proud of – what she calls “daily celebrations” – which could be a quality moment with your child or choosing a healthful meal. “These moments reflect who you are – thoughtful, kind, patient, disciplined. When you acknowledge these, you’re rewiring your brain to notice what you do well, not where you fall short. It feels good, so you do more good things.”

Get some sun. 

Fifteen minutes of sunlight a day can increase your vitamin D levels and help ease anxiety, she says. Even being in the shade helps. “We feel peaceful being surrounded by stillness instead of reminders that things need to be done.”

Create routines. 

Commit to self-care activities, and don’t skip them even if you’re busy, says Buffington. “Maybe it means scheduling lunch with a friend once a month, scheduling date nights or setting an alarm to remind you to walk outside during the workday.” Divide tasks with your partner, like laundry or carpooling.

It’s The Bomb

One of the most relaxing forms of self-care is taking a hot bath. Kick up the pampering with bath bombs from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, featuring essential oils that provide aromatherapy and skin benefits. We’re partial to the Intergalactic, Twilight and Goddess bombs. Visit lushusa.com.