Consejos de autocuidado: Cómo enamorarse del cuidado de uno mismo

Some may see practicing self-love as a luxury they can’t afford, but I say it’s the only way to fall in love with taking care of yourself while being the best version you can be.

La vida se vuelve tan ajetreada que te olvidas de parar y respirar.

You don’t have time to cultivate a much-needed mind-body-soul connection, but it’s time to put your needs first, love yourself, and promote your own well-being for a change.

You’re a human being, not a machine. By always taking care of others and being at their beck and call, you’re neglecting your deeply needed me-time!

When’s the last time you did something for yourself? If you can’t remember, it’s been way too long!

By learning to be your own best friend, you’ll be better equipped to take care of the people who depend on you, like your kiddos.

People generally leave their big proclamations and decisions for the new year, but if you keep postponing your own journey to happiness, eventually you’ll burn out.

For the sake of yourself and your favorite people, it’s time to go on a path of deep healing. Create a positive mindset that will help you understand that your needs are just as important as anyone else’s.

¿Por qué? Because nurturing your mind, body, and soul isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

Véase también: ¿Por qué me quieres? Más de 120 formas encantadoras de responder a esta pregunta

13 maneras de hacer del cuidado personal una prioridad

1. Dedícate tiempo a ti mismo cada día

Having a family, a busy work life, or finishing your degree means you seldom leave time just for your own needs. But if you keep looking at it that way – it’s never going to be the right time to put yourself first.

Here’s the trick. No matter what you have on your plate today, decide that between 1-2 PM it’s strictly me-time!

Leave whatever you’re doing, and take a break. Go for a walk, text your best friend, or scroll through social media to see what Zara has new in store!

Sacúdete todo el estrés del día y pon una sonrisa en tu cara. Siempre habrá cosas más importantes que ponerte a ti primero.

Pero si decides poner fin a eso, esto podría convertirse en una agradable rutina que te permitirá respirar, relajarte, aliviarte de cualquier ansiedad y simplemente hacer lo que te plazca.

The world won’t crumble if you take an hour to yourself. Your family won’t fall apart if you take a short break to recharge.

The sooner you realize that you cannot function by always being on beast-mode for everyone but yourself, the sooner you’ll find inner peace and joy.

2. Practicar afirmaciones positivas

Estudios recientes demuestran que hacer esto con regularidad ayuda a mejorar tu salud mental, tu bienestar y combate con éxito el estrés acumulado.

Practicing positive affirmations shifts your focus from your negative dispositions toward a more positive outlook. In any dark, there’s some bright light, you just have to really want to find it.

Corta de raíz tus pensamientos negativos con estas afirmaciones diarias de inspiración positiva:

“Si tienes buenos pensamientos, brillarán en tu rostro como rayos de sol, y siempre tendrás un aspecto encantador.” – Roald Dahl

“¿Soy lo bastante bueno? Sí, lo soy.” – Michelle Obama

“No necesitamos magia para transformar nuestro mundo. Ya llevamos dentro todo el poder que necesitamos.” – J.K. Rowling

“Tu vida ya es un milagro del azar que espera a que tú le des forma a su destino.” – Tony Morrison

“Debemos estar dispuestos a renunciar a la vida que planeamos para tener la vida que nos espera.” – Joseph Campbell

“El único coraje que necesitas es el de cumplir los sueños de tu propia vida.” – Oprah

“Tu corona ha sido comprada y pagada. Póntela en la cabeza y lúcela.” – Maya Angelou

When life knocks you down or when you’re harsh on yourself, remind yourself of these. Write them down and they can serve as a list of things that will push you through each day of the week.

That way, you won’t allow yourself to be negative or deprive yourself of self-love. These are your reminders that you matter.

Véase también: ¿Cómo ser maduro? 18 consejos para aumentar tu nivel de madurez

3. Viaja todo lo que tu situación te permita

You spend a lot of time around the house, taking care of everyday chores, and fulfilling everyone’s needs. This leaves you with little to no time for some much-needed travel, even if to a place nearby.

La idea de salir de viaje (aunque sólo sea uno o dos días) es recargar las pilas, recuperarse y centrarse en la salud mental.

Entiendo que programar un viaje en este momento puede parecer un poco fuera de nuestro alcance, pero ¿realmente lo es?

I’m suggesting you consider taking the next weekend off, taking your best friend, and spending quality time reconnecting and pampering yourselves.

Your children will survive two days with their dad (there’s always grandma service) and your work doesn’t matter on weekends!

Stop making excuses as to why you shouldn’t, and start telling yourself all the reasons why you should!

Esto te levantará la moral, desviará toda tu atención negativa y creará abundantes recuerdos positivos que contribuirán a tu bienestar y felicidad generales.

4. Arregla tus horarios irregulares de sueño

I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but the amount of sleep you get each night predetermines how you’ll cope with your busy day.

El sueño le afecta tanto física como emocionalmente. Y el estrés por el que pasas durante el día, así como las constantes demandas de tu tiempo, afectan a tu horario de sueño.

Do you see the never-ending circle? To ensure a good night’s sleep, create a routine, and try to stick to it every night.

Esto significa no olvidar tu rutina nocturna de cuidado de la piel, dejar el azúcar y la cafeína justo antes de irte a la cama y practicar pensamientos positivos, en lugar de albergar pensamientos negativos.

Si el trabajo te está causando un estrés innecesario, busca la manera de librarte de él cuando acabe el día.

Deal with it during the daytime, so that you know when night comes, it’s time to go through your routine that will help you focus and find some serenity.

Las noches deberían ser tu momento sagrado, cuando creas una atmósfera zen y te deshaces de todas las distracciones negativas del día.

5. Intenta incorporar el ejercicio diario a tu vida

Todos sabemos lo mucho que el ejercicio puede hacer por nuestro cuerpo. Pero ¿sabías que también te afecta notablemente de otras maneras?

El ejercicio refuerza el sistema inmunitario, alivia el estrés, la ansiedad y las preocupaciones, y mejora notablemente el estado de ánimo, al tiempo que le hace estar más sano cada día.

Not only will it help you shed some weight (if that’s your goal, of course) but it will significantly improve the quality of your life.

Exercise doesn’t always have to include the gym, as we all know how pricey memberships can be. Instead, go for walks, run with your friends, or take up a hobby that allows you to be active!

You won’t believe how stress-free your life will soon become, and how much easier dealing with everyone’s business will become.

Exercise will bring you nothing but good, positive vibes, and a welcome change to your lifestyle you didn’t know you needed (until now).

Véase también: ¿Qué significa el amor? Todo lo que debe saber sobre esta mágica emoción

6. Empezar a comer sano

I have always struggled with my diet. I’m not necessarily overweight, but I’m far from my ideal weight.

I used to have a really healthy body that I didn’t appreciate. I always used to believe that I was way too fat, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Now that I’ve gained more weight than I’d like to admit, I’ve finally made myself eat right.

Había que hacer algunos cambios, y si quería ser feliz por dentro, definitivamente había que hacerlo.

It was difficult in the beginning, but now, after a few weeks of eating healthy, I’ve noticed some amazing changes, and I’ve also lost some of those pesky pounds.

Existen alimentos realmente deliciosos y nutritivos que le garantizarán una alimentación sana y sabrosa.

Sólo tienes que hacer el esfuerzo de dar ese primer paso para querer hacer un cambio. Y en cuanto lo hagas, te enamorarás de cuidarte.

Once you go healthy, there’s no going back!

7. There’s nothing wrong with saying ‘no’

It’s really difficult for people to learn to simply say no when they’re being asked to do something they don’t want to do.

But in order to put yourself first, it’s crucial to get rid of energy vampires and refuse to do something when you’re overworked, stressed, and not in the mood.

Decir siempre que sí puede llevarte a un agotamiento que deteriorará tu progreso en tu viaje de autocuidado.

It’s going to take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of politely declining being taken advantage of, you’ll start feeling more empowered.

You’re not obliged to be at anyone’s beck and call. You have every right to do things that contribute to your well-being.

If you’re being asked to go against your inner voice, feel free to say no. Your gut will tell you when someone crosses a line. You know what to do when that happens.

8. Disfrutar de la naturaleza

Respirar aire fresco y estar en contacto con la madre naturaleza marca la diferencia.

Pasar un rato al aire libre (aunque sea 15 minutos) reduce tus niveles de estrés y te ayuda a ser más consciente de lo que te rodea.

And when you combine some nature time with some physical activity, you know it’s going to feel SO good.

Haz una excursión por el bosque, sal a correr tú solo, ponte música y motívate para aguantar todo lo que puedas.

Breathe in that fresh air as much as your daily schedule allows you to, as I know you’re probably restricted to four walls most of the day.

Any chance you get to go outside – take it. It’s a natural energy booster you should never take for granted.

Véase también: Objetivos matrimoniales: 15 cosas principales en las que deberían centrarse todas las parejas casadas

9. 9. ¡Consigue una mascota!

Having a pet can improve your life no end. I’ve had my dog for exactly three years, and my life has been saved in more ways than one.

Before I adopted her (my dog’s name is Tia) I couldn’t really handle stress that well. Things were bad for a long time, and there was always something going wrong in my life. (True story.)

But once she entered my life, it’s like everything got a whole new purpose. I had no idea how much this gentle, mindful, smart, loving being could help me be okay again.

Dogs are known to help their humans cope with stress, as they can sense when you’re down, and they’ll immediately initiate cuddling.

They are your best friend, and you are their entire world. The love you get from a dog is something you can’t understand until you get one.

Jugar con tu perro, sacarlo a pasear y simplemente abrazarlo hará maravillas en tu mente, cuerpo y alma. Se lo prometo.

10. Déjate apreciar y querer por todo lo que haces

When you spend a lot of time taking care of others, it becomes a sort of norm. This makes you very bad at accepting compliments, as you feel it’s your duty somehow.

But it’s not. This is your own free will and your kind heart at work. You are selfless, humble, appreciative, and full of compassion. Let yourself be loved for that!

Let your spouse express their love without feeling like you don’t deserve it. Let your best friend tell you why she loves you so much. You deserve it!

Deja que tus hijos te quieran a su manera. Para ellos eres una estrella del rock.

Don’t shut people down when they’re pouring compliments your way. Embrace them, accept them, and appreciate them.

You are well worth every kind word that you hear. It’s not easy being everyone’s go-to person. So, when your efforts and time are appreciated – give yourself a pat on the back.

When you learn to appreciate yourself for all the amazing things that you do, it’ll rub off on others too. Take care of your mind, and you’ll learn never to neglect it again.

11. Permítete salir y soltarte al menos una vez al mes

No, it’s not a selfish notion to think about going to a club, dancing until your feet hurt, and regretting it all in the morning (but not really).

No, it doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your spouse or your children. It’s taking some much-needed time to explore your individuality and just be happy in the moment.

People who understand that life doesn’t stop the moment they settle down, have a family, and become responsible adults, lead the best lives.

Recuerda que eres el creador de tu propia felicidad. La moldeas con tus pensamientos y acciones. Puedes elegir hacer algo por ti mismo o seguir posponiendo tu alegría.

Live a little! Get out of your routine, and dance your booty off! It’s going to improve your mood and ability to deal with whatever tomorrow brings exponentially.

Deja de albergar pensamientos negativos y preocupantes. Tienes el día de mañana para ocuparte de lo que haga falta.

Hoy, ponte tu mejor ropa, quiérete al máximo y simplemente decide reírte toda la noche.

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12. Dedícate a un hobby que te llene

Have you ever wanted to take up dancing? Maybe you’ve always secretly wanted to learn how to tango and surprise your partner! Well, why not?

If not now, when? When you’re old and gray? Seize every chance you get to show yourself some love. Do what sets your soul on fire.

If it’s tango, so be it! But there are so many possibilities out there. You can take up piano lessons, learn how to box (hell yeah!), or go rock-climbing. What’s to stop you?

You are the only one in your way. Dare to do what you believed you couldn’t, push your own limits, and challenge yourself to do the things that scare you.

Only then will you see what you’re truly made of. And my gut tells you you’re going to be rather impressed!

Doing something that makes you happy (that you don’t have to share with anyone) will help you fall in love with taking care of yourself.

Cuanto antes lo hagas, antes dará tu vida un nuevo giro a mejor.

13. Considerar el voluntariado

El voluntariado es una forma increíble y desinteresada de devolver algo que, sin duda, afectará en gran medida a la forma en que te ves a ti mismo y al mundo que te rodea.

Giving back is soul-nurturing, and let’s be honest – if everyone decided to do this at least once or twice a month, think how much of a difference it would make!

Desde luego, no puedes cambiar el mundo, pero sí la huella que dejas en él.

El voluntariado te hará más humilde, te entristecerá, cambiará por completo tus prioridades y te hará ver lo corta, frágil e injusta que puede ser la vida.

A su vez, puede que empieces a cuidarte mejor, después de ver a tantos cuyas vidas dieron un rápido giro para peor.

Allow yourself this humbling experience and your soul will be grateful. I’ve been volunteering for a while now at an animal shelter, and it’s been a profoundly beautiful experience.

It takes so little to make someone’s life better. The same goes for treating your own precious self.

Date a ti mismo el mismo amor que das a los demás, porque nunca sabes realmente lo que la vida te tiene reservado para mañana.

Choose Self-Love…

And practice it every day. Choose self-care, and being there for others will become a breeze. Fall in love with taking care of yourself, and you’ll never settle for less again.

Ser consciente de ti mismo y de tus necesidades es la forma de convertirte en la mejor versión de ti mismo y, de paso, atraer positividad y buenas vibraciones.

Si quieres ser un buen compañero, primero tienes que quererte a ti mismo. Si quieres ser un buen padre, primero tienes que cuidar de tu cuerpo y tu mente.

¿Puedes ver el patrón ahora? Todo empieza con tu relación contigo mismo.

Una vez que te des cuenta de que tú eres tu compromiso más duradero (por lo tanto, tu prioridad número uno), ser amable contigo mismo se convertirá en la norma.

Preservar tu bienestar mental, emocional y físico es la clave de tu conexión mente-cuerpo-alma. Cuídalos sabiamente y tus índices de productividad se dispararán.

Prioritize your well-being over any tasks, pleas, and nuisances that aren’t your worry. Your mental health journey is important and you have the power to see it through.

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