Self-care has been taken a lot out of context lately, especially over the past few years. A lot of people will tell you that just filling your bathtub with bubbles and water and pouring yourself a glass of wine with it and then taking a long soak is self-care. Some will argue that mental health practices like meditation and therapy are true self-care practices and that a bubble bath isn’t self-care. Guess what? All of these people are correct. Yes, therapy and meditation are self-care—you’re caring for yourself! But also who said a bubble bath isn’t relaxing? When you’ve had a looong day and need a good soak in the tub, a bubble bath is one of the perfect practices that you can do to take care of yourself. (Truthfully, a bubble bath is not self-care for me because I always end up getting hot and sweaty and I have to get out in five minutes.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about the true definition of “self-care.” And when I think of self-care, I think of what the word actually is: caring for yourself. And in my opinion, self-care should be however you define it. It’s about doing what makes you happy and doing things that take care of your body and your mind.

So, what does self-care look like in 2021? It’s not a weakness to admit you’re feeling stressed, worried, overwhelmed because 2020—and even the first month of 2021—has been a roller coaster. Below are some practices that you can implement to take better care of yourself.

Take a shower/bath.

I know, I know—it’s cliche. For me, I just get all sweaty and hot in a bath. But taking a bath can help relax the muscles and send you into a peaceful bliss. And if you’re like me and baths aren’t your thing, showers are nice too!

Read at least one chapter of a fiction book.

Dedicate yourself to read at least one chapter from the book you’re currently reading, or a book that you know you loved before.

Go to bed earlier, wake up earlier.

Morning people and night owls, how do they do it? But seriously, it may sound crazy, but ever since I started waking up before the time I actually needed to wake up and get ready for work, I’ve felt better about my day and been more productive. I recommend going to bed around 10 p.m. and waking up at 7 a.m. to get the doctor-approved allotted eight hours of sleep!

Make a playlist.

My Yeehaw playlists are actually something I’m proud of.

Schedule workouts and actually stick to them!

Since starting Obé Fitness this year, I have felt my mental health starting to improve. Most of these workouts on the workout app that Obé Fitness is are only 28 minutes long! Initially, you might be thinking that’s not enough time for a workout, but trust me—you’ll be feeling good after 20 minutes.

Go on a long walk.

I don’t know what I would do without my long walks. They’re safe, social distancing-friendly, and good for the soul. A little bit of fresh air doesn’t hurt anybody!

Meditate on Scripture.

This one is KEY for me. A lot of the times when I’m feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just downright anxious, I haven’t spent time in God’s Word that morning. Carve out time each day (I do it in the mornings right when I wake up) to study God’s Word; don’t just read over a passage and call it a day. No, take time to read the passage, learn what God is speaking through it, learn the context of the passage, and apply it to your own heart and your own life. If you want more of an in-depth Bible study routine, I can write a blog post on it soon. A few key passages to help with anxiety: 1 Peter 5:6-7, Isaiah 41, John 14-15, and Romans. I can’t stress enough that running to God and crying out to the Father in Heaven should be your first go-to when you are feeling anxious. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV).

Drink water.

This might not be considered a self-care “activity,” but it’s something that you can incorporate into your day. And I know, it’s so cliche to tell you to drink water. But drink water! I’m not saying you have to carry a jug of water around all day long, but instead of reaching for your third cup of coffee, try getting a glass of water. Starting to incorporate even just one glass of water will take the first steps into drinking more water over coffee.

Take social media breaks.

Okay, I’m not saying give up social media altogether. Try deleting the Instagram app from your phone for one day. That’s it. Delete the app for one day and focus on another self-care task. Maybe it’s deleting your Instagram app on Sundays to set aside time for reading, serving at your local church, or deep cleaning your apartment. The worst thing you can do on a social media break is nothing, because you’ll always end up re-downloading the app five minutes in.

FaceTime your Mom.

Or your best friend. For me, the two are one and the same.

Lose yourself in a creative hobby.

(And your side hustle doesn’t count.) Try something creative! There’s some sort of study out there that says creative hobbies can strengthen and relax your mind and help you to unwind. Take a break from even your side hustle and just focus on doing something creative; try painting, hand lettering, bullet journaling … anything. Try these ideas.

Those are just some self-care practices that helped me! Of course, every day I try and listen to my body. In 2021, I’m trying to honor what my body wants. When I want a gigantic cookie because I’ve had a long day, I’m going to treat myself to a cookie. When I want to schedule and take a workout, I do so! When I want to go on a long walk, I lace up my sneakers and go on a long walk. Whatever your body wants, try and honor that the best way that you can.

What Self-Care Looks Like in 2021 + Self-Care Practices When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed