What comes to your mind when you think of self-care? You might think about making a message appointment, or making time to get a manicure and pedicure. Self-care could also include taking a long bubble bath or a night out with girlfriends. It is hard to find time to do these things when your schedule is already packed with appointments. When I think about self-care, I think of something a little different. I think of things that can be done every day to assure the best mental health for the day.

Self-care is actually one of the most important activities you can do daily to keep oyourself mentally healthy, and ready to take on each day.

10 fantastic self-care practices you can start today:

Be kind to yourself; do not tear yourself down.

Listen to your heart.

Take control of your thoughts.

Be aware of, and respect, your emotional limits.

Forgive yourself for your past mistakes

Let go of those things you cannot control.

Stay away from drama and negativity.

Learn to take control of, and to manage, your time.

Say “yes” to those things that are important to you.

Get plenty of sleep and make time for solitude.

Cleaning out your friend list on social media and getting rid of all the “Debbie Downer’s” is a huge step in taking care of and putting yourself first. You don’t need “friends” that have a problem or every solution.

Remind yourself that self-care is not selfish. Try to never feel bad for taking time to refill you. You may have read these words 1000 times before, but if you get in the habit of practicing them every day, you will have more energy and more determination to tackle each day.

Everyone needs encouragement to fight those self-defeating thoughts. When self-care seems impossible affirmations are the little “push” you need to get over the hump. Anytime you are feeling “less than”, any time you are doubting your worth and ability, reread these affirmations!

I am unique. I feel good about being alive and being me.

I am a powerful creator. I create the life I want.

I appreciate everything I have. I live in joy.

Life is fun and rewarding.

Amazing opportunities exist for me in every aspect of my life.

There are no such things as problems, only opportunities.

I love challenges; they bring out the best in me.

I choose to be happy today.

I am courageous. Fear will not stop me.

I am positive and optimistic. I believe things will always work out for the best.

I am energetic and enthusiastic. I have self-confidence.

I am OK as I am. I accept and love myself.

I am confident. I trust myself.

I am passionate.

I am calm and peaceful.

I have unlimited power over my life.

I am optimistic. I believe things will always work out for the best.

I am kind and loving.

I am focused and persistent. I will never quit.

I treat everyone with kindness and respect.

I inhale confidence and exhale fear.

I am flexible. I adapt to change quickly.

I have integrity. I am totally reliable. I do what I say.

I am competent, smart and able.

I believe in myself.

I recognize the many good qualities I have.

I see the best in other people.

I surround myself with people who bring out the best in me.

I let go of negative thoughts and feelings about myself.

I love the person I have become.

I am always growing and improving.

Feeling good about myself is normal for me.

I deserve to be happy and successful.

I have the power to change myself. I can forgive and understand others and their actions.

I can make my own choices and decisions.

I am free to choose to live as I wish.

I can choose happiness

It is enough to have done my best.

I am worthy of love.

I have high self-esteem.

I love and respect myself.

I am a great person.

I respect myself deeply.

My thoughts and opinions are valuable.

I am confident that I can achieve anything.

I have something special to offer the world.

Others like and respect me.

I am a wonderful person I feel great about myself.

I am worthy of having high self-esteem.

I believe in myself.

I deserve to feel good about myself.

I know I can achieve anything.

Improving my self-esteem is very important.

Liking and respecting myself feels good.

Each day I notice I am more self-discipline.

I am doing the best I can with the knowledge and experience I have so far.

It’s OK to make mistakes. They are lessons learned.

I always follow through on my promises.

I treat others with kindness and respect.

I see myself with kind eyes.

Never feel guilty for doing what is best for you . Take the time you need, even when you feel like there is no extra slot on your full calendar, to take care of you. You are important, you are worthy so first love yourself most.