Why is Reading an Important Part of Learning English?
There are so many different types of English reading material out there in the real world. You can be reading instruction manuals, recipe books, manga (Japanese comic books), news articles, etc.
It is fun to read and find out the different styles of English used in these materials
e.g. reading an English story book is different from reading a book on DIYs.
Do look out for informal and formal English used in various everyday situations as you read.
Learning new words in context will help you acquire vocabulary faster than just learning individual words
e.g. this post is a topic on self-care and you'll come across vocabulary related to wellness and health.
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1. What is self-care ?
Self-care is about doing activities that you enjoy to improve your mood or avoid stress.
Self-care activities don't have to include getting an expensive facial or massage, or joining a gym. You can practice self-care every single day and not spend a single cent.
Besides meditating or doing exercises, there are several creative and artistic activities to help you practise self-care.
2. 5 self-care tips & activities you can do for free or at a minimal cost:
i. Go for a walk or run
ii. Do creative activities
iii. Get a colouring book
iv. Learn a new craft
v. Writing
3. Health & Wellness Vocabulary List - Self Care Tips & Activities
- Words / Word Group / Meaning
a. facial (n) = a beauty treatment for the face
b. massage (n) = rubbing or pressing to relax muscles for body e.g. neck massage
c. do wonders for something (idiom) = have a good effect
d. be good to go (idiom) = ready to do something
e. scenic (adj.) = beautiful natural surroundings
f. on the spot (phrase) = in place, without moving forwards / backwards
g. mental health (n.) = condition of the mind that shows if person is feeling happy or stressed, etc.
h. used to (phrase) = something that you did in the past but not anymore
i. unwind (v.) = to relax
j. slow down (phrasal v.) = go slow
k. mindfulness (n.) = be in the present moment
l. wonder (v.) = wish to know about something
m. therapeutic (adj.) = making you feel better, happier or healthier
n. take a break (collocation) = to stop from something for a short period
i. Go For a Walk or Run
Exercising regularly is good for your body and your mind, and can do wonders for stress.
Some workouts cost money when you need to get a gym membership or buy fancy equipment. But walking and running don't require that much.
Just wear comfortable clothes and a good pair of shoes, and you're good to go!
Walk around your neighbourhood, go somewhere more scenic, walk on the spot or even up and down the stairs in your home if the weather is bad outside.
Choose a type of workout that helps you take better care of your physical and mental health, whether you relax during yoga, have fun while dancing, or get some quiet time by going for a walk or hike.
Think of exercises you enjoy doing, but that will also give you that time alone that you really need.
ii. Do Creative Activities
Another way to practice self care is to find creative activities that are artistic or a hobby that you enjoy.
Maybe you used to love drawing or painting when you were at school, why not try it now?
You may be older and have more responsibilities but you don't have to let go of things you enjoy doing. Grab a sketchbook and some art tools to draw, sketch, or paint as you wish.
Bring a sketchbook with you to work and draw something during your lunch break.
Try out different types of crafts you enjoy doing, like making crafts for family as holiday gifts like knitting, crocheting or sewing.
You can even try your hand at baking, if you've never done it before.
Have fun finding ways to release your inner creative energy.
You will feel better by doing something you love. And you get some quality time that helps to relieve stress at the same time.
iii. Get a Colouring Book
Adult colouring books have been around for a while now. There are so many different types of colouring books available today.
Get some coloured pencils and bring them with you and you can do this activity anywhere at home where you have a cosy spot or even out at the park or cafe.
Gardens, flowers, cute animals and creatures, you can draw, doodle and colour to discover your creative self.
Unwind, slow down and practise mindfulness as you spend time doing something you throughly enjoy.
iv. Learn a New Craft
Do activities that make you feel good about yourself and distract you from feeling stress. It helps you spend more time focusing on yourself.
You want to make sure not all your time is spent working, cleaning, or taking care of your kids.
Enjoy some hobbies and activities you truly enjoy, just for yourself.
Learn something new. Get out there and try a new craft or art form.
You don't have to be naturally artistic to be creative to enjoy any type of creative activity.
Doing the activity isn't the only way to taking better care of yourself, but also in learning how to do it.
Think of some hobbies you always wondered about, like oil painting, making jewellery or metal stamping, or giving sewing or knitting a try.
v. Writing
Not all forms of being creative for self-care have to do with art and crafts projects.
You can also start writing, which can be very therapeutic for you.
You'll be practising your English grammar and using new words you've learnt as you write down your thoughts and opinions in your notes.
This can be anything from writing in a journal or diary about your day-to-day experience.
One good practice to start writing is to set a timer for 8-10 minutes, then just start writing whatever comes to mind.
Continue writing without taking a break until the timer goes off.
We hope you've enjoyed reading our self-care tips & activities and add new health and wellness related words to your vocabulary list.
Over to You!
i. Do you practise self-care?
ii. What do you do to unwind?
iii. Which activity do you find interesting?
iv. Are you doing any of them at the moment?
v. Can you think of any other self-care tips?
Thanks so much for reading & happy learning!
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