You are probably thinking that giving a gift to yourself seems a little selfish, right?  Or maybe you are thinking that it is about time somebody show you some love and that somebody might as well be you!  Giving a present to yourself can actually be a very vital part of self-care.  When we balance the care we give ourselves with our other life duties and life stresses, we will feel more able to handle what life throws at us.  Plus, we'll be even more rejuvenated to help other that need us--which is very unselfish after all.

Let’s talk about self-care and self-love for a moment.  Self-care is something that we do deliberately.  It's when we take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.  Agnes Wainman, Ph.D. C.Psych. has defined self-care as "something that refuels us rather than takes from us."  Each of us knows our own heart and what we need to feel empowered and happy inside.  Look for little things that bring you joy and relax you.  They don't have to be big things.  Sometimes simple self-care that is only a few minutes a day can revive your soul in profound ways.  Schedule self-care into you daily routine if you need to.

Certain times of the year and during certain life events we may need more self-care and love than normal.  Be aware of those times.  For instance, many of us get stressed out and overwhelmed during the holidays.  Christmas can be a busy time for almost everyone, especially women.  If you know that you normally get stressed out during certain holidays or during regular times in your life, then plan ahead for a little extra love.  Put one thing that is just for you on your to-do list, or get up a little early to read your favorite book or meditate for a few minutes.  Plan exercise into your schedule or treat yourself to something special during these busy times.

Some stressful life events can be unexpected and we are not able to plan around them, such as moving, career changes, death, or family issues.  In these instances, look at the big picture.  What is most important in your life.  Remember to take care of the things that are of the utmost importance first.  If you need to get extra help or delegate some of your other duties, then give that gift to yourself.  Realize that it’s okay to let go of some of the petty and less significant matters that clutter our day to day lives.  Self-care is not one of those insignificant matters though.  Do not push it to the wayside.  If you take care of yourself in little ways each day during the hard life events of life, then you’ll be better able to take care of others.

Self-care does not need to be time consuming or something that takes over all of your life.  It doesn’t mean you go around being selfish and uncaring or other’s needs or your other responsibilities.  As you’ll see in the examples below, self-love can be very simple.  Often self-care involves helping other people or connecting with friends.  Sometimes, it means connecting with nature, enhancing your mind, or doing something to feel healthy.  Self-care should be positive.  Self-care can be small things, but they should be enjoyable, fulfilling things.  Take a little time to be deliberate about taking care of yourself.  Enjoy it and make it meaningful.

So take a few moments today to give yourself a present.  It doesn't necessarily have to be a physical gift that is all wrapped up with ribbons and bows.  In fact, sometimes the more abstract, non-physical gifts are the most rewarding.  There are many kinds of gifts to give yourself.  Take a look below at these 47 gifts to give yourself.  Pick a few that might be helpful to you this week.  Keep this list handy for when you are in need of a little self-care, and be sure to surprise yourself with a little gift once in a while.

1. Walk instead of ride
2. Give yourself a compliment
3. Look at the stars
4. Use a new word
5. Forget an old grudge
6. Take yourself to lunch
7. Help a stranger
8. Try a new food
9. Read a poem
10. Be thankful
11. Read an uplifting book
12. Jump in a pile of leaves
13. Tell someone you love him/her
14. Feed the ducks
15. Take a risk
16. Ignore your phone
17. Hug a friend
18. Take a nap
19. Learn something new
20. Walk in rain
21. Meditate
22. List 10 things you do well
23. Waste a little time
24. Stop and listen
25. Walk in the rain
26. Try to feel another person's hurt
27. Turn off the TV and talk
28. Pay a compliment
29. Visit a lonely person
30. Surprise a child
31. Tell a joke
32. Volunteer
33. Acknowledge when you are wrong
34. Be kind to a pet
35. Have breakfast in bed
36. Let someone help you
37. Watch a sunset
38. Do something hard
39. Send a card to someone for no reason
40. Drink hot cocoa
41. Let someone love you
42. Smell a flower
43. Allow yourself to make a mistake
44. Text someone you've been thinking about
45. Pray
46. Organize something
47. Do something you've always wanted to do

Now that you’ve seen this big list of gifts you can give yourself, take a minute or two to think of some gifts you would like to give yourself.  Jot a few ideas down and try to do at least of those things for yourself today!