There's plenty of talk about self-care these days, but how often do we actually practice what we preach? Between hectic schedules, ever-growing to-do lists and caring for others, it can be easy to put self-care on the back burner, but there are many things you can do to take care of yourself. For instance, committing to a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, exercising regularly and unplugging from your devices are some basic things you can do to maintain your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Consider these self-care ideas to help bolster your well-being.
Nourish Yourself
While eating well may seem like an obvious self-care tip, it’s not always easy to change your eating habits or replace fast food and sweet indulgences with healthier options. But properly nourishing your body with the right foods, like fish, leafy green vegetables and berries, can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for diseases such as diabetes, improve your memory and reduce inflammation, among other short- and long-term benefits.
Pamper Yourself
Most people know and agree that pampering yourself is essential to self-renewal and self-care. In fact, some might consider it a form of self-preservation. However, the specific actions you take to lavish attention on yourself is totally up to you.
Pampering can include taking the time to be more compassionate toward yourself. It can also include treating yourself to a creative activity that you enjoy like journaling, drawing, listening to music or relaxing and reading a good book. It can also include slowing down and taking a break rather than rushing through your day, or giving yourself an at-home spa and beauty treatment. The bottom line is, take some time out to do something for yourself that you truly enjoy and that’s a personal reflection of you.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Getting a proper night’s sleep – most experts recommend 7-9 hours for the average adult – can have a positive impact on how you feel both mentally and physically. Having both the proper routine – limiting caffeine and sugar intake before bed and reducing distractions such as TV or smartphones – along with having the right mattress can be key to ensuring your bedroom is the sleep oasis you need for quality rest. If you need help when it comes to selecting a mattress, the experts at a retailer like Mattress Firm can help you find the right mattress based on your sleep position or aches and pains. Choose from a wide selection of mattress sizes that won’t break the bank.
"...take some time out to do something for yourself that you truly enjoy and that’s a personal reflection of you."-L. Irby, Editor
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Whether you have a few spare minutes or an entire afternoon of free time, finding a quiet place to relax and practice meditation or yoga can help you reduce stress and anxiety, become more self-aware and create a sense of calmness during even the busiest of days. Try setting up a secluded area in your home (or office) where you can concentrate on your practice and really listen to yourself.
Unplug and Unwind
With 24/7 access to the internet, social media and television, it can be easy to create bad habits associated with the always-connected, smartphone-obsessed world. However, screens – and the blue light they emit – have been proven to negatively impact sleep and mental performance. Setting aside some time (aim for a couple hours) each day to unplug from your devices and their distractions can lead to better sleep, productivity, emotional wellness and creativity.
Make Sure to Move
While it’s important to take care of yourself mentally, taking care of your body can be just as important to provide peace of mind. Finding time each day to get in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, whether it’s a full-blown workout, a walk around the neighborhood with your dog or a bike ride to a favorite destination, can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and help keep your waistline trim. Find a regimen that works for you, be it multiple short active periods or one long gym session, and make it part of your daily routine for an easy way to boost both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Photograph by cottonbro
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