These days, it seems like we all have a lot going on. Whether we are busy at work, or at home, and still trying to keep up with social activities, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves in the process. This is why it’s great to see that self care has become more popular recently.
Simply put, self-care is any activity that contributes to your well-being. It’s not surprising that self-care and wellness have become somewhat synonymous, because we all need to take care of ourselves as a whole. If we don’t, we risk our overall health.
Searching the hashtag #selfcare on social media can bring up a lot of images of bath bombs, eye masks, and face creams – sometimes the simplest acts of self care come down to the basics. In this post, we will be focusing on some physical acts of self-care that can produce great impact on your overall health. Here are some ways to care for yourself today!
- Get some sleep.
Getting adequate sleep is a basic form of self-care that goes a long way. We already know that without enough sleep, by the next day we will be tired, grumpy, and maybe even forgetful. But the lack of sleep also has consequences for our health. In the short term, our immune system is weakened and we are more prone to accidents due to drowsiness. In the long term, lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, and higher risk for heart disease and diabetes, to name a few. Sleep also contributes to better overall mental health. Get started on better sleeping habits tonight by taking melatonin for faster and deeper sleep.
- Nourish your body.
As tempting as it is to indulge, sometimes the most basic form of taking care of your body is to eat healthy. We all know that having a healthy and balanced diet is good for us. When we eat nourishing foods, we feel better overall. Eating well helps with weight management, reduces the risk of certain diseases, strengthens our immune systems, and can positively impact our overall mood. Even buying groceries and preparing your own meals from scratch is a great way to make mealtime part of your self-care, because it allows you to be more mindful of the food you are consuming. Some people even consider the act of cooking as self-care. Besides eating healthy, consider taking vitamin supplements to augment your healthy choices. And of course, don’t forget to drink water!
- Move your body.
Just like acts of self-care can start with some simple changes, moving your body can also start with the basics. Daily exercise can take the form of going to the gym or a workout class, but it can also mean going on a walk or stretching your body before starting the day. We know that regular exercise delivers significant benefits for our physical health. But physical activity also contributes to better mental health, too! Physical activity can start small, and be developed into a healthy habit. Choose activities that don’t feel cumbersome and help to set yourself up for success. Afterwards, thank your body by replacing your lost electrolytes.
- Be mindful of the space around you.
Another integral part of self-care is recognizing the importance of the physical space that you occupy. Your immediate environment impacts your well-being, so part of taking care of yourself is taking care of the space around you. Simple things such as tidying up at home, doing and putting away laundry, or even sleeping in freshly washed sheets can go a long way. At work, it could be as simple as eating your lunch away from your desk or taking short breaks, even going for a short daily walk. Kill two birds with one stone and make physical activity more enticing by going outside, or by adding a social element to your mental breaks. Sometimes, even spending some time away from your electronic devices can provide mental “space” and relief!
Do you have more #selfcare tips? Let us know in the comments below, or share them with us on social media!
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