This year has been unlike any other, posing its own set of unprecedented obstacles, experiences and apprehension to almost every facet of life. That’s why making self-care a priority is vital helping us restore the health of our mind and body.
If you’re not sure what self-care is, it’s an intentional activity aimed to optimize overall mental, emotional or physical health. Whether it’s melting stress away with a walk or reading a book at night, taking time to invest purposefully in yourself is key to maintaining happiness and balance. We’re sharing some of our favorite tips for kicking-off your self-care journey:
Engage in Mindfulness
One of the first steps of self-care is practicing mindfulness regularly. This means being cognizant of your feelings and general well-being. Common mindfulness exercises include deep breathing, meditation or even momentary pauses. Because many are spending more time at home than normal, it could be good to set aside an area where you can practice mindfulness and re-center yourself a few times a day or as needed. If you’re interested in learning more about meditation check out this article: Mindfulness Meditation
Detox Technology
Do you wake up and check your phone for news updates, spend the day working on laptop and then watch Netflix? Technology has a way of bombarding our lives, which is why it’s important to carve out times to be ‘unplugged.’ Set aside some days where you don’t “log on” or create a digital-free zone at home to get started. Hopefully, this decompression time will provide a much-needed shift in perspective.
Fuel Your Body
Taking care of your body starts with a well-rounded diet. Ensuring your diet consists of lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats and whole grains is a great first step. Working to incorporate these into your meal plan can help your body get the nourishment, vitamins and energy it needs.
Exercise Regularly
Not only does exercise promote good health, but it’s also a great way to burn off stress! Any activity that gets your heart pumping, even for as little as thirty minutes, is proven to have a plethora of benefits. Start moving today with a walk, jog, hike, yoga or bicycle ride! Everyone moves at their own speed, so finding an activity you’re comfortable with to help energize your body is key.
Treat Yourself
Another form of self-care is spending time doing things that you enjoy. Whether it’s a 15-minute-walk, a night of at-home spa treatments, making your favorite meal or reading a new book, ensuring you take time for you and the things that bring you joy are the perfect way to treat yourself.
Hectic schedules notoriously deprioritize self-care, but nourishing mind, body and soul is vital for enhancing well-being. We wish you luck during your self-care journey and hope you soon see the positive effects in your life. What are some of your favorite forms of self-care? Let us know in a comment below!
