Self-care is simply a new way of saying, “today is all about me, and putting myself and my needs first.” With the world constantly demanding so much of our time and energy, taking a little bit of necessary time for ourselves is a true lifesaver. Self-care is a tactic that can help you avoid things such as burnout, laziness, unhappiness, and depression. It produces a happier and healthier you, and who doesn’t want that?!
Although there are so many ways you can go about pumping up your self-care routine, we’re giving you a solid list of five things you can do to practice self-care more, and truly live your best life.
- Eat When You are Hungry, Stop When You are Satisfied
To some this may seem like a no brainer, but to others it’s almost nearly impossible. Often times, people eat when they’re hungry, however they tend to stuff themselves just to finish the meal when they know their body is beyond full. This is lack of self-care at its finest. If you know your body has reached its capacity, why stuff it and cause yourself to feel bloated and stuck.
Eating until you are uncomfortable and you have no choice but to take a nap is not good for your body whatsoever. It promotes laziness, and can even cause some underlying health issues such as obesity or high cholesterol. By connecting to your body– taking the time to actually listen to your body’s needs, you will be able to foster a deeper connection to taking care of your body.
- Rest Your Mind, Body & Soul
By getting more sleep, you are allowing your mind, body and soul to be better equipped to handle all the things life throws at you on a daily basis. Getting an abundant amount of sleep allows your body to perform at its best. This simple yet important self-care act can have such a positive impact on your life. Getting the proper amount of sleep between seven to nine hours allows your mind, body, and soul to recharge for the upcoming day. A lack of rest is more damaging than you may think. It can impact you emotionally and physically, and cause things such as anxiety, stress, depression, and moodiness.
- Moving is Key—Exercise!
Exercising is one of the most fundamental things you can do to help improve your body’s health. You have to make sure you’re doing something that your body enjoys such as Zumba dancing, because if not—you’re only damaging your self-care. Any form of daily exercise can help reduce stress and fatigue, and instantly boost your mood, all while helping you tone up and get in shape. Incorporating things such as dancing, swimming, walking or a group fitness class will allow you find exercising a little more enjoyable and will keep you motivated.
- Schedule Time for Yourself
Taking time out for yourself is extremely important and is self-care 101. Although life does get busy, scheduling out your self-care time is a must. It could be anything from a facial, a jog, a massage, or taking a nap—whatever it looks like for you, do just that. This is your time to relax and unwind, and if you don’t take this time for yourself then it can lead you to lots of bad habits.
Journaling, meditating, or doing absolutely nothing are just a few ways you can indulge in self-care. Make yourself a high priority on your list so you can focus on you, and do the things that you enjoy doing the most. Remember this, the more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the more you’ll be able to grow, enjoy, and thrive in life.
- Allow Yourself to Feel Your Feelings
I think it’s important that you allow yourself to feel your feelings so you can accept them and move on from them. Allowing your body to feel sadness, anger, joy, confusion, and happiness is allowing yourself to indulge in self-care. Instead of holding those feelings in and dismissing them, you accept them, learn from them, and move forward.
Acknowledging these feelings allows you to process them, and then release them once the time comes. Being honest with yourself about your feelings will give you a feeling of liberation and freedom, and that’s what self-care is built upon.
What do you do to take care of you?
