A lot of people are living lives filled with noise, activity, appointments and responsibilities. You forget about your social life, stop going to the gym and even skip lunch once in a while to make time for all of these things.
Prioritizing work and everyone else in your life may seem honorable. But if your calendar is overflowing, you might want to take a step back and re-evaluate your schedule.
Self care is a vital habit for anyone who is seeking to live a healthy, sustainable life. It nourishes your mind, body and spirit. When we are feeling our best physically, emotionally and mentally, we are more able to handle life’s stresses. We become more effective, energetic and maintain better relationship with others.
Here are 4 easy ways to practice self care every day.
Get moving
The physical benefits of exercise are hard to ignore. It helps you stay fit, cuts the risk of certain diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancer and can even encourage better brain health. Aside from the physical benefits, exercise also gives you a boost in confidence, energy and happiness levels. You don’t have to hit the gym to enjoy all these benefits. You can take a walk, go for a run, play golf, dance or swim. Find a physical activity that works for you.
Eat healthy and mindfully
It can take about 20 minutes for the brain to realize that you’re full, so slow down. Unless you’re in an eating contest, there’s no need to rush. Revel in the smell, texture and flavor of the food. Not only will you appreciate the food more, you’ll also end up eating less of it.
Eat a wide range of foods to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. Go easy on the meats and eat more greens. Also, avoid salty, sugary and processed foods.
Make time for yourself
A lot of people feel guilty about making time for themselves. Oftentimes, people would say “I have a lot of things to do” or “I don’t have time for that.” But if you do not take care of yourself, you cannot help or take care of other people.
Spend at least an hour a day doing things you enjoy or makes you happy. Make time for it. You can watch a movie, go shopping, paint, go out with friends or spend time with your loved ones. Make your own happiness and well-being a priority. If you don’t, who will?
Take a long, luxurious bath
Is there anything more relaxing than a nice warm bath after a long day? A warm bath is best for relaxing your body. Dim the lights, light some candles and transform your bathroom into a private spa. You can also add scented oil such as rose or lavender oil for a more relaxing bath. This will not only help reduce stress, it can also make you feel good about yourself.