It often seems that in today’s fast-paced world, self-care is hard to come by. However, in today's fast-paced world it is more important than ever to practice self-care.
Good news: self-care does not have to mean spending an entire weekend journaling, running hour long bubble baths and sipping detox tea (although amazing if you do this!) We can adapt small changes into our lifestyle to make sure we're looking after not only our physical health but our mental health too.
No matter what you choose, the goal is to figure out which self-care strategies work best for you.
Sleep
Whilst it may seem obvious, far too many of us neglect sleep. The easiest way I've found to be sure I have a restful night sleep is by assessing what happens before sleep. Looking at your nightly routine and making small changes, such as avoiding caffeine and sugar in the evenings, can have huge benefits.
2. Exercise
Daily exercise can help you both physically and mentally, boosting your mood and reducing stress and anxiety. Of course, it might be hard to go to the gym every day, so try to incorporate other exercises, such as walking, tennis, or yoga, which may be able to fit into your schedule more easily
3. Water
Every day, we wake up slightly dehydrated – so a glass of water rejuvenates your body and kick starts your digestion. For women, the recommended amount of water is 9 cups: it’s 13 for men.
4. Go Outside
Spending time outside can help you reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and live in the moment. Studies have even shown that getting outside can help reduce fatigue, making it a great way to overcome symptoms of depression or burnout.
5. Don't eat what you hate
Yes, kale salads on Instagram are the epitome of "wellness"—but if you prefer romaine (or uh, plate of fries), that's okay too. It’s important to acknowledge that everyone is different in order to find the health sweet spot that works for you
6. Enjoy Breaks
Even if you’re busy, just take a 10-15 minutes break each day, and do something that can relax you. You can go for a walk, call someone who’s close to you, have a relaxing cup of coffee, or engage in gardening
Never forget that self-care is personal and highly individualized. What’s important is incorporating the self-care tips that resonate with you and bring you inner peace. Find activities you enjoy and make the time to luxuriate in them. Whether you find yourself reading a good book in a bubble bath or going on a 10-mile run, know that the way you engage in self-care is yours alone.
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