Life is busy and as a result you may neglect your own well-being which can lead to stress, irritability, moodiness, and even depression. By taking care of yourself you will be more relaxed, content, stronger, better able to help others, and more confident. Slipping away from your daily routine doesn’t have to occur for extended periods of time-it can mean taking a bath, reading a book, walking your pet, playing with your kids or grandkids, or going to your bedroom with your door closed to sit in solitude for a bit. Below are various examples of self-care, feel free to try as many as you wish!
- Relax. Relaxation allows you to experience more energy, sleep better, build up your immunity, concentrate better, and much more. Relaxation can occur through taking a hot bath, reading a book, getting a massage or even taking a few deep breaths.
- Eat a nutritious diet. Wholesome, nutritious foods provide you with more energy, combat depression by keeping your brain functioning at its best, and prevent numerous other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancers.
- Increase your physical activity. Exercise affects overall physical and mental well-being. It increases strength, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, balance, and muscle mass. It also boosts self-esteem along with confidence and helps lower stress and anxiety. Adding a 10-minute calming walk to your to-do list is a fantastic way to sneak in daily self-care.
- Finding humor in daily situations and laughing more throughout your day is truly the best medicine. Laughter has the ability to increase the “feel good” hormones in the body, called endorphins and can reduce stress, lower depression and help your body heal. Watch a funny movie or show, go to a comedy club, take a comedy class, or simply laugh with a close friend or loved one.
To view more on taking time for yourself, access a downloadable Self-Care 2020 September calendar.
By: Ashley Svaty
