Self-care is incredibly important because it allows us to take the time to proactively care for our mental, physical, and emotional health. And according to the National Institute of Mental Health, self care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health.
When we practice self-care, we are investing in our overall well being, which can be beneficial in many areas of our lives. Self-care can help us to feel more energized, be more productive, and manage stress better. It can also help us to build relationships with ourselves and with others, as well as cultivate a sense of joy and fulfillment. Practicing self-care is an important part of living a healthy and balanced life.
Helpful Self-Care Tips:
1. Exercise regularly
We hear this a lot, and it seems to be the solution to almost all of our problems, but getting regular exercise is an extremely effective form of self-care. A short 30 minute walk can help to boost your mood. Aerobic exercise produces a hormone called, Endorphins, which are your bodies natural pain relief, stress relief and mood boosters. Doing things like exercising, eating, getting a massage, etc. can all help boost your endorphins. I wear a fitness tracker daily to help track my exercise and amazon has a very cost effective tracker.
2. Get adequate sleep
Making sleep a priority is a huge self care boost. As tempting as it is, looking at your phone before bed time can actually make it harder for you to fall asleep at night time. The blue light given off from your phone, tricks your brain into thinking that it is still daytime. This prevents your body from releasing the sleep hormone called melatonin.
3. Focusing on the positive.
Focusing on the positive is helpful in boosting self-care because it allows us to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate our successes and achievements. It helps to boost our self-confidence and self-esteem, while also helping us to stay motivated, energized, and productive. Additionally, it can help us to shift our perspective away from negative thinking and situations, and instead focus on the good things in life. This can help us to create a more positive outlook on life and to enjoy the present moment more.
4. Staying connected with friends and family.
Staying connected with friends and family is an important part of life and it’s a well known fact that when we are more connected with our loved ones we, in turn, feel better physically. Support can come in many different forms, such as, emotional support, esteem support, network support, informational support, or tangible support.Research has shown that strong social connections can lead to increased happiness and even better physical health. When we stay connected with the people that we care about, it can help us to feel less isolated, which can lead to improved mental and emotional wellbeing.
Additionally, it can help us to stay in touch with what’s going on in each other’s lives, and can provide us with someone to talk to and to share our feelings with. Staying connected can also help us to feel valued, seen, and heard. It can be especially beneficial when dealing with difficult times or going through a period of change.
5. Practicing gratitude.
Practicing gratitude is an important part of self care because it helps to remind us of all the good things in our lives. It can help to reduce stress, increase positive emotions, and help us to build relationships with others. Gratitude can help us to appreciate the present moment and to be more optimistic about the future. Additionally, expressing gratitude can help us to recognize our strengths and successes, and to build resilience. Practicing gratitude can also help us to be more mindful and to develop a greater sense of compassion for ourselves and those around us.
6. Setting goals and priorities.
Setting goals and priorities is an important form of self-care because it helps you to stay organized and focused, and to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and your needs. When you set goals and priorities, you are taking the time to think about what is important to you and how you want to use your time and energy. It helps you to prioritize the things that matter to you and take action on them, while also letting you know when it’s time to take a break or switch gears.
Setting goals and priorities helps you stay on track and prevents you from becoming overwhelmed by tasks or activities that don’t align with your values. Ultimately, it helps you to be more mindful about the way you spend your time and energy, and to make sure that you are taking care of yourself. I use both a weekly planner and a gratitude journal daily to help myself stay on track.
7. Get outside.
Being outside in nature can be calming and peaceful, and can provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Additionally, being outdoors can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as exposure to sunlight and fresh air can help increase serotonin levels, which can improve mood and overall outlook. Spending time outdoors can also help promote physical activity, as it encourages people to get active and explore the world around them.
[…] 7 Reasons why you need self-care […]