Self care is so important for your mental health and well-being, it's important to take a day off from all responsibilities and have a "self care day" to recharge your energy and do things that make you happy. Here are some ways on how you can check in with yourself.
It’s so important to make sure you take good care of your body, mind, and soul every day, not just when you get sick. Learning how to eat right, reduce stress, exercise regularly, and take a time-out when you need it are touchstones of self-care and can help you stay healthy, happy, and resilient.
1. Make sleep part of your self-care routine.
Be mindful of when you go to sleep, put your phone away at least an hour before bed so you don't get distracted and go to be at a really late hour. Wake up early at a decent time so you can get a head start on your day.
Next, make sure your bedroom is the best possible place for you to get good REM sleep. make sure you have room-darkening curtains to keep the sun from waking you up too early in the mornings.
2. Take care of yourself by taking care of your gut.
Eating foods that are really bad for you, can have a huge effect on your well-being, although these foods might look good they're not always the best option when it comes to improving and taking care of your health. One that I always struggle with is dairy, there are many reasons dairy can be bad for people but by limiting my intake from a little to none improves your gut health and overall well-being, this can be the same thing like coke for some people, some like to drink a coke with every meal and even though it sounds good it's not always good for your health, try little by little to drink more water and replace your sugary drinks with water as often as you can.
3. Exercise daily as part of your self-care routine.
Daily exercise can help you both physically and mentally, boosting your mood and reducing stress and anxiety, not to mention helping you shed extra weight.
Try to incorporate other exercises, such as walking, tennis, or yoga, which may be able to fit into your schedule more easily.
5. Say no to others, and say yes to your self-care.
Learning to say no is really hard; many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for our time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you'll start to feel more self-confident, and you'll have more time for your self-care.
7. Take a self-care break by getting 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.
8. Let a pet help you with your self-care.
Pets can bring a boost to our lives. From giving unconditional love to providing companionship, pets can be hugely beneficial for our self-care. Dogs especially can help reduce stress and feelings of anxiety and can even lower blood pressure. In fact, many people who suffer from disorders like PTSD have benefited from working daily with animals, which is why service dogs have become so helpful for these individuals.
9. Take care of yourself by getting organized.
Getting organized is often the first step to becoming a healthier you because it allows you to figure out exactly what you need to do to take better care of yourself. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge, can help you write down all your responsibilities and appointments, while at the same time keeping your life a bit more organized.
Whether you decide you want to go for a long walk, take a hot bath, or enjoy a good movie with friends, taking self-care time is imperative. Look for small ways you can incorporate it into everyday life; for example, you might wake up 15 minutes earlier to sit with a cup of tea and practice deep breathing before the chaos of the day begins, or you might take a walk around the block on your lunch break. The more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.
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