Oftentimes, the words “self-care” sound…fancy. Your mind probably wanders straight to bubble baths and a wine glass when you hear them. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, you’d be interested in knowing that self-care can be simpler than that.
Truth is, self-care practices shouldn’t be an occasional pat on the back. In fact, you should make a little time for them often. Why? Because self-care not only helps you manage stress, but it also improves every aspect of your life.
Don’t wait until you have a burnout to start looking after your wellbeing. These healthy practices can be things you do every day to take care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Here are a few ways you can do that.
Take Some Time Away From Social Media
With SM taking up hours of our days for several years now, it’s hard to quit this habit cold turkey. Oh, and have we mentioned that your daily FOMO-induced browsing can seriously damage your mental health? It’s true.
You don’t need to be extreme to the point of deleting your apps. After all, checking social media is something that undeniably makes us happy. We want to know how our friends and favorite celebrities are doing, for instance, and there’s no harm in that. But there’s also no harm in cutting back.
If you absolutely must have your phone, try listening to podcasts about lifestyle or topics you’re interested in. The best thing about it is, you’ll be learning along the way!
Get Up And Get Out
You’ve heard about exercise being good for you, but do you know the reason behind it?
Yes, exercise keeps your weight at bay. But if you need more reasons to do it, exercise reduces your risk for heart disease, improves your mood (thanks, endorphins!), and also improves sleep for those suffering from chronic insomnia.
Even if it’s just a yoga class a few times a week, taking good care of your body by exercising for at least 30 minutes a day will help you sleep better, stay healthier, and feel happier.
Then, Be Still and Meditate
Don’t be skeptical—everyone can learn to meditate with a little resilience and practice.
With meditation, you’ll learn the right way to breathe and manage your thoughts. Taking deep breaths while repeating mantras/positive affirmations is a great way to calm your mind.
Besides, meditating correctly will help you to practice gratitude, rather than dwell in a cycle of negativity. You won’t be stopping your thoughts—on the contrary, you’ll simply allow them to be there.
If you can’t do it on your own at first, that’s totally fine. Guided meditations are available online to help you get the hang of it before starting to meditate on your own. Make it a habit, and you’ll see major changes in the way you handle a busy mind.
Go Natural
Tempted to gulp down an anxiolytic when you’re feeling on edge? Think twice, and next time go for something 100 percent natural like CBD caps. These are effective against anxiety and are packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, fatty acids, magnesium, and more. They’re much better than over-the-counter meds, which can pose serious health benefits.
You can also use lavender and other essential oils for aromatherapy. Or you could drink a cup of tea (preferably herbal) before bed. Really, there are several ways you can incorporate plants and natural treatments in your hectic routine with little to no side effects.
Take Care Of Your Regular Check-Ups
This can be the most boring part, but it’s also an act of self-care. Yearly checkups are essential for anyone who wants to prevent serious illnesses or properly treat existing ones.
Unfortunately, regular doctor visits can take their toll on your bank account if you don’t have health insurance. If that’s the case, don’t worry—finding the right insurance has never been easier.
Websites like Health Quote Gurus help you compare insurance quotes and find the most affordable plan for yourself and your family. Don’t skip this step if you want to enjoy better health every single year.
Living your best life doesn’t have to do with money or travel, but with good physical health and inner peace. If those two are in check, everything else will fall into place.