Taking care of one's self is often ignored but is necessary. We tend to ignore it because it can be tough to make healthy changes and manage stress in better ways. However, we must do so because self-care makes up a vital part of a fit lifestyle.
Self-care keeps us healthy and content. It also helps us feel that our minds and bodies are in-sync.
Since self-care is an individual thing, there is no set prescription for how or when to do it. However, mental health professionals suggest taking at least 20 minutes a day to do something for ourselves.
If you are having a hard time thinking of ideas on how to take better care of yourself, now is the time to stop worrying because we have here some ways to do and avoid for your self-care.
Eat healthily
Low blood sugar levels, dehydration, or exposure to chemicals in processed foods, such as artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives, may create mood changes. Thus, try to stay hydrated, avoid processed foods, and eat a healthy diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. According to researchers, adding seven portions of fruits and vegetables per day might make us feel happier! Taking vitamins to stay calm and reduce your anxiety is also recommended. The likes of magnesium, lactium, licorice root, melatonin, probiotics, and B-complex would be extra helpful.
Start eating healthy and consider this as your first step in taking better care of yourself.
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and caffeine
If you have anxiety or are feeling anxious most of the time, you need to stop doing these three because it may worsen your anxiety. Try sipping chamomile tea instead of coffee this time. This tea will help relieve your stress and promote a night of good sleep.
Exercise
Physical exercise has been proven to be good for your physical and mental health. If you have been doing this in the comfort of your home, consider taking your sweat session outside. Go out for a run, appreciate the beauty of nature, and breathe in the air's freshness. Research shows that working out outdoors can boost your mental health and may decrease tension, anger, and depression.
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can hurt your job productivity and can make you eat more substantial portions. In doing so, a person is more prone to having diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Prioritize sleep for a healthier and happier you. To help you sleep better, try drinking chamomile tea before dozing off, and put on oils for some aromatherapy sessions. Studies show that it helps regulate your sleep and can reduce heart rate and blood sugar.
Be mindful
A healthy and liberating practice is focusing. Not only should a person practice focus on doing tasks, but also focusing on what is in front of you, and on the present. Studies show that getting in-sync with ourselves through mindfulness lessens stress and depression, and helps us see ourselves in a truer light. Writing down what you feel can also help in addressing your thoughts and help our minds from wandering.
There are a lot of other ways and options out there that it can be hard to choose, but you can always start small and take 20 minutes of your time per day. Find a system that works best for you (even if not listed in this article).
