Self-care tips for a happier you
Who doesn’t want to live a happier, more fulfilling, and confident life? Making self care a priority in your daily habits can translate into extraordinary elements in your life.
Maybe helping your community and those around you makes you happy and brings you joy. The best way to help others to the best of your abilities is to make sure you are in tip top shape physically, mentally and emotionally. Or maybe there is another force that drives you through your day such as sports, family, financial freedom, etc. Self-care is the first step to making sure you are feeling your best and therefore doing your best. No matter what your passion is in the world, the only way to put your best foot forward is to make sure it’s properly pedicured and massaged. Here are activities and habits that allow you to put yourself first.
Regular Exercise
Getting just 3o minutes of exercise a day can have tremendous benefits to your health. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one session of moderate- to -intense exercise can reduce short-term feeling of anxiety in adults. If 30 minutes is too long for you don’t be discouraged. Small amounts add up so start with a little at a time and build from there.
Make sleep a priority
That’s right, I said it…Get some sleep!! Here is your permission to make getting a good nights rest a priority. Being well-rested during your days makes you more productive and less likely to make errors in your daily task. You are also less likely to get sick and will be able to maintain a healthy weight. Reduce blue light from cell phones and computers and implement a night-time routine to ensure a good night sleep regularly.
Set goals and priorities
Remember those daily tasks I mentioned earlier? Set those ahead of time. Having a (flexible) plan for your day might make you feel like a bad-ass that has their priorities straight. It sure does for me. Learn to say no to new tasks if they do not serve you or are more than you can handle for one day. Know your limits and be sure to take note of what you have accomplished at the end of each day instead of paying attention to what has yet to get done.
Practice gratitude
Speaking of paying attention to accomplishments. Remember what you are grateful for. Try making a list and referring back to it regularly. Particularly in time of distress and sadness. Journaling down what you are grateful for can improve your health both mentally and physically. Studies show that taking note of the things you are grateful for allows you to feel more optimistic and better about your life. This in turn leads to you taking better care of yourself resulting in better health and quality of life.
Silence
In a world full of buzzes, dings and endless stimuli it is important, if even for a moment, to just be. Silence and solitude not only gives you a chance to just breath, but it also allows you time to connect to your true self. Silence can give you time to daydream and get lost in your thoughts (which improves brain health) or it can give you time to contemplate the events of the day and digest your feelings and emotions. However you use your silent time, be sure to put away electronics or outside distractions. This is a time to be with yourself.
Journal
The benefits of journaling are endless. This can be another way to digest feelings and emotions from the days events if done in the evening. Or it can be a way to set expectations for yourself before the day starts. Hell, it can be both. Writing in a journal multiple days a week allows you to get your feelings out of your head and onto paper and will force you to articulate your feelings without judgement.
Aromatherapy
I don’t know about you, but a smell can change my whole mood. Using essential oils for their therapeutic effects has been used for centuries. Aromatherapy has been used to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, depression, nausea and much more. Incorporating the use of essential oils into your self-care routine will brighten your mood and clear your mind.
Relaxing activities
Soak your feet, take a walk, read a book, listen to music, make love. We have all experienced the instant positive effects of a relaxing activity. Imagine if you made one of these activities part of your daily or weekly routine? These instant effects would be long lasting or even perpetual.
Stay connected
As humans we are social beings. When feeling stressed or down most people turn to friends or family for support or to boost confidence. We crave connection to those around us as it uplifts our spirit and gives us a sense of belonging. According to Mental Health America, social connections improve health by increasing happiness and is instrumental in having a longer life. So reach out to old friends and grab a drink or join a club or group to make new friends with similar interests. Be diligent and reach out regularly to make those connections long lasting.
Remember the Basics
Everyone’s definition of self care is different. What gets you going through the day might not look the same for the next person. Do what works for you however minimal or extreme it may be.
Plan. Self care is something you have to make time for rather than it happening by chance. Once you start the habit it will happen organically. But you have to make a conscious effort for that habit to form and to make it stick.
Keep a conscious mind. Be aware of how certain activities make you feel and be willing to adjust accordingly. What you thought would be a relaxing activity/ might actually bore you out of your mind. On the other hand, an activity that you thought would be too overwhelming might bring energy and clarity. Get out of your head and into your body. Listen to what it is telling you.
References
“Benefits of Physical Activity” Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Last Reviewed; 16 June 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm#:~:text=Regular%20physical%20activity%20is%20one,ability%20to%20do%20everyday%20activities.
”Caring For You Mental Health” National Institute of Mental Health, Last Reviewed December 2022, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health#part_8445
“Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier”, Harvard Health Publishing, 14 August 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
