copyright 2021 Art of Living, Prima Media , Inc.
The human brain is capable of an incredible number of things—juggling mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs is a feat of strength that we do not recognize often enough! However, that much work can also cause each of those areas of one’s life to be overwhelmed and suffer. Regular acts of “self-care” are an important part of managing your stressors and maintaining that necessary strength to perform everything you want and need to. Here are a few examples of self-care treatments you should be doing regularly.
Get a Full Night’s Sleep
Medical studies have determined that people’s brains need at least seven hours of sleep every night to function properly and to supply the body with the energy necessary for normal activity. Unfortunately, sleep is often the first “necessity” to be knocked down the list of priorities when tasks start to fill an individual’s schedule. This paradox should be avoided as much as possible! Taking care of yourself should start with allowing yourself a sufficient amount of sleep—only then will you even have the energy or capacity to do any other task in your life. Set aside all distractions, don’t make late night or early morning plans, and block out more than seven hours during which the only task you have is to rest your brain and body.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Once your body has received the rest it needs, it needs good fuel to burn! Many think that “self-care” and food crossover in a “treat yourself” mentality: eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and don’t feel guilty for doing so. While guilt certainly shouldn’t play into your eating decisions, self-care actually looks like the opposite. Taking the time to eat nutrient rich and healthy foods that make you feel good physically. Sit down and meal plan and then get up and meal prep! Include some of your favorites throughout the week, and mix it up enough to allow yourself some variety. Treat your body well, don’t just treat your body!
Going Out for a Spa Day
Every once in a while, being pampered can be a great way to relieve stress and tension. Spa treatments are designed to be completely relaxing for your mind while physically providing relief and comfort to your body. Massages are especially helpful for getting rid of harmful tension in your muscles and joints. Massage therapy actually can improve circulation throughout the entire body, promote flexibility and looseness in the muscles and joints, and reduce stress hormones. Combine this with any other spa activity—a sauna session, mud bath, manicure, yoga—and you will feel rejuvenated and energized for days to come.
Skincare
Devote some time to your skin. Your skin’s health not only reflects your mental and physical health, but it can have a huge impact on your confidence. Establish a daily skincare routine that cleanses, nourishes, and strengthens your skin. If you feel your skin condition is poor enough to need medical help, consider consulting a dermatologist! Most dermatologist visits are considered medically necessary so insurance will cover them. The guidance you can receive from these professionals to match your skin type and its needs is well worth the effort and time required.
Devote Time to a Hobby
Do things that you love. The hobbies and fields that you are passionate about are things that motivate you! Setting apart some time for these hobbies can energize you and reinvigorate your desire to accomplish things in other aspects of your life. Plus, these activities can be a huge source of the happiness and stress relief hormones that you need to feel encouraged rather than hopeless, or determined rather than drained. If you don’t feel like you have a hobby (or at least one that is easily accessible), take some time to explore various hobbies to find things you enjoy! Try out a recipe, join some friends outdoors, look up a tutorial on something you are curious about. Anything that offers a kind of creative outlet or mental reprieve will benefit your mind significantly.
Socialize (or Not)
A healthy social life looks different for differing personalities—extroverts may feel happiest surrounded by their friends or just getting to know new people, while introverts may need some space from crowds and more one-on-one time with a loved one, and ambiverts may simply need a balance of those two scenarios. Regardless of the type of social exposure you need, the fact remains that humans do require some sort of social exposure! Determine what kind of social interactions would be most beneficial for your wants and needs. Whether you need to insert yourself into social events a bit more or you need a break from being around people, consider asking a trusted friend to help you get there!
Meditate
Meditation is a practice that has a long list of benefits. It involves removing yourself from stressful circumstances, finding a quiet place away from distractions, and taking a kind of self-inventory. Being mindful of how your body feels and how your mind feels, and identifying the areas of your life that you feel a lack of control over will actually help you feel more in control of your life! Meditation intends to center and ground the individual, which has a calming effect on the mind, heart, and body.
Go Outside
Get outside and into nature! Fresh air and physical movement is another way to energize your brain and body. If you don’t enjoy hiking or running, even just sitting and enjoying the sun can help you feel more relaxed. Spending time outside also exposes you to important vitamins and minerals that help your body function. It also can reduce your blood pressure, strengthen your bones and muscles, and even improve brain function. Even just being around life and movement subconsciously helps boost your own desires for life and movement! Take an average task outside and “multitask” by taking in the benefits of nature at the same time!
Taking care of yourself starts with dedicating some time to focus on yourself and your body. Start adding each of these strategies to your weekly or daily schedules, and you may begin to see improvements in your motivation, energy, health and overall wellness that will benefit your entire life.
Read this next: Is Coffee Good For You??In a Brownie it’s Delicious
