Tracie Johnson Many people find it extremely difficult to find the time to take care of their own needs. Unfortunately, this often leads to a decline in their mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, there are many ways you can incorporate small acts of self-care into your daily routine. Following are seven easy ways you can practice self-care every day.
1. Get Outside
Most people spend the majority of their days inside their house or their office building. Unfortunately, this can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and poor mental health. Spending time outside in nature has been correlated with better mental health and increased feelings of happiness. Try to get outside for at least ten minutes every day. You could even consider taking a walk during your lunch break. Not only will spending time outside increase your physical activity, but it is also a great way to boost your mood safely and naturally.
2. Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is extremely vital for your physical wellbeing, especially during warmer months. Aim to drink at least seven glasses of water a day. If you’re not a fan of plain water, you can liven it up with a slice of fresh fruit, mint, or cucumber. Staying hydrated will help your body run as efficiently as possible and prevent you from developing dehydration.
3. Meditate
In this fast-paced world, many people find it difficult enough to slow down and focus on the present. This can lead to you missing out on wonderful experiences that are happening in the “here and now.” Consider mindful meditation and work on enjoying the moment instead of focusing on the future. Check out your local library for a few books on mindful meditation if you’re unsure how to get started.
4. Cook Healthy Meals
They say that “you are what you eat,” and when it comes to self-care this couldn’t be more true. Cooking healthy meals is a great way to take care of yourself from the inside out. Not only can cooking at home be an effective form of self-care, but creating something delicious in the kitchen can be extremely relaxing too. You don’t need to break the bank in order to cook up delicious, healthy meals at home. Lean cuts of protein like chicken and fish along with seasonal fruits and vegetables are healthy ingredients you can use that are bursting with flavor and nutrition. Search online for some great healthy recipes to try out, or create some of your own.
5. Support Your Health With the Right Diet
Studies have shown that a person’s mental health and physical well-being are highly influenced by whether or not they are getting the right vitamins and minerals in their diet. Vitamins and supplements can be a great way to fill in any nutritional gaps you may have in your diet and improve your overall health. Consider including antioxidants into your diet to improve your well-being, increase healthy blood flow, and maintain healthy blood pressure.
6. Journal
If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night due to stress and anxiety, you’re not alone. Every night millions of people find it difficult to fall and stay asleep due to a racing mind. One of the easiest ways to practice self-care every day is to take up nightly journaling. By writing your worries down on paper you are better able to look at your situation objectively, come up with creative solutions to your problem, and decompress at the end of a long day.
While you don’t have to spend a lot of money to start journaling, you may find it helpful to purchase a beautiful new blank journal and some fun “flair pens” to get you started.
7. Take Up a New Hobby
Taking up a new hobby can be a wonderful way to spend some time discovering what your interests are and meet new people. If there is something you’ve always been curious about trying, go ahead and give it a go. You never know what new activities may spark your interest and reignite your passion for life.
Closing Thoughts
Self-care is extremely important for your overall physical and mental health, especially during these fast-paced times. By using these simple tips to practice self-care, you’re sure to notice an improvement in your overall quality of life.
