Self-care. It’s something we talk about a lot, but don’t do. Not because we don’t want to, but because we think it’s just too hard to incorporate into our busy routines.
In fact, self-care is easier than you think. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and you might be surprised at how simple it actually is. Particularly when you take into account the following tips.
Take Time to Relax
As important as it is for your mind and body to be active, it is also important to take the time to rest. To improve your self-care routine, try calmer and more low-intensity forms of relaxation which will help to rejuvenate your body. Try simple activities, like watching television, sitting in the garden, listening to music or reading. You could even enjoy a warm bath.
There are also mindful practices such as journaling, coloring, and other creative activities that can help to relax you. Practices such as meditation can also be beneficial, and are not time-consuming, meaning they can be easily performed every day. Relaxing is an essential part of self-care that you should always make time for.
Care For Your Body
Looking after the exterior of your body is also a great form of self-care. Most of us bathe or shower daily, wash our hair, brush our teeth, and do other crucial hygiene practices. Simple changes to your body care routine can have a huge benefit, both to the appearance of your body and to your mental health.
Making small changes can benefit your body. This can include taking the time to exfoliate and moisturize after a shower, which can be a relaxing, mindful practice to engage it. Additionally, caring for your hair to keep it shiny and strong can also boost your confidence as it will help to improve your appearance.
Activities, such as using a face mask, not only benefit your skin but also encourage you to take the time to relax and recuperate your body and mind. It is a great self-care practice to improve your health.
Stay Hydrated
Everyone needs water to survive. Most people are probably already staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water a day, which is a basic form of self-care. Regular hydration can improve the function of your body and your mind and give you better and healthier skin.
While you’re already drinking water, the optimum amount to drink is eight glasses per day. This can be from plain water, lemon-infused water, tea, coffee, or even from fruits and vegetables with a high concentration of water, such as cucumber. However you choose to drink your water, it is an important form of self-care that you do.
Healthy Eating
Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet helps keep you healthy, which is why it’s part of a good self-care routine. This includes eating around three full meals a day with healthy snacks, with around five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
While it can vary from person to person, on average, men should be eating around 2000 to 2500 calories per day, whereas women require slightly less, at 1500 to 2000 calories per day. Aim to eat well-balanced meals, with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables, protein, and other essential nutrients.
Even swapping one unhealthy snack a day for a piece of fruit, or swapping a fizzy drink for a caffeine-free green tea can be a great boost to your self-care routine. Eating healthy can be a great practice to embody after the new year.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise does not always have to be a high-intensity, high-energy sport. It can be as simple as walking to work or stretching in the morning to help you wake up. It is advised to get around 30 minutes of exercise a day to keep your mind and your body healthy for the best results.
If you already try to exercise weekly, try stepping up your routine for exercise daily. This can be as simple as changing your routine to include walking to more places, practicing yoga, or joining a team sport to also get you socializing. There are many sporting challenges online, so you can get your body moving and find an exercise that you enjoy so it does not feel like a chore.
Many of these activities are easy to incorporate into your everyday routine and are small changes you can make to improve the overall health of your body and mind.