Taking good care of yourself, mind, body, and soul, is so important in the modern world. More people than ever are suffering from anxiety, stress, burnout, and other lifestyle-related issues that it’s clear we all need to slow down and focus more on self-care.
Unfortunately, many of us do not take time to care for ourselves often because we’re caring for others or because we’re so busy working that when we do have a free moment we just veg out with our smartphones.
If you want to make a change and start taking better care of yourself, here are some simple things you can do:
Focus on Getting More Sleep
The amount and quality of your sleep can have a profound effect on your physical and mental wellbeing. Lack of sleep can cause a range of issues from weight gain to depression, and leave you feeling less than your best.
How do you get more sleep? By making it a priority. Not only should you make time for a full 8 hours’ sleep each night, but you should also implement a sleep hygiene routine each night. This could include turning off screen 60 minutes before bedtime, taking a warm bath before hopping into bed or listening to soothing sounds as you drift off – do whatever works for you.
Exercise Each Day
Daily exercise might not be the most appealing prospect to you, but look at the facts: daily exercise can boost your mood, lower stress, and anxiety levels, help you to manage your weight and extend your life. That has to make it worthwhile, right?
Say No More Often
We all have a lot of demands on our time, and although it can be good to keep busy if those demands leave us little left for ourselves and our health, it’s time to make a change. From now on, when someone asks you to do something, think really hard about whether you really want to do it. Will it give make you happy? Will it add value to your life? If not, decline the request and avoid the inevitable burnout, stress, and irritation. You don’t owe anyone your free time so protect it fiercely.
Get a Pet
Having a furry friend can do more for your wellness and healthcare than you might think. They provide companionship, and in the case of dogs, encourage you to get out in the fresh air exercising more. Not only that, but pets can actually reduce anxiety and stress and even lower your blood pressure. If you love animals and you have the time and money to care for one, it’s a no-brainer to welcome one into your life.
Pixabay – CCO Licence
Cook
Eating out can be fun and you might think it’s the less stressful option because you have someone to do it all for you, but actually, it’s not the best choice you can make for yourself. Restaurant food tends to be bigger and more calorific than home-cooked dishes, which could be bad for your health. Not only that but cooking healthy nutritious food at home is a great way to look after yourself.
Stay home and avoid crowded places
In order to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, employees have been encouraged to work from home and to limit their movement. Therefore, to take care of yourself and your loved ones, ensure that you remain in the confines of your home, and only make essential trips to the pharmacy, grocery store, or to do some exercises.
Whenever you go outside, ensure that you wear a fabric face mask. This is especially important in places where social distancing is difficult to maintain.