Learn how to self-care today
No one will ever take care of you as well as you can take care of yourself. And, you’re never sure how long someone is going to stay in your life.In this fast-paced life, we often put all of the needs of others ahead of our own. We place the needs of our spouse, the needs of our children, and even the needs of our family and friends or even work ahead of our own. We often then become surprised as we recognize that we are depleted, run-down, and have self-sacrificing that can lead to being unwell. Learn how to take good care of yourself, and you’ll always be well taken care of! Not only that but you will teach others how to treat you, as well as model behavior for others around you.
We’re often concerned with how well we’re taking care of others, but it’s important to give yourself the attention you need, too. There is a reason that on an airplane they often say to put your oxygen mask on first.
Practice self-care each and every day:
- Unplug for at least an hour each day. Give your mind a break from the digital world each day. Turn off your phone. Close your laptop. Turn off the TV. Go for a walk, read a book, meditate, or talk to a real, live person. You’ll be glad you did. Disconnecting from all of the hustle and bustle of technology can provide to give your mind some relief.
- Do a puzzle. Work your brain a little bit. It could be a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, Sudoku, or whatever mental challenge appeals to you. Put your brain to work and test its problem-solving abilities. It’s a great break to your busy day and a great workout for your brain. As we age, it is critical to use your brain in new and diverse ways to preserve cognitive function.
3. Eat mindfully. Pay attention while you’re eating. Put your phone away. Avoid reading or watching TV. Just eat while you’re having a meal. Keep your attention on the process. You’ll eat less and eat better food. It’s easy to eat a lot of junk while you’re distracted by something else. Also be mindful of what foods that you put into your system, focus on eating healthy, protein rich meals that stabilize your blood sugar and keeps you energized.
4. Spend time with someone that loves you. There’s nothing better for your heart and soul than spending time with those that adore you. They say nice things to you. They’re encouraging. The experience is relaxing and makes you happy. Be the person that you want to experience in your relationships. Work for cooperation, healthy communication, and set healthy boundaries in your relationships.
5. Stretch. The older you get, the less flexibility you possess. Stretching feels good and is good for you. If you’re watching TV, sit on the floor and spend the time stretching. Stretching can help to keep tension down, keeping yourself agile, and mobile. As we age, the tendency is to slow down, lose mobility, etc so it is key to stretch and keep your ligaments and tendons limber.
6. Compliment yourself. Imagine you were your best friend. What types of compliments would you give yourself? Spend a few minutes looking at yourself in the mirror and let the compliments fly. It’s a little awkward at first, but you’ll enjoy the results. Being mindful of your negative self talk as this can alleviate the negative self esteem, stress from inner dialogue.
7. Ask for help. You’re worthy of receiving help from others. You’ll find life is easier when you get a little help, too. In return, others will ask you for help. Your self-esteem gets a boost when you help others. You’ll even make a few friends in the process or strengthen existing relationships. Sometimes if we are independent and used to doing it ourselves we tend to not reach out and ask for help. When we are the strong ones in our families, people come to us with their problems and they also sometimes forget that we may need help and support. Reach out, ask for help, and receive help when it is offered because you are worth it.
8. Eat a healthy diet. You’re not taking good care of yourself if you don’t follow a healthy eating strategy. Eating high protein, not skipping breakfast, and keeping your blood sugar in check are keys to eating a healthy diet. If you do not regulate your blood sugar, and eat a healthy diet regularly your energy can take a dive leaving you feeling worn down, exhausted, and unwell.
9. Go to bed early. This is great for every part of your being. Most of us fail to get enough sleep. How early is early? Early is early enough that you’re not tired when it’s time to get up. A healthy sleep range is between 6-8 hours per night. Many people forgot to sleep for sake of getting more things done. Creating a nighttime routine, going to bed at the same time, and waking up feeling refreshed can help you to be effective during the day.
10. Take a bath at least once a week. Showers save time and water. However, there’s something unique about a bath. Stretch out and soak for at least 30 minutes. You might turn out the light or read a book. You can close your eyes and just relax. Give yourself this luxury at least once a week. Putting epsom salt and baking soda can also allow for a gentle detox while you are taking a bath. Taking a bath in warm water, and perhaps using some essential oils is also another way to detoxify and allow for the body to heal.
11. Walk daily. Humans are meant to move. Unfortunately, most of us barely move more than it takes to walk to our cars and back. Use your body each day, even if it’s a simple as taking a nice walk. Going outside in nature, walking around the neighborhood, or perhaps going to a local park can help by getting outside and connect with the electromagnetic energies around us.
People who are busy and stressed are often lacking in self-care. It’s important to pay attention to your needs and to recognize your limits. Good self-care practices can reduce burnout and stress levels. Keep your energy levels high and rejuvenate yourself each day by looking after yourself effectively. We work with professionals, parents, and recovering codependents to help them to recover their self-care practices. If you are looking for support please reach out and we are happy to help you achieve your health goals.