We all lead very busy and sometimes stressful lives. Many of us juggle work, family, friends, and hobbies all while trying to stay both physically and mentally healthy. That is why it is so important to make self-care a priority. By taking the time to care for ourselves, we can better care for others. Below are a few easy ways to practice self-love:
1. Get enough quality sleep
It is no secret that the average American is not getting enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but many people are lucky to get just 6 hours of sleep. But getting enough sleep can help with obvious things like our mood and energy levels but it can also improve our memory and our immune system. Improving your sleep means making sleep a priority. Try going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, relax before bedtime, avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed, and make sure you are turning off your electronics an hour before going to sleep. All of these strategies can help you get more sleep and better sleep.
2. Be mindful every day
By practicing mindfulness every day you can improve your mood, be more present, and increase your focus. Many successful people take the time to meditate or write in a journal every morning to help them start their day on a positive note. Try taking 20 minutes to meditate, take a quiet walk without electronics, journal, or just sit and be still. Even if you only have 5 minutes, try taking the time to purposefully slow down and reflect.
3. See your chiropractor
Wellness and self-care is all about prevention. Make sure you are listening to your body and getting preventative and holistic care rather than waiting for the symptoms to start. Majority of the time it takes weeks of dysfunction before our bodies to start showing us the signs.
4. Drink water
Drinking water is a bit like sleep, we all do it but few of us do it enough. Make a point to drink a glass of water (with lemon if you can) as soon as you wake up in the morning before you drink your coffee or tea. Not drinking enough water can leave you feeling sluggish, cranky, and even sick. But by drinking enough water you will help flush your body of toxins, lubricate your joints, and you will feel alert and healthy.
5. Do things that make you happy and do less of what doesn’t
Sometimes you just have to learn to say “no.” By doing more of what you enjoy and what makes you happy and doing less of what you don’t like doing, you can lead a happier life! When faced with something you don’t want to do, consider if you really need to do it, then also consider if you can have someone else do it for you instead. By doing more of what you enjoy and less of what you don’t enjoy, you can make your happiness more of a priority.
6. Move your body
Physical care is an important part of self-care and self-love. If you don’t take care of your body, it is difficult, if not impossible to lead a happy and healthy life. Try to incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Ideally, move for at least 30 minutes a day, even if that just means a walk with your family after dinner. Getting enough exercise can also help you get better quality of sleep. Make sure not to exercise too late in the day since exercise gives us energy it could keep you up later than you would like.
7. Eat whole foods
By prioritizing healthy, whole foods and limiting processed junk foods you can ensure that you feel energized and healthy everyday. Eating whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, nuts and protein can help boost your digestion, improve your focus, curb cravings, help you to lose weight, and more. While unhealthy food can leave you feeling bloated, sluggish, and like you need more to feel satisfied.
There are many ways to practice self-love but the most important thing is to take the time to purposefully do it! Self-care is an integral part of holistic health and wellness. Try to incorporate some or all of these techniques and feel free to change them to fit your lifestyle.
How do you practice self love?