Practical Self-Care for a Healthier You
A lot of people think that self-care is all about pampering yourself with expensive bubble baths or long yoga retreats, and although it can be like that, it doesn’t have to be the case. There are lots of simple, practical acts of self-care that you can carry out regularly to not only give yourself a break but also improve your health…
Drink more water
Drinking more water might not seem like much of a self-care practice, but actually it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself, Why? Because so many of us are dehydrated and that leads to fatigue, brain fog and general feelings of physical and mental unwellness. Start the day with a large glass and keep drinking until bedtime and you’ll feel so much more able to take on the day.
Keep a gratitude journal
Keeping a gratitude journal is really simple. At the end of the day, simply sit down and write a list of 3-5 things that you enjoyed during the day or were grateful for. Simple, right? It might be simple, but its effects can be profound. If you do this self-care practice regularly, you could start to feel happier, less stressed and less prone to depression in no time at all. So, get yourself a pretty notebook and get writing.
See a therapist
Scheduling time to see a therapist, get online counselling or attend a rehab clinic – whatever you need – is a positive step to ironing out your issues and improving your mental wellbeing. There is no longer so much of a stigma around these things and there is no reason why you should not seek help if you want to be healthy and happy now and in the future.
Plan your meals
Meal planning might seem like a practical task; something that mums do to make life easier and ensure that the kids are fed a healthy balanced diet, and that is true, but it is also a positive act of self-care that anyone can do for themself. By planning your weekly menu, you can save money, cut down on shopping time and expense, ensure that your body is well-nourished and free up some headspace. It’s a great way to show yourself some love.
Take 5
Taking five minutes out of your day to simply relax and give yourself some space is something anyone can manage. Whether you simply do nothing, meditate, try some breathwork or take a quick walk around the block, having five minutes to just be is a great way to combat stress.
Take a tech detox
Tech is useful and essential, but if you’re never far from your phone or laptop you could be overdoing it and that could lead to stress, depression, anxiety or even weight gain. Choose a weekend, switch off your tech and get outside exploring, read a book, go on a date, and see your mental health benefit.
Self-care can be as simple and as practical as you like, as you can see above, and practising it regularly is a great way to boost your health, so what are you waiting for?
