Make self-care a priority – here’s how

If you think that you’re the only one who has blue days, learn that you’re not alone. Daily activities can sometimes become stressful, and we can easily get lost in the whirlwind of life. That’s why we forget to take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. We live in a world in which people are so preoccupied with work that they end up ignoring their needs. Also, there’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first sometimes, so don’t feel guilty when not wanting to go on that business trip or when retiring for days in the comfort of your bed. You know the saying; sometimes, you have to disconnect to connect.

Maybe you wonder how to recharge your batteries and get a new, fresh view of life. The answer has never been easier: start prioritizing yourself, and the rest will follow. 

Here are some recommendations on how to make self-care a priority and promote wellness in your life:

A healthy diet

You’ve heard so many times the saying that you’re what you eat. Without any exaggeration, food is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. But don’t jump to the conclusion that now you have to eat only vegetables, seeds, and nuts, because it’s not the case. A healthy, well-balanced diet implies eating food rich in vitamins and nutrients. Energy is vital when performing any activity and where to get it from if not from what you consume? It doesn’t mean that you have to become a vegetarian or a vegan but give yourself enough nutrients, vitamins, and proteins on a daily basis. You don’t even have to give up junk food or sugar if you’re a sweet lover; learn instead to introduce these when needed because limiting yourself might cause mental health issues. You’ll be surprised to find out how much our eating habits are related to our minds.

If you experience problems planning a healthy and balanced meal, consider working with a nutritionist. They are professionals who examine your eating habits and issues and customize a diet plan based on your metabolism and needs. 

Get a restful sleep

Restless nights can be frustrating, especially when you have so much work to do the next day. Whether you don’t get enough sleep, deal with sleep issues like insomnia, or wake up extremely tired, lack of rest puts its mark on your lifestyle more than what you can imagine. You can make a huge difference in how you sleep by changing your bedtime habits and ensuring that your bedroom has a proper environment for sleep. For example, you can set the room’s temperature somewhere around 18.3-19 degrees Celsius, which is the recommended temperature for a restful sleep. From time to time, you can pamper yourself with the proper body care, like a relaxing bubble bath, essential oils massages, nourishing creams, or scented candles.

Moreover, it would be best to avoid tight clothes because they make you sweat, irritate your skin, and inevitably disturb your sleep. Opt for breathable fabric like cotton or linen and loose-fitting clothing instead. Comfort is of the utmost importance for rest, so it would help to purchase online sleepwear and pajamas to have a peaceful sleep.

Take care of your mental health

Mental health is the engine that practically fuels our self-image. Taking care of our bodies is a common habit, but mental self-care is such a delicate subject. Some might look curiously at you when talking about mental health because most people aren’t educated enough about this topic. But just because it’s not so welcomed in society, it doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Put your mental health on the list of priorities and see how your life can change to 180 degrees. First, it’s essential to take a step back and reflect on your current situation. What causes your problems? Are they really problems? Take your time and think about what could be changed and what needs to be left behind because you cannot control absolutely everything. If you feel lost, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. A psychologist might be of great help if you don’t know what your feelings are.

Spend more time outdoors

Never underestimate the power of having a walk and breathing fresh air. Specialists say that going outside has excellent benefits for the brain and overall mood. It’s important to know that spending time outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean going on trips regularly or spending money on city breaks. Pay more attention to what you already have instead, which is nature around you. Whether you take a walk in the park or explore a forest nearby, wandering for a while can be only beneficial for your health.

Also, you should avoid sedentarism and consider doing physical exercise, even if you’re not into sports. Jogging, yoga, and Pilates are great options that will lead to impressive results if done consistently.

Put yourself first

It is well-known that some people cannot say “no.” It might be a sign of incredible kindness and attention, but doing it when your mental or physical health is collapsing makes it worse. Setting boundaries when feeling overwhelmed is perfectly normal and understandable. The people you helped will know that you are the one who needs support this time. So, stop worrying that you can disappoint someone by refusing to do a particular task. Learn not to apologize when refusing someone because there are times when you’re too occupied to take another responsibility on your shoulders.

Also, take your time to rest and recover from an excessively stressful period. For instance, you can disconnect from your routine by practicing an activity that you enjoy or haven’t done for a long time, like reading a novel or painting. Therefore, don’t undervalue the time allotted to your hobbies or things you love to do. You can also make yourself comfortable in bed and watch your favorite TV series – this can be of great help as well.

 

Self-care is closely related to self-love, so making it a priority shows how you really care about yourself. If not doing it yet, we hope to start now.