by Brad Krause
Not all self-care habits include hipster trends that demand you find zen by meditating for an hour each day while getting a hot stone massage. Taking true care of ourselves means looking after our basic needs, which includes how we feel and how much stress we have. It means taking even just a few minutes each day and investing in our health.
Eat for Wellness
Many of us eat for a multitude of reasons. It could be to lift our spirits, to give ourselves a reward, or even out of boredom. However, if we truly wish to care for our ourselves, body and mind, we need to learn to eat for our own wellness. Eating for health does not involve a complete overhaul of your diet. Instead, it requires some sensible changes and moderation. Try to eat a variety of foods, not just the same few vegetables over and over. The more colors you incorporate into your meals, the healthier you may feel. Cut back on refined or processed foods such as white breads, sugars, and anything that has “empty calories.” By doing so, you not only may lose weight, but you also might prevent disease and cancer. You may even notice an improvement in your mind. Unhealthy foods can actually make thinking difficult. And yet, a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals can improve how well your brain works.
Drink to Your Health
There are numerous benefits to drinking herbal teas or infusions. Many of them have relaxing or stimulating properties, and even the moment of having a ritual can be beneficial. They can provide us with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to keep our systems running smoothly. Taking a break to enjoy a beverage can also be therapy in itself.
If you are looking for something new to try, invest in something called Kava, which is the root and crown of a plant that has been used in the Pacific throughout history. It’s ground into a powder and brewed into a drink, much like tea, and it has many health benefits; it can also help your mind and body relax. Kava is a great alternative to teas or juices and can give you just the boost of relaxation you need to get through the day.
Slow Down
Managing stress is no easy feat. It doesn’t, however, need to be difficult. One such method is to actively slow down. Life is fast-paced, and we rarely have time to breathe properly. When you feel overwhelmed, stop what you are doing and take a long, slow breath. By practicing deep and deliberate breathing, you can remove yourself from your worries about the future and ground yourself in the present. Try to keep track of your own thoughts and live your life with mindfulness. It’s a way to lower your anxieties and bring back enjoyment into life. Another means of lowering the stress in your life is to get enough sleep. Being sufficiently rested can go a very long way to improving how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Gentle Exercise
Working out too much can be a source of stress, so you want to ensure that your exercise relaxes you, and benefits your health. Start by trading in a few workouts a week for something that lets your energy flow and your body unwind. Meditative dance, qi gong, tai chi, and yoga are all excellent ways you can help your body recover. You don’t need to do them every day, and you should by no means give up intensive workouts unless instructed to by your doctor. Instead, use these as ways to recover and give your body and mind a fulfilling break.
Our health should never take a back seat in our lives. We need to make time for ourselves, stand up for our own wellness, and find the things that make us feel healthy. Explore ways of doing so that work for you and your lifestyle, and never be afraid to try something new.
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About the Author:
Brad Krause graduated from college in 2010 and went straight to the corporate world at the headquarters of a popular retail company. But what started as a dream job soured quickly. After four years of working 15-hour days and neglecting his health, he decided enough was enough. Through aiding a friend during a tough time, Brad discovered his real calling-helping people implement self-care practices that improve their overall wellbeing. He created SelfCaring.info to share his own knowledge and the many great resources he finds on his self-care journey.