Let’s be honest, whenever we hear the term “self-care,” many of us automatically start conjuring up images of cucumbers over our eyes and someone lounging in a bubble bath with jazz music playing. Sure, that’s one way to do it, but self-care is so much more than just spa days or expensive cucumber rituals.
It’s about taking care of yourself in ways that actually make a difference in your overall well-being. Whether you’re over the age of 70 or just turning 16, self-care is all about taking care of your needs. If you’re looking for ways to practice self-care, here are some ideas to get you started.
Move Your Body
Exercise doesn’t have to mean forcing yourself to go to the gym and suffering for an hour on the treadmill. Moving your body can actually be something fun. Going for a walk in the woods, dancing in a dance class, or doing whatever movement feels good for your body is a form of self-care. It gets your blood pumping and improves your overall metabolism. Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily to have the perfect physique from your movement but rather to release built-up stress and feel good doing it.
Set Boundaries
Once again, if you thought self-care was just about cucumber slices, think again. Another form of self-care you might not have considered is setting boundaries. Setting boundaries means not allowing yourself to give in to other people’s demands. It means saying no when you don’t want to do something or stepping back from a situation that doesn’t make you feel good. Protecting your time and mental health is just as important as getting enough sleep or exercise. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Feed Yourself Real Food
Skipping meals or trying to survive on coffee alone is hardly showing yourself self-care. It’s important that you give your body the nutrition it needs to be able to carry out all the things you ask it to do. Your body runs on energy, so if you’re feeding yourself full of empty calories, then it’s only a matter of time until you burn out.
Instead, fill yourself with wholesome ingredients that are mostly derived from natural sources. This won’t just help sustain your energy, but it will also help you avoid feeling sluggish and unhealthy.
Unplug
As much as you might love winding down in front of your phone or the television once in a while, the truth is that it might be doing less good than you think. Sure, it might be your opportunity to sit back and relax at the end of a long day, but studies show that people who doom-scroll are much more prone to anxiety and depression. Do yourself a favor and try to unplug more often.
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