Image via Pexels
How Self-Care Makes for a Healthier and More Fulfilling Life
Self-care is not selfish. It simply means to care for your mind, body, and soul so that you can live your healthiest and most fulfilling life. But practicing self-care doesn’t just improve your life; it helps you become the best version of yourself so that you can be a better spouse, parent, grandparent, caregiver, friend, and/or whatever other roles you fill on a daily basis.
If you’re ready to add self-care to your routine but are not sure how to get started, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of practicing self-care on the daily, as well as some practical ways to do it:
The Benefits
Regular self-care benefits your physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. Here are a few of the primary benefits to expect from adding it into your routine:
A strengthened immune system
More energy
Reduced stress
Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
Better concentration and productivity
More self-confidence
A healthier perspective
Physical Activity
It’s difficult to overstate the importance of regular exercise to health and wellbeing. Not only do you have the rush of endorphins during workouts, but Self explains that you can also experience a wealth of long-term benefits, such as stronger bones, improved cardiovascular health, better self-esteem, reduced stress, and more. The best way to start an exercise routine you can stick to is to find activities that you actually enjoy doing, whether it’s yoga, running, lifting weights, swimming, tennis or whatever you enjoy.
Diet and Nutrition
Nutrition also plays a vital role in health and wellbeing. In fact, you can work out for two hours a day, but if you eat a poor diet, your health and progress will be limited.
The most convenient way to abide by a healthy diet is to use a local meal and/or grocery delivery service. Typically, meal delivery services offer various types of cuisine, including lower-calorie options. One company to consider is Costco, which is currently providing fresh food delivery services in a lot of metropolitan areas. And if you place an order of at least $35, they’ll deliver on the same day.
Furthermore, it might be worth your time to look into nutritional supplements. Even when you are eating a solid diet, there are certain gaps in your body’s nutrition, and supplements can help to fill those gaps.
Financial Stability
This category isn’t often mentioned with self-care, which is funny because money problems are one of the leading causes of stress for individuals and couples alike. By finding opportunities to save money and sticking to a monthly (or weekly) budget, you will be practicing self-care and reducing the stress in your life.
Refinancing your home is one way to improve your financial standing. By decreasing the equity in your home, you can either lower your monthly mortgage payment or cash in the difference between your old and new home loans. Less stress, more cash flow, and a little spending money so you can save for a rainy day, pay off debts, or even indulge in a fabulous new outfit.
Rest and Relaxation
Finally, nothing says self-care like making time to relax. But that’s just the thing—you have to make time for it. Choose some relaxing activities, and schedule them each day or week like you would work, school, or any other important event. This might mean turning your bathroom into a spa, going for weekend hikes, waking up early to read a book and drink your coffee, writing in a journal at the end of the night, or any other number of activities.
Oh, and be sure to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. As The Sleep Foundation explains, your body and mind will function much better when you are well-rested!
There’s nothing selfish about practicing self-care; it benefits you and everyone around you. Prioritize exercise, nutrition, financial stability, and rest and relaxation. Then, you will be on your way to discovering the best version of yourself and living a healthier, happier life.
Brad Krause (blogger at SelfCaring.info)
header.all-comments