The art of self-care: Small yet impactful ways to tune in to your body, mind and soul
The concept of self-care is thrown around everywhere on social media, and yet, there are many people who misunderstand it. For instance, one of the most common myths is that self-care is only related to your mental health when, in fact, the reality is different. Self-care encompasses everything from your mental and emotional needs to physical, social, spiritual and intellectual needs. It’s necessary to focus on all these areas to achieve balance in your life. Another myth is that self-care means pampering yourself, such as taking a luxurious bath, or putting on a face mask while sipping tea. While these activities can make you feel good, self-care can take many other forms, and it’s more about internal nourishing.
Simply put, it’s a practice that keeps you healthy and connected to yourself and those around you. When you engage in small rituals, they can add up over time, creating meaningful change in your life and allowing you to experience more joy. Here are 5 ways to adopt a self-care routine to help you become your best self.
Get a good night’s sleep
Most individuals in today’s society are chronically sleep-deprived. Although everyone hears about the importance of sleep, many seem not to prioritize it for various reasons. However, it’s essential to get eight hours of sleep every night to achieve optimal health – both in the short and long run. Even if you may feel ok with fewer hours, studies show that even sleeping 30 – 60 minutes less than your body needs can lead to several issues, such as Alzheimer’s and heart attacks.
A great way to prioritize sleep is to set an alarm not just for waking up but also for bedtime. Make sure to create an evening routine that prepares your body for rest and doesn’t involve screens, such as journaling, reading or coloring.
Pay attention to your eating habits
Grabbing a bag of candy and eating all of it may feel good, but after a few hours…well, let’s just say you start to regret it. Hence, one excellent way to practice self-care is to break this negative pattern. Now, this doesn’t mean you should never again indulge in treats – in fact, it’s encouraged to do so occasionally. What it means is that you should start seeing food for what it is: fuel that nourishes your body and helps you feel good both physically and mentally.
As with any other long-term behavioral change, it’s not enough to only have willpower; you need to control your environment. Specifically, you can do this by keeping healthy snacks handy, choosing to have dessert at a restaurant instead of storing a box of candy in the kitchen, and eating only when you feel hungry instead of grabbing a snack whenever you experience an emotion like anxiety or boredom.
Move your body
Movement releases endorphins, helping you manage stress. Many experts recommend incorporating physical activity in your self-care practice and reap incredible benefits for your physical and mental health. It’s essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all type of exercise that is ideal for everyone. Each individual is unique, so you want to find what works best for you, whether that’s a workout you love, dancing, or yoga practice. To get the most out of your exercise routine, consider incorporating a CBD product – plenty of them are available, so you can easily find something you love. But it’s even better to buy cannabis seeds and grow the plant at home – this lets you control the quality of your cannabis, ensuring you get the most out of its benefits.
But why add cannabis to your workout and yoga practice, you may ask? Well, it has been shown to help with post-workout recovery, and maintain balance throughout your body. In fact, cannabis and yoga are the perfect match when it comes to finding your Zen! White widows strain, for example, will make you feel more energetic, alleviating anxiety and stress.
Spend time in nature
There’s probably nothing else in the world that has better healing effects than nature does. Taking the time to appreciate Mother Earth helps calm your nervous system and boost your mood. It’s a practice that allows you to come home to yourself and reminds you to slow down – something that it’s so necessary in today’s busy world.
There’s no right or wrong way to spend time in nature, so find what resonates with you, whether going for a hike, walking in the woods or along the beach. After immersing yourself in nature, you will experience its soothing effects in the next hours and days. And, if you make it a regular practice, your overall health and well-being will improve in the long run.
Honor your boundaries
Learning to say no is an excellent self-care practice, but it’s something that many people struggle with. And although it may not seem evident at first, a lack of boundaries can lead to anger outbursts and resentment, thus having a negative impact on your life and relationships. Simply put, it makes you feel like you aren’t living authentically, as you are detached from your desires and needs.
Now, honoring your boundaries is definitely not easy – especially when all those voices in your head push you to say yes to things only due to the fear of being disliked. You must learn to tolerate that anxiety that comes when you set limits, and as you do this, saying no will come easier to you. Remember, boundaries allow you to show others that you want to be treated with respect and that your feelings matter, and they will ultimately help you have healthier relationships with those around you.
Start a self-care routine today and reap the benefits
You may have trouble starting a self-care practice, but it’s worth exploring each roadblock and doing your best to overcome it. You may have believed all along that taking care of yourself is selfish, but that’s only a misconception. Self-care is a necessity and will help you be more aware of your needs and feelings and, ultimately, allow you to live a meaningful life that aligns with who you are.
