WELL HEART: Simple Ways To Incorporate Self-Care Into Your Life
By Lindsey Wyer
If you missed Lindsey's last article about healing yourself using self-compassion and self-care, check it out here.
Self-care is an important part of life, to ensure that the chaos of life doesn't overwhelm us. It focuses on personal growth, self-love and development. The benefits are endless for your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Check out these simple ways to incorporate self-care practices into your everyday life.
· Take a break and go for a walk, stretch, breathe deeply, meditate or just close your eyes for 15 minutes. Breaks allow us to refocus, recenter and get more done in the long run.
· Make time for joyful movement. This could be a run, walk, gentle yoga, swimming, a bike ride. Movement releases stress, promotes balance and rejuvenation, supports the kidneys, liver and lymphatic system to move toxins out of the body.
· Don’t over extend yourself. Learn to say “NO” when you already have enough going on in your life. Allow yourself to have time for rest.
· Set aside time to acknowledge your feelings. If you are feeling anxious or stressed, seek to find the cause of these emotions. Force yourself to slow down and think rationally, giving yourself breaks to work through these challenging moments.
· Devote time to activities you truly enjoy. This maybe cooking, painting, drawing or getting together with friends. Whatever the choice is, make sure it is something that brings you joy.
· Allow yourself to be unproductive. Taking time to just do nothing is so great! Our schedules are already filled up with so many commitments that it is important to just unplug and remember that “just being”is an important part of life.
· Remind yourself daily how amazing you are. Reflect on all that you have accomplished in your life, where you are and how happy you are with the family and friends you have in your life. Positive thoughts can help to boost our self-efficacy and promote overall well-being.
· Finally, have fun! Self-care shouldn’t feel like a chore or something that makes you feel tired or stressed. It should be something you like, not work. If yoga isn’t your thing then don’t do it, if sleeping is then go for it. Whatever your self-care routine looks like make sure it is right for you.
Self-care works best when you listen to your body and you do what you want without feelings of guilt or resistance. So start small and incorporate activities that are manageable, fun and come naturally. And remember, allowing yourself these moments of care will pay off in the end, I promise!
Lindsey Wyer is a regular Well Women contributor focusing on nutritional and holistic health. You can read more about her in our Well Collective section in the Well Women account.
If you like our articles please 'WOW' them and share them so we can spread the word and help make our world a better place.