There's been a lot of talk about self-care in the last year, and rightfully so! Throughout the Pandemic and lockdowns, it became essential to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being!
The thing is, self-care is so much more than treating yourself, online shopping, or taking bubble baths and lighting candles. Instead of being a one-time indulgence, self-care should be an integral part of your everyday routine.
It's all about doing the things that bring you joy, reconnect you as a person, and ultimately empower you to feel your best. We need to continue to make self-care a priority and focus on maintaining our physical, emotional, and mental well-being for ourselves and our families.
Here are three essential self-care practices you can implement today…
1. Spend some time outside
Sitting outside has been shown to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol! Taking time out for yourself to soak up some Vitamin D or spend time in and around nature is hugely beneficial to your overall well-being! Your body and mind will thank you for it later.
2. Get Moving
It's been said that movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states. Something as simple as going for a walk or doing a gentle stretch can do wonders for your body and mind!
3. Prioritize Rest and Sleep
Did you know that women need more sleep than men? To function at our best, we need rest! From improving memory and concentration to strengthening the immune system, sleep is a superpower! (See how here). An active mind gets tired, and other than sleep, allowing your mind to rest and quiet your thoughts is a great way to unplug from daily stressors. Try listening to some relaxing music or doing some deep restorative breathing between tasks.
It's essential to find what makes you feel centered and restored and incorporate these practices into your daily life. As Lucille Ball said, "Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line."