Self-care is not selfish. If you want to make sure that you are giving your all and being your best self at work or with loved ones, you've got to feel your best.
So, here are some strategies to invest in your self-care:
1. Connect and check in with yourself
Like any relationship, the one we have with ourselves requires time and commitment to building. Start by asking yourself simple questions, like "How do I feel right now?". Tune into your body and notice what it’s telling you. Try making this a habit, and soon, you will become more aware and learn a lot of new things about yourself.
2. Stay true to you
This means that you can listen to what you want deep within, be able to take responsibility for it, and show it to the world. It’s a journey where you can be comfortable in your skin and appreciate yourself for everything that happened to you that shapes you into who you are now.
3. Feel the breeze
The power of fresh air is easy to underestimate, but it can make a difference to your mood. This is a very obvious self-care tip, but after all, simple things, like a walk in the park, can sometimes be the one thing that makes a huge difference.
4. Eat well
While this may feel good at that moment, it is not beneficial for you in the long run. This habit will leave you feeling less energized throughout the day, and this is not something your best self would want. Try giving your body enough vegetables, fruits, grains, and healthy fats, to make sure it performs at its best!
According to Harvard Health Study, "compared with people who said they ate just two servings of fruits or vegetables each day, people who ate five servings per day had:
a 13% lower risk of death from any cause
a 12% lower risk of death from heart disease or stroke
a 10% lower risk of death from cancer
a 35% lower risk of death from respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
5. Learn to relax
Taking proactive action to relax can help give your mind a rest, in turn making you feel more balanced and in control. There are plenty of things you can do to relax, from taking a bath to reading a good book, listening to a podcast, or going outside. Learn what works best for you and try to stick to your relaxation habits.
NCCH "studies have shown relaxation techniques may reduce anxiety in people with ongoing health problems such as heart disease or inflammatory bowel disease, and in those who are having medical procedures such as breast biopsies or dental treatment." (Research sources: Harvard Health, .nccih.nih.gov, mhanational.org, girlguiding.org.uk, citylit.ac.uk, everydayhealth.com)
