We all have responsibilities, things we have to do. However, one of the biggest responsibilities we have is to ourselves. A lot of people forget this fact, though, which is unfortunate.
The truth is that everyone needs to take care of themselves first and foremost. Without the right level of self-care, we will get stressed, unfit, lacking in energy, and overworked, which can lead to burnout and some negative mental health effects. If you are a parent, this is not good for all concerned, especially your children. Looking after number one should not cause you guilt. From taking time to do something you enjoy every day to taking supplements to boost your energy and overall well-being (you can see some Energy Renew reviews here), self-care is a way to preserve your health and well-being so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family going forward. Here are some ways to practice more self-care.
Drink More Water
This may sound like a pretty simple tip, but as many as 75% of Americans do not follow this advice as it is estimated that this many people are dehydrated. Water can offer you so many health benefits, from making your skin look better and younger to helping your organs function more effectively. Drinking more water can also help you lose weight and reduce the pain you may feel from things like arthritis. If you are not drinking around five to eight glasses of water a day, try and increase this asap. If you are in the habit of drinking coffee beyond 2 pm, too, try swapping this for water. Yes, you may feel tired at first, but this change in habit may help you sleep better and may result in you having more energy as well.
Sleep More
Sleeping is a vastly underrated activity in the modern world. Indeed, some people think that only sleeping five or six hours and working flat out is beneficial. And maybe in the short term, they will get more done, but only by potentially damaging their health, and it is unsustainable. When we sleep, our bodies and brain are hard at work repairing damaged cells, creating long-term memories, reducing toxins, etc. Over time lack of sleep will make you feel lethargic all the time, you will not be able to concentrate, you will have much less energy, and stress will begin to mount. Additionally, you are more susceptible to things like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, among other things. If you want to take care of yourself, you need at least seven hours a night, and usually more, up to around nine hours. To get more sleep, there are many sleep aids you can make use of, as well as things like reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake, etc.
Meditation
A great way to practice a little self-care is to take yourself off somewhere you cannot be disturbed, meaning turn your phone off, and meditate for a few minutes. Ten minutes a day is more than enough to start feeling the benefits. Meditation can help you prioritize your life and help you make better decisions; it can relieve you of stress and help you residue any negative emotions you may be suffering from. It can help you focus on the present moment too, which helps stop you worrying about the future and lamenting the past. Mediation is simple to do too, all it takes is a few solitary moments where you can close your eyes and forget the world. Concentrate on nothing but your breathing. Don’t fight thoughts but allow them to disappear without focusing on them.
Say No
A lot of time, stress is built up by simply not having enough time. Often this is unavoidable. However, sometimes it is perfectly avoidable. All you need to do is learn how to say no to people. If you do not have time to help out at an event, or go for that coffee, or do so and so a favor, no matter how small it may be, you have to decline. By using the word no, you will buy yourself more time and lower your stress levels which is great for you and your family.
Learn to Indulge Yourself
If you work hard, you are allowed to buy yourself that handbag or that sext underwear like the ones you would find at Wild Crush. Treating yourself is not negative and is actually quite necessary. You need a few things to let you know that it is all worth it. Perhaps a spa day is more your thing or getting a facial, haircut, and color. Maybe along hot bath is all you need. Whatever your vice, you need to let go every once in a while.