10 Ways to Start a Self-Care Routine

It seems as if the world is getting a little crazier each day. When the novel coronavirus made an appearance in January 2020, it seemed to put “crazy” into overdrive. Now is the best time to begin a routine that takes care of your mental, physical and emotional health.

When the world returns to “normal” is anyone’s guess. And even in normal times, stress levels across the U.S. have been high. Here are 10 easy ways you can begin to take better care of your health and wellness, in no specific order.

 

Connect With Friends

People who are connected with others experience better mental and physical health. Your friends help to lift your spirits, motivate you to try new opportunities, and provide you with something every human being needs – other human beings! If you don’t feel connected to your friends, ask yourself why? Maybe they aren’t the right friends. If so, it may be time to find new ones.

Start with Why

Understand the reason WHY you want better health or to become a better person. When you can identify and qualify your reasons why it will help you to stay motivated and move in the right direction. It can’t be just because other people are doing it. Your reason is personal to you, and only you can identify what it is.

Remember Who You Are

In times of high stress and without enough free time, most of us forget what makes us unique in this world. In other words, what makes us who we are. It’s time to get back in touch with the traits and characteristics about yourself that you value most. Strengthen those and focus on the truly unique individual you really are.

Listen to Podcasts

Podcasts are a wonderful, free, and easy way to learn new information and discover ways of becoming a better or healthier person. Another special function of podcasts is they can be taken anywhere you take your phone. Do you need some motivation on your stationary bike or out jogging? Plug in a podcast and get moving!

Meditation Creates a Calm Nervous System

Your nervous system is intricately related to your immune system and gut. When you can calm your nervous system, you’ll go a long way toward creating a healthier internal environment that can withstand the stressors of modern life. Meditation can lower blood pressure, help you sleep better, and calm your nerves.

Physical Activity

This is an important factor in physical and mental health. People who stay physically active enjoy longer and healthier lives. Movement helps improve your mood and mental health. It strengthens your cardiovascular system, boosts your metabolic system, and reduces your risks for injury and falls by strengthening your musculoskeletal system. Physical activity also reduces your risk for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Emotional Freedom Techniques

This is a unique and simple technique you can use at home or in public. The technique takes advantage of the same acupressure and acupuncture points, except you use tapping to activate the area.

Do Something for Someone

Sometimes the only thing you need to reduce your own stress is to help someone else. Many psychologists use this technique to help people through depression without medication. The reason it’s recommended is because it works!

Self-Help Books

To create better health, you have to know where to start. Are you interested in nutrition? Mental health? Emotional well-being? The relationship between your gut microbiome and your brain? There’s a book for that!

Don’t Neglect Nutrition

Although you may be tempted to reach for a pan of brownies or bag of chips to ease your sorrows, these quick fixes actually do more harm than good. You feel better – physically and mentally – when you care for your cells by feeding them the right nutrition.

 

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