Self-care can mean many things, but the idea, in plain terms, is to care for yourself. Self-care can be anything that keeps you happy and healthy. Including anything you do to keep yourself healthy, physically, mentally, or spiritually.
September is Self-Care Awareness Month, meaning it’s time to learn what self-care is all about. Some may consider self-care organizing or attending social gatherings, or maybe it’s to get your nails and hair done. Whatever it may be, self-care should make you feel positive, ultimately improving your health and wellness.
WHY SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT
Self-care awareness is an excuse to pay attention to yourself and ensure you get in that time. Self-care is vital to your mind and body health. Prioritizing self-care may seem like common sense, but sometimes we find ourselves in challenging situations where we put our self-care on the back burner.
We live in a society where people are expected to work long hours and feel guilty about taking vacation days. We have this underlying belief that we must always be doing something productive, which can take a severe toll on opportunities for self-care. But to take time out of your day for self-care, you can relieve the pressures of life and reset your body to its healthiest.
When you stretch yourself farther than you can physically go, it can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, resentment, and many other impacts that harm your health. Engaging in self-care routines can eliminate those adverse side effects and create a happier, more vibrant life. Self-care has also been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Spiritually, it may help keep us in tune with our higher power and realize our meaning in life.
Here are 5 ways to help you start your self-care routine this month.
1. Make sleep a priority.
Millions of people suffer from sleep disturbances like insomnia and sleep deprivation, which can lead to other health problems. Many things can contribute to sleep deprivation, like stress, sleep apnea, muscle tension, and aches. Poor sleep affects your mood while reducing your performance. If you are experiencing sleep problems, you don’t have to live with it, and holding you back from enjoying living your life to the fullest.
Start your self-care routine by making sure you have the proper nighttime routine. Set your bedroom up to ensure you get enough REM sleep. Be sure to remove distractions like your phone, TV, or computer.
2. Get Regular exercise and activity
Exercise can help you not only in your physical health but your mental health as well. Regular activity reduces stress and anxiety, all while boosting your mood. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily self-care routine. Whatever it may be, make sure it is something you enjoy. Walking, yoga, or a specific sport. Create a pattern that fits best for you and your life.
3. Strive for a healthy diet
The food we put into our bodies matters. What we eat is what makes our minds function and keeps us alert. Eating the right foods can prevent short-term memory loss and inflammation and has long-term effects on the brain and body. Some of the best self-care foods include fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, green leafy veggies, and brassicas, like broccoli.
4. Try saying NO to others.
The word no can have a negative connotation, but it’s actually vital to our mental health and self-care progress. Instead of devoting your time somewhere and stretching yourself too thin, go for a project that brings you joy. It’s ok to say no because you need a break. Consider taking on something new or attending an event that benefits your health and well-being.
Remember that it’s ok to focus on yourself sometimes. Start small by staying consistent with self-care habits, and build them over time. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you’ll feel more confident and start to prioritize self-care.
5. Visit a Chiropractor
Chiropractic Care is a holistic approach to health and wellness and acknowledges the affiliation of all your body’s needs. Unlike traditional medical care that focuses your body into one isolated structure, chiropractic care understands the interconnectedness of all your organisms. It promotes harmony among various components of the body.
Chiropractors do more than treat back pain. Chiropractic care can help relieve aches and pains throughout your entire body and facilitate optimal alignment for a more fluid and efficient movement throughout your day. Regular chiropractic care is a tune-up for your body and a great way to practice self-care.
Self-care is about enjoying the best quality of life and caring for your body, mind, and soul. Taking care of yourself will help you live the best quality of life. It can improve relationships and work environments and help you communicate and serve others as best you can.
At Caring Hands Health and wellness, we educate, inspire, and give holistic healthcare to as many individuals and families as possible to reach their optimal health destination through natural means. For more information about how Caring Hands can help you this Self Care Awareness Month, call our office today at (516) 483-0466.