THE SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS

Taking care of yourself should not ever feel like a chore. Everyone should take a few minutes a day to give your physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing a little upgrade. Despite how you choose to spend it, self-care is an essential element of our lives. Times are hard, but you can’t expect them to get easier if you’re neglecting your own needs. Here are some suggestions for self-care essentials that will help you feel grounded and a little less stressed.

1. KEEP MOVING

Whether it’s squeezing in a quick workout or going on a solo walk, staying active is essential to taking care of yourself. Studies have even shown that consistent exercise is linked to increased productivity and mental focus!

2. GET A GOOD AMOUNT OF SLEEP

Being sleep deprived doesn't give your brain the necessary time to reset for the next day. Therefore, sleep is important to let the body heal and improve our mental and emotional health.

3. PAMPER YOURSELF

With everything going on in the world, a well-deserved pampering is just what you need. It will help you relax and keep the stress levels at bay!

4. DISCONNECT FROM THE INTERNET

We take our devices, specifically our phones, everywhere with us: to dinner, to bed, and even to the bathroom. Thus, disconnecting from the internet is essential as it allows us to reconnect with our inner selves.

5. EAT A SERVING OF VEGETABLES DAILY

The best thing you can do for your body is to nourish it rather than restrict it. This means properly fueling and actually feeding our bodies the basic things it needs to function: high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. A 2013 study even found that diets rich in fruits and vegetables were associated with daily feelings of well-being!

6. DELIGHT IN THE SIMPLE THINGS

Sometimes we are so caught up in the business around us we forget to just sit back and appreciate the little things we often take for granted. Delighting in life’s simplicities can contribute to my increased feelings of fulfillment and contentment. Start just by letting go of more and more stuff that you think defines you (material goods etc) and you will see a difference.