By Brad Krause
Self-care is often talked about these days, but many people aren’t exactly sure what it entails. The truth is, self-care is hard to define because it changes depending on the person and their needs. What works for your friend may not work for you; it’s a series of very personal decisions that ultimately end in your happiness and well-being, so it’s important to choose your self-care actions wisely. If your physical health isn’t where you’d like it to be, self-care might include a workout that you can stick with; if stress and anxiety have got you down, it will be crucial to find different ways to reduce those feelings and cope with them as they occur.
Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to incorporate self-care into your daily routine, and they don’t have to bust your budget. If you’re busy, look for ways you can focus on yourself in small increments throughout the day. Keep in mind that the best ways to practice self-care are often the most overlooked, such as getting enough sleep, and making changes to this area of your life might require an overhaul of your routine.
Here are a few things to think about when it’s time to focus on yourself.
Get Some Sleep
Your sleep routine can have a major effect on the way you feel, both physically and mentally. If you’re finding it difficult to get good rest, it may not entirely be the fault of your brain’s inability to shut off or your body’s energy level; it could lie within your environment. Your bedding, the room temperature, and even the paint colors can all play a role in your ability to relax and drift off, so consider giving your bedroom a makeover. To save some money, look for a Target coupon today so you’ll be ready to go if you stumble across something you like.
Eat the Right Foods
Figuring out a healthy diet when you’re on a budget or pressed for time can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Think about your dietary needs; if you have a slow metabolism, for instance, look for foods that are not only healthy but also give you a boost. Protein-packed foods like fish, nuts, and eggs are perfect for getting your metabolism up, although if you don’t make them part of your daily meal plan, it will only last a few hours. It can also help to eat several small meals or snacks during the day rather than two or three larger ones. Consider planning meals and preparing them at the beginning of the week, portioning them out to take to work or to eat for dinner. This is a great money-saving tip that can help you make healthy choices every day.
Get Active
You don’t have to join a fancy, expensive gym to get in a good workout, and if you’re pressed for time, there are several little things you can do to get active throughout the week. Go for a walk in the morning before work, have a dance break with the kids, or head outside to play with the dog after dinner. Activity is especially important if you have a sedentary job that keeps you sitting down, so get creative. If you find yourself with 15 minutes at the end of your lunch break, run up and down the stairs at the office or do some yoga at your desk.
Find a Hobby
Hobbies can help reduce stress, boost confidence, and keep us healthy, so look for ways you can engage in something you enjoy every day. Whether it’s gardening, playing a sport, reading, or baking, if it makes you happy, it’s beneficial to your overall well-being. Consider learning something new, like a foreign language, to really boost the benefits.
Self-care is for everyone, regardless of their budget or schedule. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, focus on the activities that will help you relax in a healthy way. With a little bit of creative thinking, you’ll be able to keep yourself in great shape.
About the Author:
Brad Krause left the corporate world to promote the simple notion of self-care.
L. A. Breaux