National Wellness Month: Tips to Practice Self-Care

What is self-care?

Self-care is the choice you make as an individual to manage and maintain your wellness and health. Self-care involves taking care of the mind and the body, identifying any stress points and correcting them, as well as nurturing your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Self-care doesn’t need to be something elaborate but anything which has a calming and relaxing effect on your mind and body is self-care. One must always remember that self-care is not a onetime investment, but it is an on-going process.

Why is self-care important?

Life is not just about working to earn living or fulfilling your responsibilities but one must also understand the importance of break & relaxation which helps to get back to a healthy and happy state. Always remember that, overexertion can lead to depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and resentment.

Following some simple self-care tips can help reduce stress, anxiety and frustration, increase energy and happiness, and also improves concentration.

Self-care tips

Here are some self-care tips which you can practice and feel better and healthier in no time:

• Ditch caffeine and start the day by drinking a glass of water as it can help improve mood and body functions instantly.

• Enjoying breakfast is important as it is first meal of the day and also the best time to align thoughts and get ready for the day. Try to consume lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits at breakfast to stay full and happy.

• Take out some time every day to just unwind, connect with yourself.

• Get about 30 minutes of exercise each day as exercising releases endorphins and adrenaline, which helps you feel good about yourself. You can even opt for something as simple as an evening walk or swimming.

• The simplest self-care tip is to get enough sleep which is ideally 7-9 hours every night.

• Include meditation as part of your daily routine as it helps to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.

• Giving back to society is good for the soul. You can volunteer at an old age home or feed the underprivileged.

• Maintaining proper posture is critical to overall wellness. So make sure you are not slouching or hunching as this puts pressure on the back, adding to the stress and strain.

• Establish boundaries and limit screen time - not just when it comes to work, but also social media and avoid looking at screens before going to bed.

• Meet family members and friends more often as social interactions help us feel good about ourselves.