We all lead busy lives between school, work, family, kids, and hectic schedules. To top it all off, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. Our stress levels are beyond high! One way to manage the stress, amongst other things, is to practice self-care.
What is self-care?
According to the American Psychological Association, self-care is defined as providing attention to your own physical and psychological wellness. It really is just about caring for yourself. Basically, self-care means engaging in activities that are good for your mind, emotional and physical health.
Why is Self- Care Important?
In these challenging times, it is important to find the time to take care of yourself. Many of you have the responsibility of caring for someone else or your kids are now all of a sudden going to school virtually, or now you and your spouse are both working from home. Maybe all of the above. However, you still should not ignore the importance of self-care.
Some of you might be concerned that self-care is a selfish indulgence. Actually, it is the quite the opposite. It is important to become an advocate for yourself. In a recent article by The Harvard Medical School, they used the analogy of when flying on a plane you are told to put an oxygen mask on yourself first before assisting others. Why? Because you would not be able to assist anyone else otherwise.
Self-care is a key component for your overall wellbeing. Self-care activities should be something you find relaxing and enjoyable. The below are 10 easy ways of incorporating self-care into your daily life.
1) Engage in physical activity
2) Go outside for a walk, run, bike ride, walk on the beach, or a hike
3) Get enough sleep. Try to go to bed earlier
4) Read a book
5) Watch a movie, tv or videos
6) Cook something new and healthy
7) Meditate
8) Listen to a podcast or music
9) Spa day at home
10) Find a new hobby or learn a new skill
Although some may feel that taking time for yourself is almost impossible, practicing self-care is an important element for your overall wellness. Schedule it! Self-care does not have to take up hours out of your day.
Evolve Wellness, LLC
Andrea is a health and wellness coach at Evolve Wellness, LLC. At Evolve Wellness, LLC we focus on eating clean healthy food, fitness, anti-aging, and beauty for leading a healthy lifestyle. You can find out more on www.evolveholisticsolutions.com.
Note: The role of a health and wellness coach is not to diagnose, treat or cure any disease, condition or other physical or mental ailment of the human body. The information on this website should not be seen as medical or nursing advice and is not meant to take the place of consulting licensed health professionals.