8 Self-Care Habits That Will Make Your Routine Complete
Most of us are pretty good at caring for the important people in our lives. But I bet you’re also the person who probably forgets to care for the most important person in your life, you guessed it, yourself! The better care you take of yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for others. I know, it’s so cliche but it’s a proven fact. But what we don’t talk enough about it how taking care of yourself is a habit. And will perhaps be some of the most important habits that you’ll create. But with increasingly busy days and even busier nights, it’s easy to neglect the one person who needs you the most.
So here are 8 self-care habits that you should add to your routine:
Take a nightly walk. This is a habit that will allow you to kill two birds with one stone. Alone time is the best time to unpack your thoughts. Part of your mind is occupied with moving your legs and maintaining your balance. The rest of your brain is able free to think creatively. And you’re also getting in some good exercise. Most of us spend far too much time sitting each day. Getting up and racking up some steps is good for the mind and body.
Use positive affirmations. Whew chillay! Negative self-talk is a beast but it’s also the norm. And it’s whack AF! You can undo this and give yourself a better perspective on life by using positive affirmations. Come up with just a few and repeat them to yourself throughout the day. I use post it notes and put them in places I will see them. I know that with time, you’ll be pleased with the results.
Eat healthier. I know, it’s really easy to do the opposite. We can blame the pharmaceutical industry, the FDA, and clever marketing. Our natural instincts are to eat high-calorie foods that aren’t particularly good for us. We also know that this instinct can greatly reduces our longevity. Eating healthy can be a real challenge because it goes against our nature. However, you’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel mentally and physically when you look at your relationship with food differently (I’m also talking to myself).
Read each day. Reading is great for brain health. Those that read daily have better cognitive abilities than those that don’t. This advantage extends into old age, too. Reading is also a great opportunity to learn something new. Imagine how much you could learn over 20 or more years by reading 30 minutes each day. That’s roughly 3600 hours or 90 40-hour workweeks.
Unplug. Your brain needs a rest from the constant stimulation of the internet, your smartphone, TV, tablets, and so on. Give yourself at least a few hours each day of complete rest from these items.
Sleep at least 7 hours each night. Everyone seems to claim they only need 5 hours of sleep. Every one of them is incorrect. The science is clear on this matter. To maximize your health and cognitive abilities, you need at least seven hours of sleep. Some people need more.
Keep a gratitude journal. Sure, it sometimes seems like there’s nothing good in your life, but that’s almost certainly not true. There are plenty of good things in your life. You’re just failing to recognize them. Remind yourself about all of these positive things by keeping a gratitude journal and writing in it each day.
Give your body some gentle exercise each day. A little extra movement can do a lot of good things for your body and your brain. You don’t have to pound away on the treadmill like you’re training to race up the side of Everest, but a little sweat and heavy breathing can bring about some great changes.
Self-care is an important habit to develop. Being at your best is good for everyone around you. When you fail to take care of yourself, people have less respect for you. It’s hard to receive more respect from others than you’re willing to give yourself. You deserve the best. Treat yourself that way.
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