Taking care of yourself should be one of your top priorities. You can’t drink from an empty cup, so if you want to show up for those you love, you must prioritize your needs. You may have heard of the buzzword “self-care,” and it’s trending for good reason. People are starting to realize how important it is to take care of themselves. In this article, we offer up what we feel are the top six ways to take care of yourself. Read on and discover new ways to love yourself. You deserve it!
1. Wake Up Early
Many leaders credit their success to the morning. When you wake up early, you have much more time to plan out your day and settle in without distraction. You might enjoy this extra time to prioritize prayer, enjoy coffee, or to watch the sunrise. However, you celebrate your mornings, know that you are providing the gift of time for yourself.
2. Take Cold Showers
That’s right, self-care is not always pleasurable. Sometimes, we need to do things we don’t want to do to receive significant benefits. For example, standing in frigid water is not fun, but it does turn on the parasympathetic nervous system and boost mental clarity. As a result, you get balanced emotions and a sharper thinking cap. We suggest making this part of your morning practice or as your post-workout shower. You only need to stand in cold water for fifteen seconds to get the effects. You can do that!
3. Prioritize Oral Hygiene
The bacteria in your mouth have an impact on how you feel overall. Keep the balance of bacteria in order by brushing regularly, using mouthwash, and doing what you need to do to take care of your teeth. Even if you’re not prepared for significant changes, finding ways to get those cheap dental implants you need will give you the means to take better care of yourself. Whatever age you may be, prioritizing oral hygiene is a must for good health.
4. Don’t Eat Too Late
For easier weight management and improved digestion, try not to eat past 8 pm. Some of us have better digestive motility than others, but for all of us, digestion always slows down in the evening. As our bodies prepare for sleep, it is natural for the body to slow. Be mindful of this natural process and stick to light servings of fruit or tea if you need a bedtime snack. You will wake up feeling less bogged down with less food in your stomach, and therefore, have all the energy you need to kickstart your day.
5. Don’t Skip Exercise
Even though we are hardwired for comfort, we are alive beings, and being alive means including movement into our days. Without regular exercise, your body and your brain do not receive the oxygen fuel and cell repair they need to perform at their best. As a result, you feel groggy, and your pants don’t fit. Take action and stick with your workout.
6. Be Kind To Yourself
Don’t place unrealistic expectations on yourself. If you’re new to fitness, be content with a simple ten-minute walk around the neighborhood at first. If you mess up on your diet or snap at a coworker, forgive yourself and move on. We grow from our mistakes, so be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, always.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of yourself means possessing the willingness to put your needs first. Nourish your mind, body, and spirit with the above guidelines, and you will be well on your way to practicing effective self-care.