Life can often become overwhelming, & it can be difficult sometimes to find the time to destress. But self-care is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves & others. In order to be at our best, for ourselves & for our loved ones, we have to take care of ourselves.
Luckily, self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be glamorous, like fancy bath bombs or taking yourself out for an expensive meal. Sometimes, self-care are practical steps taken in your daily life to help you feel your healthiest & happiest.
My name is Tyler, & as a holistic health specialist, incorporating self-care into my clients’ lives is one of the most important parts of what I do. It impacts not only your mental health, but your physical health as well. I am so honored to be collaborating with Shayla on this important topic. So, once you’re done reading this article, make sure to head over to my blog, tylervlayne.com, to check out Shayla’s five favorite ways to practice self-care.
Here are my top 5 ways to practice self-care:
6. Check in with yourself
When you wake up in the morning, spend a few moments just to check-in with yourself. How are you feeling? What do you need today? Schedule in whatever time you need to make that happen. Meetings are scheduled with bosses & plans are made with friends. Make sure you are your first priority & schedule in that much-needed time with yourself.
7. Clean up your diet
What we eat quite literally becomes us. The food we put into our body is used not only as fuel, but as building blocks of our cells. That means when we eat better, we feel better. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, & fill your plate with fruits & vegetables, whole grains, nuts & seeds, lean protein, & healthy fats.
8. Take time to reflect
At the end of the day, take a few moments to jot down what you’re thankful for. Reflect on your day & remember the good that happened. Even on the worst days, there is something to be grateful for, & remembering this can help shift our mindset to one of acceptance & gratitude.
9. Stick to a regular bedtime routine
Giving ourselves a good night’s rest is one of the most important forms of self-care. Sleep is when our bodies recover & recharge. Poor sleep has been associated with stress, ill health, & weight gain, while better sleep has been shown to aid in faster recovery from injuries, a faster metabolism, better mood, & more productivity.
To make sure you are getting the sleep you need, invest in a regular nightly routine. Wash your face, diffuse some lavender essential oil, cozy up with a good book – whatever brings you comfort. Try to set the phone aside if you can. It tends to be a distraction & keep us awake longer, & studies have shown that looking at your phone before you go to bed can contribute to a more disturbed sleep.
10. Spend time with loved ones
Self-care doesn’t necessarily have to be time spent alone. A healthy social life is a part of a healthy lifestyle. Spending time with loved ones can help bolster our mood, & investing in these relationships gives us someone to turn to in good times & bad. Make time for the people who make you feel good, & participate in activities with them that you both enjoy doing. It will give you energy & a sense of community that can help you feel more confident & remind you just how important you are to the people around you.
Just carving out 10- to 30-minutes a day for self-care can make a big impact on your mental & physical health. Remember to schedule time with yourself – just as you would schedule a lunch with an important friend or a meeting with your boss, scheduling time with yourself helps you to remember to practice self-care & reminds you that you are a priority, too.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care? Leave a comment below!