Photo by Ava Sol
July is Self Care Awareness month and a good time to look into our current self care practices and explore things we can do to nourish ourselves….mind, body and soul.
Self care is important for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Taking time for yourself helps in handling the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
Here are some things to to consider and incorporate into your life:
Physical Health
- Exercise-if you can’t get in the recommended amount of exercise for you…do what you can, when you can, even 10-15 minutes counts and can add up
- Healthy eating-practice intentional eating-get in lots of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and protein
- Stay hydrated
- Sleep- try to have a sleep goal of 7-9 hours
- Relaxing activities and hobbies
Mental and Emotional Health
- nature walks, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing,
- practice gratitude and positive self talk and thinking
- hobbies including puzzles, reading a book, listening to music, journaling
Benefits of self care
- reduces stress and anxiety
- prevents burn out
- improves emotional well being
- helps to improve focus and boosts productivity
- improves overall health-helps prevent diseases and also helps control and manage chronic conditions
- fosters healthier relationships at work and at home
- improves self-esteem and self-worth