We hear talk about self-care so often, but what does it actually look like? Self-care can take many different forms, but the way we see it self-care means taking care of your body and mind in any way that improves your mood, spirit, and most importantly, your health. Take the time to love your body and mind with some of our helpful tips on practicing self-care.
Self-care means taking time for yourself which is typically the hardest part. We tend to let ourselves fall by the wayside because our lives are so busy. Everyone has work, family, commitments, so it’s increasingly difficult to make time for yourself in this fast world. Self-care doesn't have to take up a chunk of time, but we do recommend taking out some time in your day for physical activity, whether its a quick circuit or a class you attend. Taking time for physical activity will make you feel better, physically and mentally. Along with physical activity, clean eating is a great way to take care of your body without adding extra time to your day. Changing up your grocery list to include more fruits and vegetables and incorporating them into your diet takes very little time and can make a difference in how your body digests and how you feel throughout the day. Sometimes changing your diet can lead to less mood swings and fatigue as well as improving your skin and improving sleep.
While taking care of your body is very important, it is also essential to take care of your mind. Whether that means meditation, taking a few moments completely alone to reflect, keeping a gratuity journal, or practicing yoga, taking care of your mental health is easier now than ever before. The first step is figuring out what will improve your mental health over time. This may take some trial and error, but try journaling, yoga, and meditation and see where it can lead you. You may find patience, positivity, and gratitude replacing negative emotions that you experience on a day-to-day basis. If you’re unsure where to begin, start with attending any one of our yoga classes and establish a practice that works for your schedule and body. Guided meditation is also a great place to start if you're new to meditating. Our OnDemand online platform has guided meditations ranging from 5 to 20 minutes so you can customize how long you want to meditate. As a thank you to all members, clients, and supporters we're giving a gift of self-care during this love-filled month. Click here to claim your free guided meditation video and we'll email it to you right away so you can start unwinding!
Lastly, take time to do what makes you happy. If self-care means reading a good book, doing a face mask, or watching a specific program on TV, then take time out of your busy life to do it. It may seem hard to carve out time from your schedule for yourself, but there will always be time for yourself, and loved ones will help you find that time.
Want a more hands on approach to your health and wellness? We’re here to help! Don’t forget to check our Instagram everyday in February for 29 ways you can practice self-care.