In my previous article, I highlighted the importance of having a routine for a quality life, which boils down to the fact that our everyday choices and activities determine what the overall outcome of our lives is.
We are in a racing world where juggling multiple roles has become a norm and most times we are so pressed that slowing down to take care of ourselves flies over our heads until our bodies sometimes remind us through symptoms.
To thrive in all areas of our lives we need to recognize that self-care is needed and be intentional about it.
As busy as we may be, making time for a daily self-care ritual should be non-negotiable. Taking time to reconnect with ourselves and our wellbeing does not have to take so much of our time. Activities like taking a break to breathe, drinking water and also having a "self pep talk" should take a few seconds to minutes to help you readjust, keep you centered and restore you for the day.
Starting and/or ending your day with a mindful routine sets the tone for selfcare. Activities like meditation, journalling, skincare routine, exercising and taking a bath can create a sense of readiness in the mornings to tackle your day and also help you wind down for a relaxing evening. With these, your mental alertness and soundness are most likely guaranteed.
Prioritizing sleep and rest should not take the backseat. Your mental soundness and alertness highly depend on them. Set a goal to attain a total of seven to eight hours of sleep everyday through naps and night sleep. It is essential to note also that the number of hours of sleep you have does not necessarily equate the quality of your sleep. How you feel after sleeping is an indicator of the quality of your sleep. For instance, one may have more than eight hours of sleep in a day and still wake up feeling terrible, whereas another may have a shorter sleep time or nap and wake up energized. Small practices like reducing screentime, drinking calming herbal tea, meditating and praying as well as playing soft, calming music or sounds can improve your sleep quality over time. Good quality sleep improves your wellbeing.
Practising some self-compassion by acknowledging your efforts and letting go of guilt is a form of self-care. We need to sometimes recognize that we work so hard and need some time off to pamper and show some kindness to ourselves. Self-care is not about perfection but about balance.
Having a support system in the form of family, friends and even an online community can help manage some demands of life, especially when we need to vent, get advice and also share some good news.
It is also important to set boundaries. In a world where it is typically difficult to say "no", it is important to note that we cannot say "yes" and be available to everyone and everything. Recognizing this phenomenon will keep you from getting drained and stretching yourself thin.
Disconnecting from the digital world for a few minutes or hours everyday or every week to practice physical presence is also good for self-care. It helps to refresh your mind and give you clarity. You are also able to fully engage in activities that bring you fulfillment.
As busy as we may be, making time for a daily self-care ritual should be non-negotiable
To add to our mental wellness and definitely for physical health, embracing physical activities in all forms go a long way. Making time out of our busy schedules to exercise is important but we do not always need a lot of time to get physically active. Ten minute walks and desk stretches can keep us fit and boost our moods. What makes these impactful is consistency. Finding ways to be physically active constantly even for a few minutes daily go a long way to keep us physically fit.
Fueling our bodies with nutrient-rich foods is probably the cornerstone of self-care. As I always say, consuming foods as close to their natural states as possible is always the best way to ensure nourishment for our bodies. Bad and excessive eating habits are a sabotage to our self-care. Healthy eating habits are a sign of self respect. You do not need to make immediate, drastic changes to your eating habits to improve them. Make a few gradual changes by identifying your eating patterns and improving on them . Prioritizing proteins, fruits and vegetables will give you energy and mental clarity. Drawing a personalized menu, meal prepping and batch-cooking save a lot of time and also make it easier to eat healthy even on busy days.
Sacrificing your health and wellness should not come with being busy. Improving your quality of life comes from prioritizing your self-care and you will be better equipped to meet the demands of your busy life by making small, sustainable changes and embracing self-care as a lifestyle.
Add comment
Comments