Self-care is a very important concept to most. And I totally agree. Taking care of not only your physical being, but your mental one as well can really make life worth living. I have done some research and come up with ten easy self-care tips that will help anyone!
- Establish AND keep a consistent bedtime: Keeping that consistent bedtime helps you to stay on a schedule. Having a sense of when your day has ended and is ready to restart can really relieve all of the stress you have felt throughout the day.
- Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week: Your exercise routine doesn’t have to include going to the gym. It could be as simple as walking to your local grocery store, or even walking around the block a few times. When you exercise, your body releases more endorphins and neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Compounds like these help your body to respond to stressors better, and when your body releases more of these while exercising, you are just happier!
- Start a journal: Even though it sounds cheesy, starting a journal is a good way to get things off your chest (especially when social distancing!) Some people keep a gratitude journal that they write in at the end of the day or week and record all the good things that happened in that timeframe. Even if you don’t write about all good things, you could still get it off your mind and onto paper. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling can help you manage anxiety, stress and improve your mood.
- Designate two lazy days per month: Having those lazy days where you sit on the couch in your sweats and binge your favorite Netflix series are needed. It only starts to get unhealthy when you start taking those lazy days more often, like three times a week. Having those days where time is non-existent is refreshing. Days where you don’t have to do anything or be anywhere are good reboot days where you can reset your mind, and take on the next two weeks!
- Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE: Not having enough water in your system can cause headaches, dry skin, fatigue and dizziness. Who wants that?! Water is a wonderful detoxifier and does so many good things to help you and your body feel good.
- Rid your home of clutter: Getting rid of all the little unnecessary things and trinkets in your home can be refreshing. Something as simple as cleaning out your junk drawer and throwing away that AA battery from 2007 can make you feel so much better. There’s something about a clean environment that just feels amazing!
- Read a few minutes a day: A study from the University of Sussex found that “reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by 68 percent and is more effective than listening to music, taking a walk, playing video games, or drinking hot tea or coffee,” said Sharone Weltfreid, PhD. The best part about reading, is that there are so many genres to choose from, that reading can be for LITERALLY anyone! Reading can also put you to sleep, so making it part of your (consistent) bedtime routine can be beneficial.
- Start your morning early: It is nice to stay in bed until 1 in the afternoon, but it is important to start the day off right. Sleep is good for you, but it is also good to get up in a timely manner so you aren’t rushing to get ready to avoid running late. Rushing yourself only adds stress to you, and right at the beginning of your day. It’s best to give yourself time to get ready, eat breakfast, and think about the day to come.
- Make sleep a priority: Getting up earlier doesn’t mean you have to lose any beauty sleep. Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies, and our minds. Sleep helps restore your energy, reduce stress, and improve your mood. It is just as important to have a night time routine. Do things that help you relax before you sleep. Things like meditation, reading, or even listening to music can help promote relaxation.
- Decompress for 10 minutes every day: It is also important to have time to just be yourself…by yourself. It could be early before everyone else in the house is up, or late before you go to bed. But allowing yourself the chance to steal yourself away from others is nice. You are the only one who has to deal with yourself, 24/7. So make it count!
Those are my 10 self-care tips to help you keep your physical, and mental state where you want it to be. Check out our Chamber Blog for more tips, tricks and more!
Thanks for reading!
Kiara Poitra
Receptionist & Events Coordinator
Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau