Back in March for Women’s History Month, I wrote a blog on self-care. I talked about the importance of self-care and why we should practice it more. This month for self-care awareness month, I want to discuss specific tips that you can use to practice more self-care. Now to each its own, meaning that not everything I suggest might work for you, but it has worked for me. You take what you think might work for you and try it out. I believe doing more of what works and less of what doesn’t. So, try these things out to see if they can help you any challenges that you might be having such as stress, anxiety, depression, etc. :
1) Baths- Now I know not everyone is a bath person, but baths are my go-to for winding down after a long day. You can add some bubbles and aromatherapy to it to really set the mood.
I also play some meditation music on my Google home in my bathroom to help me focus on that versus the millions of thoughts running through my head. Bath-time for me is very special and I relish in it (sometimes for too long, lol). If you are not a bath person, there is aromatherapy for showers too, where you can put a shower fizzy in your shower for the same effect. Try something with essential oils like lavender at night to get you ready for bed or eucalyptus in the morning, to wake you up.
2) Tea- I am a big tea drinker but the tea I enjoy the most is ginger tea. I love it in the morning because it has the same effect as coffee and perks me up. However, if I am dealing with sleeplessness, I use loose-leaf tea such as chamomile mixed with lavender, and it always does the trick! Plus, drinking tea also offers aromatherapy allows my body to relax and prepare for sleep.
3) Supplements- Vitamins are the fuel that keeps your body going. I use women’s vitamins in the morning by Nutrilite that contain a multivitamin, Calcium+ Magnesium +Vitamin D combo, hair vitamins, and one with fruits and veggies in it. Not only do I feel like I have more energy throughout the day, but I feel good because I am taking a step to take better care of myself. I definitely recommend that you establish a vitamin regimen that is specific to your unique needs. Many vitamins have unique properties that address certain things such as Calcium Magnesium has been found to help with sleeplessness or anxiety. You can also try Melatonin as an over-the-counter option to help with sleep and stress. I recommend speaking with your doctor first before trying any supplements if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on certain prescription medications.
4) Exercise- I know you have heard about this suggestion time and time again, but I promise you, exercise really does help you feel better! Even if you have health issues, mobility issues, pain issues; it doesn’t matter…you will always feel better when you exercise! Of course, speak to a healthcare professional about the type of exercise and frequency in which you do so but I have never heard a healthcare professional advise against exercise. They know exercise is the best medicine for your body and your mind! Being sedentary tends to do nothing good except make us feel guilty or remain focused on our problems or troubles. So, get up (if you can) and move that body!!!
5) Nature- This goes hand in hand with exercise. I LOVE exercising outdoors but during the winter months, it becomes kind of tricky. I suggest taking advantage of nice weather to go outside and exercise or just “bathe in nature.” Spending time in nature can be healing and a healthy distraction from the busyness of everyday life. Plus, the vitamin D from the sun helps with boosting your immune system, better absorption of Calcium and Magnesium if you take this supplement, preventing certain types of cancer, boosting your mood, aiding with weight loss, lowering your blood pressure, reducing the risk of arthritis, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
6) Reading- Reading has so many benefits; improves concentration and memory, increases your vocabulary, builds emotional intelligence, inspires creativity, builds perseverance, etc. The benefit I most love about reading is that helps you relax. I usually read right at bedtime and never have I had any sleep issues when I have read before bed. I usually fall asleep too quickly, lol. So, I highly suggest for those who need help with concentration or falling asleep to consider reading more.
7) Meditation- Reading has so many benefits; improves concentration and memory, increases your vocabulary, builds emotional intelligence, inspires creativity, builds perseverance, etc.
The benefit I most love about reading is that helps you relax. I usually read right at bedtime and never have I had any sleep issues when I have read before bed. I usually fall asleep too quickly, lol. So, I highly suggest for those who need help with concentration or falling asleep to consider reading more.
8) Humor- Anything funny I can watch on tv or sometimes just a good conversation with a friend about their day can offer me comedic relief. I truly love to laugh, especially after a long hard day. It breaks up the tension and gives me a welcome distraction. There is definitely truth to the saying that “laughter is the best medicine.” I would recommend that if you are depressed or anxious that finding something to lighten your load would be helpful. I am not saying that you should run from your problems. Sometimes, you just need a break from what’s going on so you can build up emotional strength to return back to it and handle it more appropriately.
I hope that if you are finding yourself not handling stress well that you take some time for yourself and figure out what works for you. These tips are just suggestions; use as little or as much as you like and let me know if anything works for you by leaving a comment below.
Love and light,
Kira
