Be kind to yourself and live healthier!

Why is Self-Care so important and why are you seeing more and more on it?

In a recent article in Psychology today, it stated that being kind to yourself can actually help you to bounce back, live healthier, and stay on track.

Self-care is the most important way to boost and maintain both emotional and physical health. So many people today neglect it due to a lack of time. It should always come first. Allowing yourself to eat, shower, or even use the bathroom should never come second to other tasks. This means that we as people need to accept that some things may need to be put on hold so that we can properly care for ourselves. Below is the list of reasons as to why self care is so important to implement, as well as a list of self care activities.

Research shows that implementing self-care actions is associated with:

• Less anxiety and depression

• More optimism

• Better recovery from stress

• Better adherence to healthy behavior changes, such as exercise and/or diet

Self-care is crucial for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. It is amazing how taking a little time to care for yourself can actually help you be more productive in your day. You have to fill your tank before you head out on a journey! I encourage you to try to complete one of the following self-care acts each week or day. I am confident you will feel a change!

Here are some actions you can start with today:

• go for a walk

• read in a quiet place

• take a nap

• go out to dinner

• sleep in

• garden

• exercise

• go out with friends

• eat healthy

• get a mani or pedi

• take a day trip or vacation

• get a massage

Find those things that refuel your energy and soul. It could be simply spending time outside sitting in the sun or shade. You can’t pour from an empty cup and just like any vehicle you need to refuel your tank to run properly, or eventually you are going to be empty and like a vehicle this could cause problems.

Stay Healthy ~ Deidre