Self-Care During the Month of Love

By Donna Stark

Welcome to February! February is traditionally the time when we focus on our love for others, but that doesn't mean we should push our self-love to the side, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted, or unwell this month. It's no secret that last year was rough and it took many of us by surprise, but with a little planning and some extra gentle care, you may be able to survive the months ahead a lot better than the ones you just went through. How? Here are some simple self-care tips that will help.

Commit to Daily Exercise

Committing to at least 30 minutes of exercise every day will help reduce some of the mental and physical stress plaguing your days. If you are new to fitness, start out slowly and try some low-impact exercises first. Walking, cycling, and swimming are easy on the joints and can be incorporated into your daily routine quite easily. Yoga and tai chi are two other forms of exercise that can help with stress too!

Head Outdoors

There is nothing like the healing properties that can be found while outdoors in nature. Spending time soaking up the sun is a great way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and find some peace and quiet. It will also provide your body with an extra dose of Vitamin D and may even encourage you to engage in physical activities. 

Have Fun

Fun can mean a lot of different things for a lot of different people, so it's important to figure out what is fun to you! Whether that means heading out to dinner with friends, playing a round of golf, or sitting at home with your favorite book, be sure to set some time aside for you to indulge in the things that bring you enjoyment.  

Declutter Your Home and Workspace

Speaking of fun, this might be the least fun thing to do, but it can really have an impact on your days. If you have some extra time to burn, use it to declutter your home and workspace. You may be surprised by how well it can reduce the amount of stress in your life ... and while you are at it, give everything a good cleaning too!

Self-Care for a Better Year

If you don't take the time to check in with yourself every now and then, you might wake up feeling sick or standing in a place you never imagined yourself being in. So, as you are spreading your love to others this month, spread some to you as well. You're worth it!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Citrus Heights, Calif.