Time to Take Better Care of You
By Sandy Schroeder
In today's world, it's easy to forget to take time to take care of yourself. Most of us focus on our family, job and finances every day. If there is time left, we might consider thinking about our own needs. If you can relate, see what you need to maintain your own emotional and physical health. The stronger you are the better everything else will go.
Here are some tips from Real Simple.com on steps to take.
Make sleep a priority - Many people run on five hours or night, but we all need at least seven hours each night. Some people need as much as nine hours a night. Sleeping 10 hours or more can lead to depression. Establish a regular bedtime every night including weekends. Limit all electronics at least two hours before bedtime and avoid alcohol and spicy foods. late in the evening. Also consider creating a nightly ritual with a warm bath, soft music or a simple snack. Blackout drapes and an air filter to screen out noise will help.
Tune in to your needs - Start treating yourself like you do your friends. Really listen to your thoughts and consider what you want. Then find a way to make some of those things happen. Enjoy a special virtual lunch with a friend or take time out from work to share a few jokes with a funny friend. Skip all of the negative thoughts and concentrate on loving yourself.
Enjoy a healthy diet - Shop for your favorite fruits and vegetables. Then pick up some salmon and mackerel and add a few lean meats. Complete your diet with whole grains, low-fat dairy and healthy oils such as olive oil. Look for some new recipes and make time for sit-down dinners with friends and family every night. You may be surprised at how much better you feel.
Pause to meditate - Brief morning and evening meditations to sit quietly or go for a short walk will give you a chance to be thankful and to maintain your balance. People who meditate daily say they have more energy, feel more optimistic and catch fewer colds.
Practice saying no - When you set boundaries with others and say no when they ask you to say yes, you may find you have time enough to do everything and you even feel relaxed. Giving in to a flood of demands can leave you overloaded, exhausted and resentful. Pick and choose what you want to do and see what it feels like to be in charge of your life.
Get outside every day - Let the outdoors help you relax and reenergize. Go for an early morning run or a walk with the dog after dinner. During the day take morning and afternoon breaks sitting in the sun, or stretching on the patio. On the weekends bike, hike or work in the garden.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Calif.