Drop the Guilt and Start Self-Care With These Habits
By Genevieve Cunningham
Self-care is a really important part of life. Somewhere along the way, many of us learn that self-care is somehow a bad thing. That we shouldn't spend so much time or money or energy on ourselves. That we should give and give to those we love. But when it comes to ourselves? We don't give ourselves a second thought. But maybe it's time to change that. Maybe it's time to drop the guilt and make self-care a regular habit. If you're interested in better health -- both mental and physical -- take a look at these habits to add to your life right away.
Get Some Downtime
Everyone needs downtime. We need time to unwind. Time to relax. Time to forget about the stresses of the day. Unfortunately, we don't always allow ourselves this kind of time. We keep moving from morning to night, and we rarely schedule downtime into our overly busy schedule. But a huge part of self-care is simply making time for yourself. Put a little downtime in your schedule wherever you can fit it. At the end of the day is ideal, but the early morning will work as well. Use this time to do whatever you need to relax your body and mind every day.
Schedule Some Movement
Exercise is not selfish. Too many people think that making time for the gym or their favorite fitness class is a selfish act, but that's absolutely not true! Exercise is necessary. It improves physical and mental health, and there's absolutely no reason to skip it. Add it into your day, make it a priority, and don't feel any guilt about it. Whether it's a hot yoga class, a simple walk, or something else, fitness time is one of the best self-care acts that you can add to your life.
Spend a Little on Your Favorites
It's OK to spend time and money on yourself -- and self-care might mean spending a little of both on some of your favorite things. Do you love to wind down with a book? Spend the money on the book. Do you want to spend time in a sauna? Spend the time and money on a gym. You don't have to break the bank, but it's perfectly fine -- and even healthy! -- to give yourself a little priority. Decide what's important, spend a little time and money, and enjoy the self-care habits that begin to form.
Self-care is a necessary part of healthy living. We need to create habits with only the self in mind. We need ways to manage stress and protect ourselves and give ourselves attention. Use these tips to get moving toward self-care, and you'll be feeling healthier and better in your own skin in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Summerville, S.C.