As we focus this month on New Year’s resolutions and prevention efforts, remember how important it is to set aside time to care for yourself when you start to feel overwhelmed and under pressure.
Where to start? There are a few key concepts to consider:
Sleep Consistently
Consistent sleep is critical to a healthy body. One of the easiest ways to take care of yourself is to make sleep a priority as much as possible. The average adult needs 7 – 9 hours of sleep and studies show a benefit in going to sleep and getting up at the same time everyday. The benefits of getting a good night’s rest include better mood, stronger immune system, and a healthier brain.
Eat Regular Meals
Our bodies need fuel to operate well and being able to maintain blood sugar levels will ensure a steady energy source. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition recommends eating three spaced-out meals throughout the day, and one to three snacks to hold you over in-between meals. This can vary based on a person’s individual nutritional needs.
Get Up and MOVE!
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t always mean lifting weights or training for a marathon. Take a daily walk around the block, set a 5-minute timer and dance to your favorite song, park further from the store while running errands, or choose the stairs instead of the elevator. Minor adjustments in your daily routine can help you move more.
Practice Gratitude
Scholars, spiritual leaders, and scientists throughout history have deliberated on gratitude. Expressing your gratitude reduces stress, creates awareness, increases optimism, helps to block toxic emotions (envy, resentment, regret, depression), helps you be more resilient, and strengthens social ties and self-worth.
You might try a gratitude journal, listing out the things you are grateful for or making it a point in your day to list three things you are grateful for that day. The trick is not to repeat the things you listed yesterday.
Try to Relax
Relaxation looks different to every person. Some find it by sitting and reading a book, turning on their favorite show, listening to music, catching up with a friend, taking time to enjoy a hobby, volunteering, or even treating yourself to your favorite dinner or dessert.
Be Kind to Yourself
Self-compassion is the ability to show ourselves kindness, particularly when things don’t go as we might have planned. It’s speaking to yourself with an encouraging and warm inner voice, as you might do to a friend if they need support.
Talk to yourself with kindness, love, and self-acceptance. Try and allow yourself the space to accept your best efforts, even if it’s not perfect.
“You will never speak to anyone more than you speak to yourself in your head. Be kind to yourself!” ~Unknown
Sources: www.integrativenutrition.com/blog/how-often-should-you-eat
positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude
