Far too many of us are simply existing rather than living. We wake up, grab a coffee, go to work, rush after deadlines, head back home for a takeout dinner in front of the television, and go to bed. Only to wake up and repeat the same routine all over again—like clockwork.
To many of us, taking “me time” is still a foreign concept. The idea that you can live a little for yourself is simply inconceivable. Perhaps that would explain the high prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders in the country.
What we often don’t realize is that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. In fact, the little things that you do for yourself every day count the most when it comes to your physical and mental health.
Consideration and care toward others are great, but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and give yourself the same love, care, and consideration that you have for others.
Here’s how you can show yourself some love every day.
Start the Day with A Big Glass of Water
Self-care can be as simple as taking the time to drink a full glass of water each morning. You probably don’t realize this, but you’re not drinking the amount of water your body actually needs. One glass first thing in the morning can set a good precedent for the rest of the day.
When you wake up after 6-8 hours, even if you don’t feel extremely thirsty, it’s worth noting that that’s an incredible amount of time that your body has spent without any water intake. So, in the morning, by default, you’re dehydrated. Having a large glass of water can kick-start your body’s systems and make you feel more awake.
Moreover, that one glass of water can make you feel accomplished, as it’ll be one thing off your to-do list for the day.
Do Some Quick Yoga
While it’s amazing to do a full-body workout or go for a run every morning if you think your body and schedule can’t manage that right now, opt for yoga instead. Yoga is a very holistic form of exercise. It’s supposed to be a workout for your mind, body, and soul.
Even 5 to 10 minutes of meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga poses each morning will help you balance your health and mood, making you feel more focused and relaxed to tackle the busy day ahead.
In our extremely busy lives, we often forget to take a step back and breathe. Yoga in the morning will give you a chance to do precisely that.
Schedule Some “Me Time”
This may seem impossible to do, but it doesn’t have to be hours or entire evenings. It can be a few stolen moments from each day doing something you love by yourself.
For instance, your drive to or back from work can be your “me time.” Ditch the Bluetooth; ignore all texts and calls, listen to your favorite music on the radio, and sing along if you want. Or simply drive in silence with the windows rolled down, alone with your thoughts and the wind.
You can also do other soothing things like gardening, bird watching, reading, take a long bath, or maybe just a stroll around the neighborhood or your backyard.
Pre-Prepped Meals with One Fresh Option
Most of us do find the time for some self-care during the weekend, but it’s often the weekdays that are most hectic. This is why we absolutely do recommend prepping and refrigerating your meals for the entire week on the weekend—it’s a much healthier option than takeout every night.
But while you’re eating these reheated foods every night, it’s important to ensure that you eat at least one item that’s fresh at any time during the day. This could be a quick salad made from fresh vegetables or a large bowl of fresh fruit but do consume something that didn’t come out of the microwave—and no, candies don’t count.
Make Sure You’re Sleeping Well
The fact that one must sleep 6-8 hours every night is something we can tell you right off the bat, even in our sleep, but doesn’t that mean we’re not sleeping all that well?
Quality of sleep is just as important as quantity. You could go into a broken, disturbed slumber for 12 hours and still wake up feeling tired. So, make sure you’re sleeping in a quiet, dark space with no distractions. For some people, silk pillow covers help them sleep better since they’re smoother and cooler, so you could try those too.
Moreover, try and avoid exposure to blue light before going to bed. This means you can’t use your phone without the blue-light filter. The blue light from your phone blocks out melatonin, which is the hormone that makes you sleep, so go to bed with a paperback book or your journal instead.
Get Some Sun and Fresh Air
We often spend our entire days cooped up in our homes, cars, or workplaces with HVAC systems and artificial lighting. But no matter what season, it’s crucial to spend some moments out in the fresh air—and if it’s available, then sunlight as well.
But even if you don’t go out, open up a window or a few and let the indoor air get filtered. Breathing in fresh air is not just great for your respiratory system, but it will also make you feel instantly fresh.
Moreover, some time out in the sun can give you a vitamin D boost and make you feel more focused. Sunlight exposure also boosts serotonin, so it’s basically your happy pill!
Pro Tip: Eat your lunch outdoors or go for a walk or run during lunch hour to get some sun every day of the week.
Take It Easy and Compliment Yourself
Most of the time, we’re too hard on ourselves, pushing to do better at work and in our personal life as well. We give others exemptions and benefits of the doubt, but somehow we don’t show ourselves the same kindness.
This is understandable because we do know our flaws best, and we’re well aware of their existence. But it’s also important to remember that those flaws are a part of us.
So next time you hate on yourself or look in a mirror at don’t like what you see, remember that you’re so much more than what’s on the surface. You’re a beautiful constellation of all your flaws and mistakes, but also hopes, dreams, and countless selfless gestures toward others.
Prioritize Your Health
Mental health is incredibly important, but so is your physical health. An annual visit to the doctor’s office doesn’t cut it. You need to stay on top of things when it comes to your health.
This means taking all medications on time and getting regular tests done, including complete blood work and so on.
Moreover, besides any medication that your primary physician suggests, you should also consider taking nutritional supplements. Most of us are not getting the recommended daily intake of key nutrients through our diet alone, which is why multivitamins and mineral supplements are necessary at every age.
Not only are they great for better health, but some essential nutrients have additional benefits. For instance, liquid vitamin B-12 works well for energy boosts, and vitamin C supplements are great for the skin.
So, if you want to start taking better care of yourself today, you can begin with something as small as ordering quality vitamins online. In fact, we can help you with that.
We love that you’ve decided to love yourself, and at NAH!, we have the best natural organic vitamins to help you along your self-care journey.
Check out our complete range and order today!