4 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care
“Self-care is never selfish.” Now say it again for the people in the back! Self. Care. Is. Never. Selfish. Feels good, right?
The key to a long and happy life is taking time to put yourself first. And since July is National Self-Care Month, there’s never been a better time to focus on yourself. So, whether your self-care routine includes going to the gym, reading a book, or taking a moment to relax after a long day, make sure you take the time to prioritize your emotional well-being.
While there are so many forms of self-care, our partners at Virtua Health shared four of their favorite tips.
1. Successful Sleep
We’ve all heard hundreds of times how important it is to “get to bed early” and how “you need 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.” And honestly, it’s the truth! Sleep is essential and promotes countless health benefits. Here are 3 ways to improve your sleep:
- Avoid late afternoon naps. These can disrupt your ability to fall asleep at night.
- Only use your bed for sleeping. Laying down in a cozy bed all day is very tempting but building the relationship in your mind that your bed is only for sleeping will help you fall asleep faster.
- Have a sleep schedule. Try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day, and yes, this includes weekends.
2. Mindful Meditation
No need to grab the yoga mat, sit with your legs crossed, and play meditation music. While those activities can help improve the experience, meditation can be as simple as removing all distractions, especially your phone. Then just relax and focus on your own thoughts and emotions for a while. Everyone meditates differently, but the benefits are endless, like reducing stress, improving your emotional health, and even increasing your attention span.
3. Get Active
You don’t need to lift weights all day like The Rock or dominate a tennis match like Serena Williams to get valuable exercise. Getting out and going for a walk or a bike ride are easy ways to get some exercise. Adding an hour or even 30 minutes of exercise to your routine can positively impact your physical and mental health.
4. Add to Your Skillset
Exercising your mind is just as important as physical exercise. Learning a new skill helps your brain stay active as you age, which can increase memory and cognitive function. A new skill could be as simple as learning to solve a Rubix Cube, which may be cliché, but it will still stimulate your brain. You can even push your brain by learning a new language! The most important part is choosing something that you want to learn, this will make it easier to stay motivated.
Remember to take extra time this month to focus on your own self-care. If you ever feel like you could use some extra care for your mental health, our friends at Virtua Health can help. Connect with their team today.
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