Self-Care Checklist: How to Nourish Your Body and Mind

By: Paxton Ruzicka

Published: April 7, 2023

Self-care is often an area of our lives we neglect. I get it, life is..well, busy! Not to worry, these self-care tips are going to help you prioritize your health and well-being.

Importance of self-care

Mental Health

For starters, mental health is just as important as physical health. Our actions, feelings, and thoughts are all part of our mental state. When we neglect this area of our life, our relationships suffer, our work suffers, and so does our overall quality of life. Taking charge of our health is our responsibility and should always be a top priority.

Restore Your Energy

Self-care comes in many different forms, but many of these things can help you to restore your energy. When you are feeling sluggish or low, give support to your body by hydrating and eating a healthy meal. You will see an immediate shift in your energy.

Reduce Stress

Understanding stress is vital. As explained by the American Psychological Assocation, stress over prolonged periods of time can become chronic and lead to a variety of detrimental diseases. Stress puts additional strain on your body and mind so it’s key to identify those triggers and create reasonable accommodations to avoid or manage them.

As you can see, it’s so important to pencil in the occasional R&R. Shut off your brain. Indulge in some form of pampering and relaxation. And get some alone time. Thankfully, we can take care of ourselves as well as the planet with these eco chic self-care tips!

Here are 7 activities that always help me feel refreshed and recharged

Exercise

First, the importance of exercise to our well-being is as important as water and fresh air. Exercise is beneficial to both your mental and physical health. It reduces our risk of disease, helps with any feelings of anxiety or depression, and it gives us energy. Even if it’s as simple as taking a casual stroll during the day, getting the body moving is going to help you feel better!

The great thing about exercise, is you don’t need to spend money or have any type of equipment, just get outside into nature and move!

Yoga

On that same note, yoga is another great way to warm up your muscles. You can take yoga to any level you are feeling whether its high intensity strength training or slow calming and meditative.

There are also benefits that come from the deep breathing techniques that go hand and hand with the practice. Deep breathing helps calm your nerves as it allows an increased flow of oxygen into mind and body. Give your energy a boost with some yoga next time you are feeling sluggish!

Take a bath

On the other hand, if you aren’t up for anything physical, do yourself a favor and fill up a warm bath. Soak up the benefits of immersing yourself in a hot tub of water. According to Pentucket Medical, a bath can relieve the symptoms of cold and flu and better immunity. Wind down and help yourself fall asleep faster after an evening of relaxation.

Read

While you are at it, pick up a good book. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. Go ahead and dive into a romance novel or romantic comedy and let your worries wash away. Furthermore, reading reduces stress and is a form of exercise for your brain!

Set the mood

Another great, but simple way to de-stress is to light up a candle or diffuse some essential oils. According to John Hopkins medicine using essential oils for therapeutic benefit is what’s known as aromatherapy.

Essential oils can be used to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and insomnia (to name a few). Dim the lights, turn on some music, and you have a nice calming atmosphere to enjoy. Does it get better than that?

Put on some comfy clothing

I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people who NEED to be comfortable. I am changing into comfy clothing, immediately after returning home.

I can’t even fathom wearing jeans for more than a few hours. Dress clothing doesn’t stand a chance. And I don’t even own a wire bra, in case you were wondering.

You’ll find me in sweatpants and a sweatshirt the majority of the time. But that is enough about me, go jump into something cozy. No questions asked.

At home spa day

Treat yourself! Because you deserve it.

Undoubtedly, an at home spa day is the perfect way to dive into a little self-care. After you take your hot bath and change into some cozy, grab your favorite face mask, body lotion, and nail polish for an evening of pampering.

Even those with the busiest of schedules, I hope you are able to find some time to do the things you love and enjoy, that keep you healthy, happy and moving forward.

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