There is no denying how tense we are as a nation. We work hard for long hours, sacrifice sleep, and eat what’s most convenient. If this sounds like you, the good news is that relearning how to practice self-care can cure our constant states of stress.

Relax Your Being

Finding ways to relax our bodies is vital. You might pursue deep breathing or take up yoga to also help reduce stress. Muscle relaxation is something that could be beneficial to self-care.

If you find that your work leaves you standing a lot, or you are an active person, then your feet may feel a little worse for wear. This is not good for your overall wellness or for practicing self-care through physical activity. Getting professional treatment at a spa can be expensive and time-consuming, but you could still give yourself some much needed indulgence at home. Helpful devices like the Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager or Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager can give your feet relief and allow you to take a few moments to yourself as well.

Channel Your Stress

Self-care is not simply about taking time to relax or getting enough sleep. Talking about any problems you are facing is one way to alleviate stress and release it instead of letting it build. It can be affirming to hear people we cherish listen to us about our feelings or worries. Their support can change one’s outlook, at the very least remind us that we are loved. They can also have insights that can allow us to feel less daunted by a problem.

Going outdoors to take a walk around the neighborhood can also be mood-changing. Physical activity enable our bodies to produce chemicals that can enhance our sense of being, while the process itself can be a great way to channel pent-up stress and disrupt negative thoughts.

Restore Balance

It can be a struggle to find the time to do all that we want. Protect your mental health by building up your willingness to say “no.” That might include not taking on extra projects at work when you know that it would take precious free time away from you. Do not take on commitments that may serve only to create more stress and negatively impact your health. You do not need a reason to say no, but anything has merit if you do feel you need to give one. Remember, your sense of worth is more than your responsibilities. Finding ways to re-establish boundaries between your work-life commitments can drastically improve your physical and mental health, but it can also raise your energy levels and motivation in all aspects of your life.

Eat Healthfully

This is not about crash diets or drastic changes. If you enjoy particular foods, don’t feel guilty about eating something — simply take a moment to assess what you are putting into your body. Refined sugars, for instance, are fine in moderation, but some feel the addictive nature of sugar can affect how they feel. Practice listening to what your body needs and don’t make yourself feel denied. If you do, you may have a harder time sticking to a healthy meal plan. Rather than focusing on what you can’t have, think about the things you can add to your meals to feel better.

Magnesium can boost energy, and smoothies can be a fun way to ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Sweeten them naturally with fruit, but add plenty of dark, leafy greens to make them delicious and healthy. Don’t overlook the power of taking vitamin supplements, either. If you just can’t cook every night, they can go a long way to helping you get the nutrients you need.

You don’t need to go through life stressed and run down. With just a few tweaks to your current schedule, you may feel a magnitude of differences. From eating better to relaxing to doing some massage, there is something for everyone. Combine these efforts, and you never know just how wonderful you may feel as a direct result.

 

This post written by Brad Krause. Brad left the corporate world to help promote the simple notion of self-care. He writes and publishes on his website http://selfcaring.info/

 

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