alittlebitsocial2 You know what it’s like, the pressure you feel when the clock strikes midnight, another new year rolls around, and you attempt not to make empty promises. This year will be different; you will take your health, career, mental health and well-being seriously, but by February, the gym motivation has worn off, your workplace is stressing you out, and your mental health is diving. It shouldn’t just be something you consider every January. Here are some tips on taking better care of your health by getting enough rest, eating well, exercising regularly, and taking time to enjoy life, and these are things you can do throughout the year!
Taking Better Care of Your Health This Year
If you didn’t know, January 3rd is International Mind-Body Wellness Day, an opportunity to celebrate how a healthy mind also means a healthy body. The connection between mind, body, and soul is integral to our overall health and well-being: a healthy body drives a healthy mind and vice versa.
To keep the body in good health is a duty otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
Buddha
Eat Healthier.
If you’re not feeling good, chances are you aren’t giving your body what it needs to function correctly. It’s easy to forget how much we rely on our bodies when busy with work, family, friends, and other obligations. However, without proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, and relaxation, we won’t be able to perform at our best.
When you eat well, you feel better. And when you feel better, you perform better. That’s why it’s essential to take care of yourself. You deserve to live life to the fullest, and eating right is one of the most important things you can do to achieve that goal.
Don’t stress yourself out by starting a full diet plan; perhaps start with making one meal a day slightly healthier, adding fruit or vegetables, and ditching those unnecessary snacks (or cutting down). It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing scenario.
Exercise More Often.
One of the easiest ways to improve your health is to get enough rest each night. Sleep helps your body repair itself and recover from stress. In addition, getting regular exercise will keep your muscles strong and healthy.
Before you run down to your local gym, sign your life away for a year, and probably attend once or twice, the gym isn’t for everyone. If you have a toddler or young children, the chances of your finding time for regular workouts are pretty slim. However, research shows that small amounts of daily activity are better for muscle strength than less frequent, more intense workouts. Experts add that exercising every day is also better for overall health and can reduce the risk of injury.
So if you find fifteen to twenty minutes daily, even if just a walk, it can have huge benefits; whatever your age, there’s strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life.
Sleep Better.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, try some tips to help you sleep better at night. First, you should know that there’s nothing wrong with you if you struggle to fall asleep. Many people find it challenging to get to sleep because they’re too worried about what might happen during the night or stress about the day to come. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to relax before bedtime. Try taking a hot bath or shower, listening to soothing music, reading a book, meditating or using sleeping apps like Headspace. You’ll be able to drift off much easier if you’ve done something relaxing beforehand. Also, limit the amount of screen time you have before hitting your pillow. We are all bad at just one more episode of our favourite shows on Netflix, but turning off ten to fifteen minutes before bedtime can aid in better sleep.
Manage Stress.
Stress affects our bodies physically and mentally. It’s not just something we need to deal with; it’s something we need to manage. Try taking a few minutes each day to do something relaxing, such as reading, a gentle walk, listening to music, or meditating.
When we feel stressed, our bodies release hormones called cortisol and adrenaline into our bloodstream, and these hormones cause us to be alert and ready to fight or flee from danger. However, if we are constantly exposed to stressful situations, our body releases too many of these hormones, which causes us to feel anxious, irritable, and depressed.
To manage stress, try some of these simple strategies:
- Take care of yourself.
- Take care of your mind
- Take time to unwind at the end of every day.
- Talk to others
- Manage your time on social media
Take Time Off.
If you’re feeling stressed out, try taking some time off. A short break will give you a chance to recharge and refocus.
When we feel overwhelmed, it’s easy to get caught up in our daily routine. We might be working long hours, rushing around trying to keep up with family responsibilities, or spending too much time on social media. These activities can take a toll on us physically and mentally. By taking a few days off from work, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about deadlines or other obligations. You’ll also be able to clear your head and focus on what matters most — your health and well-being.
Take Care of Yourself by Getting Organised
It sounds simple, but even getting organised can significantly benefit your health. Small changes, like menu planning, keeping a journal, keeping a diary or calendar of events and occasions, or just writing down all your responsibilities and appointments, can make you feel better. You could even create an organisation station with slots for keys, bags, backpacks, coats and shoes, ensuring everything is ready for the next day.
Finally, Schedule your self-care time and be selfish!
It can be challenging for us all to find time to do anything for ourselves, especially as parents; self-care can sometimes be the last thing we think about. But it’s essential to plan regular self-care time. Whether you want to go for a long walk, take a hot bath, or enjoy a good movie with friends, taking self-care time is essential.
The more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.
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Getting organised is one I’m really trying to get back into this year! I find it so hard to focus when I’m not organised x
I’m finding myself trying to keep track of everything can be tough sometimes. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Start with one thing and work from there. Good luck
I love having a weekly plan because it helps me to feel less stressed. Over the last few months I have been trying to go to bed earlier and get into a better sleep routine, so I will take your tips into account x
Hi Rose, it sounds like you are already doing an excellent job looking after your health. Better sleep is always a plus. I’ve been working on trying to get a minimum of 7 hours sleep a night! It can be a little hit or miss but that’s my aim this year. I think little things are important. Good luck with your self-care.