Life can feel fast-paced at times, and it’s easy to get swept along and forget to nurture your health. Neglecting yourself is not a wise choice though, because it can zap both your energy and your motivation. So instead, try these top self-care strategies to look and feel your best.
Get Your Sleep
The top item on your self-care list should be getting enough quality sleep. Inadequate sleep can damage your health in a myriad of ways, including:
- Increasing your risk of cardiac disease
- Elevating your inflammation levels
- Reducing your immunity
- Causing issues with weight control
- Lowering your level of energy
- Impairing your focus
- Increasing your chances for depression and anxiety
To ensure you get the sleep you need to feel your best, try to schedule at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Make your bedroom as conducive to sleep as possible by ensuring the room is dark, cool, and relaxing. Also, try to avoid exposure to blue light later in the day, and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as well. Finally, consider taking a magnesium complex supplement to help you relax and get the sleep you need to feel your best.
Stay Physically Active
When your job involves staring at a computer all day, your physical health and mental wellbeing can suffer. A sedentary lifestyle increases your odds for cardiac disease, chronic illness, arthritis, and weight gain. It can also take a toll on your mental health, increasing your odds for both depression and anxiety.
To feel your best, consciously choose to exercise on a regular basis. Experts recommend that you aim for at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. As long as you can reach your target rate, the type of exercise is not critical. Instead, it’s more important to choose something you love so that you can successfully maintain a regular workout routine.
You can also integrate movement in small ways throughout your day. For example, use a standing desk and make a point of walking whenever you are on the phone. Also, sneak in steps by parking further from your destination and opt for the stairs rather than riding an elevator.
Take A Breath And Relax
It is becoming increasingly clear that taking time to calm your mind can have a plethora of advantages for your health. One option is to spend a few minutes each day doing breathing exercises, such as belly breathing, alternate nostril breathing, or resonant breathing.
Alternatively, consider starting a meditation practice. Meditating helps you gain control of your breath and your mind. Not only can it help you feel more centered and peaceful, but it can also help you become more mindful and better able to control the direction of your thoughts.
Being deliberate about self-care can go a long way towards helping you feel your best. By making sure you get enough sleep, scheduling regular physical activity, and using relaxation techniques, you will find yourself better equipped to tackle anything that life throws your way.