6 Ways to Enjoy Better Self-Care

Short on time? Juggling a lot of responsibilities? It can be challenging to find time for self-care amidst numerous other tasks. However, self-care should never be an afterthought.

You deserve happiness and health, and by prioritizing self-care, you'll gain more energy to manage everything else. Here are six simple strategies to better care for your mind and body that anyone can incorporate into their schedule.

1. Recharge Mindfully

Dedicate a ten-minute timeout each day to provide yourself with undivided, mindful attention. If possible, schedule two or three of these mindfulness moments throughout your day. Use this time to connect with yourself, relieve stress, and eliminate negativity.

Practice deep breathing to oxygenate your body, check in with your emotions, start a mindfulness journal, meditate, or simply relax and reflect with a cup of herbal tea or by taking a walk.

You'll feel less anxious and more prepared for what the day brings if you take a few minutes daily to find your peaceful balance.

2. Think About Activity Differently

When you hear "be more active," you might think of gym workouts or long walks. While those are excellent options, there are various ways to incorporate more activity into your daily life.

Try these ideas to move more every day:

• Take short walks during work breaks
• Climb stairs three times
• Perform stretching exercises at your desk
• Turn household cleaning into a dance party
• Explore new activities like paddle boarding, shuffleboard, or gardening

Sometimes, even with a regular workout schedule, it’s fun to mix things up.

3. Be a Little Selfish

Go ahead, treat yourself! You deserve it! Find small, simple ways to pamper yourself for a healthier mind and body. Here are a few suggestions:

• Use an aromatherapy diffuser and explore different scents like peppermint aromatherapy oil, which is uplifting and motivating, or lavender oil, known for its relaxing and calming properties
• Schedule a self-date each week by visiting your favorite art gallery, window shopping, browsing bookstore shelves, or trying a painting class. Indulge in your favorite activities or try something fun and new that will make you smile
• Create a spa experience at home by stocking up on fluffy bath towels, magnesium bath salts, aromatherapy and essential oils, and activated charcoal soap to make bathing a relaxing way to start or end your day

4. Nourish Your Body

Make your food count and take your vitamins. Healthy eating doesn't have to be expensive, difficult, or time-consuming. Opt for healthy, protein-rich snacks like bananas and nuts. Choose meal recipes with fewer than 10 fresh ingredients and plan your meals for the week in advance. This strategy saves time and money, promoting healthier eating habits.

Ensure your diet includes whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and nut butters, eggs, lentils and beans, along with sweet potatoes and avocados. Read Pack Your Pantry: How to Make a Real Food Pantry for more tips on saving time and money at the grocery store and stocking your shelves with healthy options.

Ensure you receive all the nutrients you need by supplementing your diet with multivitamins and mineral supplements from real food sources. BubbForest Health’s Real Food vitamins feature nutrients from natural food sources, nearly as good as getting them directly from a diet rich in whole foods. Learn more about real foods and supplements in Real Food: Revival or Revolution?

5. Hydrate for Better Health

If there's one thing to start doing for yourself right now, it's staying hydrated. It can significantly impact both your body and mind. You’ll feel more refreshed upon waking, your skin may appear more vibrant, and your immune system and digestion could improve, potentially leading to fewer cravings.

Drinking a glass of water before meals can help you feel full and enhance digestion, possibly leading to less overeating.

6. Love Yourself Every Day

Self-care is a continuous process. Make deliberate choices daily that nourish both your body and mind. Schedule daily me-time and maintain this practice.

You and your health are worth it, and this routine can help you approach each day with more happiness, health, and energy.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD

Lindsey is a nationally recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for ice cream. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between the pleasure and nourishment in food. Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. It’s what inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.