No Question About It: Self-Care Is Good for Your Mind, Body, and Soul
Unfortunately, self-care is a non-prioritized thing. Although the pandemic did force many of us to pay more attention to our minds and bodies, each day should serve as a reminder that we have to take care of ourselves before we are able to help care for others. Today, Yoga With Layne takes a look at a few simple self-care tactics and expounds on why it’s so important in the first place.
Yoga and Meditation
It makes sense to start with yoga, as that is what helped Layne to realize the importance of self-care. Yoga has a host of benefits prepackaged with each intentional movement. These include improved flexibility, reduced pain, and better mood. If you’re looking for local yoga classes, Yoga With Layne is available for outdoor sessions and some local gyms.
Similarly, meditation and mindfulness offer many benefits. This includes being grateful for your life and your health, as well as for the health of your friends and family. And if you’re the sort of person who spends a lot of time on your phone, meditation and mindfulness allow you to get in touch with your surroundings and be able to better listen to your body.
Writing
Whether you choose to pick up a journal and write about your day or want to write short stories, there are plenty of benefits to getting your thoughts out on paper. Not only can either of these actions reduce stress and anxiety, but journaling, especially about traumatic incidents, can also help your body heal faster.
One of the things that helped Layne was starting a gratitude journal. Writing down 10 things every morning that you are grateful for, then saying thank you. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help change your mindset to be more positive, which can make waiting in line or in traffic a super annoying hassle to a time where you get to call a loved one or jam to your favorite “feel good” song.
Diet
Your diet is crucial to your mental and physical well-being. But, diet goes far beyond simply eating healthier dinner time. You must also be cognizant of what you put into your body between meals. A quick tip here: drink a smoothie instead of grabbing the Pringles and a Coke when you need a midday snack. The Love & Lemons blog shares an easy and delicious recipe for a strawberry banana smoothie you’re sure to love.
Positivity
Sometimes, self-care is as easy as opening a window and cleaning out the closet. A good dose of positive thinking is also beneficial. Small steps like this can help reduce tension and make your home a happier and more positive place. This is especially important if the people living under your roof are stressed and strained and continually criticizing one another.
Counseling
If you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, or extreme stress, look for a counselor. Online therapy is a choice to consider, especially if you are on a budget and need a licensed therapist in a hurry. Many telehealth platforms accept insurance and can get you on the same day. Before you choose a counselor, confirm your benefits and check your potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Sleep
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, adults need around seven hours of high-quality sleep every night. If you’re not getting that, you’ll be cranky, hungry, and less productive. Go to bed sooner, sleep on sheets that make you feel cozy, and eliminate distractions, such as noise and light.
Travel
Travel is one of the best ways to open up your mind (and taste buds) to new experiences. Being out of your comfort zone can help show you that the world is a much bigger place than your bubble would have you believe. Plus, meeting new people is a great way to improve your social skills, which can come in handy in your personal and professional life. Traveling alone? Tips from Solo Traveler World can help you stay safe.
Why Self-Care?
At the end of the day, the way that you take care of yourself dictates how you take care of everything else as well. Small steps, like creating a more positive environment, calling a counselor, and getting enough sleep, can help you be a better person day in and day out. No matter what you choose to do, make a point to choose yourself every day, and you will quickly see a difference in the form of better physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Whether it’s yoga on the beach, paddle board yoga, or private sessions, Yoga With Layne has you covered! Contact us today to learn more! yogawithlayne@gmail.com
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