Overall wellbeing entails optimal physical, mental and emotional health. Self-care simply means paying attention to oneself, your needs, emotions and thoughts and taking active steps to maintain and restore your total wellbeing.
Now, more than ever, there is a need for mental and physical self-care to keep yourself fit and less prone to diseases but also to ensure that you are developing resilience and good coping skills.
Here are some effective ways to take care of your physical and emotional health.
Find ways to stay active
Regular physical activity and exercise stimulate the release of endorphins, hormones that boost the mood and create a feeling of general wellbeing. Also, regular exercise and activity have been linked to lower depression and anxiety levels, reduced stress and enhanced physical health.
Let it all out
Holding our feelings, emotions and fears within you can be harmful in the long run. Find a way to vent and release your emotions and allow yourself to feel them. This can be through writing, painting, journaling, talking to friends, family or a therapist.
Be more mindful
Mindfulness emphasizes being in the here and now, focusing on the present rather than worrying about other issues. You can perform a variety of tasks mindfully: eating, walking, talking, even washing. Just try to be in the here and now. Letting go of worries you cannot change greatly improves your mental health.
Listen to the professionals
While it is important that you are taking matters into your own hands by moderating your diet, exercise and wellbeing, it is still important that you are taking the opinion of professionals into account. After all, these people are experts.
So, invest in private healthcare that will allow you to get regular checkups and to speak with your doctors as and when you need to. These private plans will also allow you various ways that you can speak to your doctor and give you access to new treatments and medications as they become available.
Develop stress management skills
Stress is part of everyday life. Presently, global issues have caused an increase in mental and physical stress. Working from home, dealing with kids and a spouse 24/7 or managing a health issue are all stressors we must adapt to. The best way to tackle it is to develop good methods of managing and reducing your stress levels. Try yoga, exercising, journaling, writing, painting, dog walking, and taking more naps.
Eat a balanced diet
A healthy mind and body are fueled by good food. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats while cutting down on sodium, and processed fats and sugars.
A good diet boosts the immune system, maintains energy levels, enhances attention and concentration, and reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases. Bonus perk: your skin, hair and nails will look gorgeous too.
In addition, remember to:
- Avoid excess alcohol, cigarettes and psychoactive drugs.
- Value yourself and how far you have come.
- Get adequate sleep, at least 7 hours each night.
- Seek help when necessary.
- Take a break when feeling overwhelmed
- Destress (looking at puppies and kittens is a good way)
- Laugh as often as you can
Taking care of your mental and physical health should be a top priority for everyone. Only by keeping your body and mind healthy can you lead your happiest and most fulfilling life. The steps outlined in this article are a great stepping stone to help you do just that.
