6 Ways You Can Practice Self-Care

Prioritizing self-care may seem like common sense, but sometimes we find ourselves in challenging situations where we put ourselves on the back burner. Taking time for self-care can relieve the pressures of life and reset your body.

Establishing a self-care routine can eliminate adverse side effects from stress and create a happier, more vibrant life.  It has also been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Here are 5 ways you can practice self-care:

1. Eat Heathy and Mindfully

Sometimes the day gets away from you and you’re grabbing the first thing in the vending machine. Take time to prepare healthy meals and snacks. There are many wonderful online tools where recipes are shared. Try something new.

Create a list before you go to the grocery store. You would be surprised when you write it down what you see and how you can make adjustments if you don’t see enough fruits and vegetables on your list.

Be mindful when eating. Would you work on the computer when having dinner with your family? We often eat our meals while doing other things, working, watching tv, denying ourselves the experience of a healthy, nourishing meal. Allow yourself to enjoy a meal without any distractions. Take note of the beautiful colors and foods you’re putting into your body.

2. Show & Express Gratitude

Take notice of the good things you have. Keeping a journal by your bed and take note of the wonderful things that surround you and how lucky you are to have them. Everything good is worth noting. Good friends, clean clothes, the coffee in your cup you’ll see in the morning. This is also a great way to go back and read these gratitude messages when you’re feeling down.

 “We learned about gratitude and humility - that so many people had a hand in our success.” – Michelle Obama

3. Create the Perfect Space

Having a place that is all yours and cozy is important to self-care. Maybe your bedroom needs a refresh or add some candles to give it a warm feeling and establish your own retreat. Having a space that you feel is magical and comfortable will make a big difference in your own self-care. Create a basket of self-care items that you leave in your space for when you need them. I love the idea of having a basket of oils, lotions and some comfort snacks. Here is a cool website we found on ideas for a basket.

4. Exercise

What people say about endorphins is true! When you’re active it increases the feeling of happiness. Find something you like and enjoy. Exercising doesn’t have to feel like a chore, and it shouldn’t for your self-care. Try something new. You would be surprised at what you didn’t know you could include in your activity that is fun. Try yoga or maybe it’s been a while since you’ve been on that bike collecting dust in your garage. Whatever your activity is, get moving and get those endorphins racing.

5. Unplug or Power Down

Social Media and the internet have its benefits. There is a lot of new studies coming out showing that exposing yourself to everyone’s online versions of themselves may not make you feel so great. Most of the time people are posting how wonderful things are instead of reality.

An important part of your self-care is to take time away from social media and focus all that is beautiful in the moment. Powering that computer down or switching the off button that phone is an important part of your over all mental health and self-care.

6. Regular Visits to The Chiropractor

Self-care is all about enjoying the very best quality of life by taking care of you. Bringing out your best self makes you better equipped to help and serve others. No matter where you are in your life's journey, regular visits are the perfect way to practice self-care.

At Sojourn Wellness Center, we aim to help as many people as possible get healthy and stay healthy. We use transformational chiropractic to MAXIMIZE your ability to THRIVE. Using only safe and natural methods, we always remember that you are full of infinite possibilities. For more information on how we can help you during Self-care Awareness Month, call the office today at (510) 238-8505.