Taking care of your health is something that you should focus on if you want to feel and look your absolute best. When you’re taking care of your health, you’ll feel more alert, have more clarity, feel better able to make good decisions, avoid illness, and much more. There are numerous benefits of taking care of your health, and if we listed them here we’d be here all day!
So, how can you take the steps to start taking care of your health a little better? Below we have some suggestions - some of them may seem like more modern ways of taking care of your health, but give them a try before you turn your nose up at them. Read on to learn more:
1. Meditation Every Day
Meditation is actually not that new - it’s something that people have been doing for hundreds and hundreds of years. However, more and more people are waking up to how important meditation is for mental clarity, better sleep, more creativity, relaxation, and more. Many people find it tough to get into the habit of meditating, so it can be helpful to simply focus on deep breathing a few times a day instead to begin with. Using an app like ‘Calm’ or ‘Headspace’ can help you to get into the habit, too.Don’t focus on meditating for a long time in the beginning, as this can feel unnatural and be disheartening to your progress. Instead, focus on doing it for just a couple of minutes a day and slowly building yourself up!
2. Take Time Off
Take time off work, and even time off from your everyday life. Working yourself into the ground is not a good idea. Physical and emotional burnout is a real thing and if you’re out of sync with life, you’re going to feel it. You might even end up in the hospital if you’re not careful, and that can present its own set of problems. Not only do you have medical bills to worry about, but there’s always the chance of medical malpractice. You can get assistance from this location, but it’s a good idea not to let it come to that in the first place and take care of yourself instead so you can stay out of the hospital.3. Hydrate More Than You Think You Should
How much water do you think you drink per day, realistically? People don’t drink enough water in general. Making sure you’re well hydrating will keep your body healthy, stop you from overeating, keep your brain alert, and so much more. When you get up in the morning, make drinking a pint of water in one the first thing you do. It should help you to feel awake in an instant! Then, fill a bottle of water and carry it with you. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink from it, as this can mean you’re already dehydrated.Oh, and don't make the mistake of thinking soda, coffee, and other drinks count towards your water. Only plain water counts, unless you add some fruit pieces to flavor it a little (even buying flavored bottle water doesn’t count, as there can be a ton of added sugar).
4. Get Into A Consistent Sleep Routine
A consistent sleep routine will do your mind and body the world of good. The idea is that you go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each day. If you do this even on weekends, your body will get used to it and you’ll barely have use for an alarm anymore. Sleep plays a huge part in your mental and physical health, and can affect your appetite, focus, stress levels, and more.5. Work On Cultivating A Positive Mindset
Cultivating a positive mindset can be tough for those who tend to feel negative most of the time. Largely, this can be down to how we were raised. However, it’s totally possible to change your mindset and become a more positive person if you’re determined to cut through your own BS and be consistent. Assess your thoughts and feelings, and pay more attention to the excuses you make and the things you say to yourself. As soon as you notice something negative or limiting crop up, ask yourself why this may not be true. Change that believe into a positive one, and repeat this to yourself instead. If you simply vow to stop these types of thoughts in their tracks and change them as early on as possible, you can make your mind reach for the more positive thoughts first instead. You can even use techniques like CBT and visualization to help you change your outlook. Just remember, doing this is all about consistency!6. Make Smart Food Choices More Often
You don’t have to eat perfectly clean, or make smart choices 100% of the time. This would not be realistic. However, you should aim to make smart food choices more often, as they can play a big part in how you think and feel. They can also be the difference between a strong immune system and a body that picks up every germ and illness. Make sure you get at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day, and aim to get as many vitamins and minerals as possible.7. Move Your Body In A Way That You Enjoy
Find a way that you enjoy moving your body and stick to it. It might be dancing, running, swimming, or something else. Whatever it is, get into a routine and do it often.8. Make Self Care Part Of Your Compulsory Every Day Routine
Whether you’re taking a hot bath or reading a self help book, make self care part of your everyday routine, and make it compulsory.9. Tell Someone When You’re Feeling Low
Don’t be afraid to tell somebody if you’re feeling under the weather. A problem shared can truly be a problem halved!10. Do Things You Enjoy More Often
Spend time doing the things you enjoy more often, even if it’s just 10 minutes per day. Paint, sing, read - make time for these things. They’re super important for your mental health!Your physical and mental health go hand in hand. Take care of them both, and you’ll feel amazing!
