Self-love and self-care is a topic on everyone’s mind these days. Though these buzzwords have been around for years, it’s becoming increasingly obvious to all of us just how important it is to take the time to increase our wellness. Self-care looks different for everyone, and each of us has our own unique life circumstances and hectic routines that can sometimes put “me” time on the back burner. Here are some easy self-care tips to make sure you’re implementing a little self-love every day.
Health is Wealth
A famous hip-hop group once said, “Because true wealth comes from good health and wise ways, we gotta start taking better care of ourselves.” There is so much truth in this statement. We indeed are what we eat, and adopting a more whole foods-based diet is one of the quickest and sure-fire ways to practice self-love. When you deny your body overly processed food and unnecessary additives, it has no choice but to absorb the nutrients it was intended to. Make it a goal to literally “eat the rainbow” every day. While veganism may not be for everyone, the benefits are abundant and out there to learn should you choose to look into it. If not, make sure you are eating as our ancestors would have. Food from the earth, minimally (or not at all) processed. Nourish yourself with water (at least eight glasses a day) and skip the sugary drinks containing harmful chemicals and additives. You’ll feel better instantly.
Manage Inflammation
Inflammation is the root cause of most things that ail our bodies and our mental and emotional health. Did you know that studies have proven that depression is an inflammatory disease? If you are suffering from physical aches and pains on a daily basis, CBD balm for pain is worth its weight in gold. Natural remedies like CBD and magnesium help balance the inflammation both inside and outside your body. So show yourself some love along with the foods you’re eating (plant-based is an anti-inflammatory diet), incorporate magnesium salt baths into your nighttime routine as well.
Time for Bed!
That’s right, and it’s time for bed! When we were younger, we hated hearing that we wish we had more hours in the day so we could wake up later. The truth is, life can get hectic, but by prioritizing your sleep, you’re better able to manage the chaos of the day to day, keeping you more level and clear-headed. Who doesn’t love that? Show yourself some self-care by turning off and tuning out of your devices at minimum one hour before bedtime; two to three is ideal, though. Remove distractions like televisions and cellphones from the bedroom. Make time for your nighttime rituals of enjoying a cup of calming tea, using aromatherapy through incense, candles, or diffusers for essential oils. Nourish your body’s skin with calming lotions and serums and drift off. Your body does most of its healing while you are sleeping, so it’s time you take the time to prioritize this vital aspect of being a human being – rest.
Rock Your Body
Movement is essential to overall health. Physical exercise is key to overall self-care. The beauty of exercise is it’s not a one size fits all situation, though. Find an activity that you enjoy doing and just go with that. Walking, light stretching, yoga, strength training, marathon running. Whatever appeals to you. If you need motivation, join a group physical activity, like a dance class or a soccer league. There are plenty of ways to get your movement in without it feeling like a chore. The important thing is getting it done. Your body and mind will love you for it too.
Look Good, Feel Good
When you look good, you feel good. We’ve heard it a million times. But there is truth in it. “Looking good” doesn’t mean you have to dress to the absolute nines every day or wear a full face of makeup. All it means is to take care of yourself. Maintain proper dental hygiene, honor the skin you’re in. Get your haircut or facial hair groomed regularly. If you’re more sartorial, by all means, go all out in your wardrobe. The important thing is to be comfortable and confident in the skin you’re in. So, however, you “feel good” make a choice every day to look good, so you feel great.