Self-care has increased in prominence over recent years, with many highting its importance amongst the stresses of everyday life. For many people short on time, self-care can be tricky to fit into their working day. Despite this, no one should have to miss out. Not only is self-care an enjoyable practice to partake in, studies have shown that it can boost mood and alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Follow these tips for fitting in selfcare for when you’re short on time.

Sleep

Although you might think of face masks and pampering when it comes to self-care, the best thing you can do to look after yourself is to have a good night’s rest. Sleep is the most effective and beneficial form of self-care, boosting recovery, promoting a healthy and improved memory; maintaining a healthy weight; sustaining a mental and emotional health and fighting disease. Getting 7-9 hours a night is the best place to start when it comes to self-care- once you’ve nailed your sleeping pattern, you’ll definitely feel more nourished, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Read 5 signs its time to get a new mattress.

Take a bath

Not only is taking a bath wonderfully soothing on your muscles, it can also help to you have a good night’s sleep. The gradual cooling off of your body when you get out of the tub can be great way to send you off to sleep gently, as our bodies naturally cool when we head to bed. Try putting on soothing music whilst you’re in the bath to relax you further. If you’re short on time, maybe switch out the time you might have spent on your phone or watching TV for a dip in the tub. Pin point where you might be wasting your time, and seek to fill this time with activities that benefit you.

Cook your favourite food

Emotional self care can come in many forms. Cooking our favourite foods releases a hormone called dopamine which makes us feel good, happy and content. If you’re short on time, prepping your meals at the weekend before your week begins can be a handy way to make sure you eat well and hence, feel good.

Read a book

Self-care, both emotional and mental, can also be linked to unwinding for the day. Although many of us are short on time to read a book, try leaving your phone in the other room as you head to bed, and spend the time you would have normally spent online, reading a book. Not only does this decrease the level of blue light exposure, reading can be soothing and relaxing for our minds and stands as a great form of self-care and a handy way to encourage sleep-another form of simple and accessible self-care!

Try out exercise

Although exercise might not seem like the most likely candidate for self-care, getting up and moving can be a great way to boost endorphins and increase levels of dopamine, all factors that make us feel good. It’s also great for our health and our minds. Try finding a work out buddy and go from there, emotional self care can consist of spending time with loved ones, combine this with the benefits of working out, and the result will be great!

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