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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
When you picture yoga, what do you see? Do you imagine deep breathing? What about slow movements? Or maybe someone peacefully meditating? Now picture doing all of this from the comfort of your bed, and you have bed yoga!
Read moreIf you’re a parent of little ones, I’m sure you’re well aware of the unfortunate reality daylight saving time (DST) has on your kids and your own sleep quality, especially when we spring forward and lose an hour of sleep. It seems as if right as we settle into a good bedtime routine, it’s time yet again to change our clocks. With DST ending soon and the upcoming transition back to standard time, we thought we’d share what actually happens to our quality of sleep when we change our clocks and fall back.
Read moreThe importance of routines is evident at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. We can develop healthy habits, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce stress by establishing proper routines. Let’s take a look at some of the best habits you can adopt to create a consistent, healthy bedtime routine that will help you fall asleep faster and wake up easier in the morning.
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