In recent years the concept of self-care has become more and more popular as people are learning how crucial it is. If you’re not sure where to begin or what self-care looks like for you, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ways to practice self-care to include in your daily or weekly routine and how to go about implementing them.
Go Outdoors
We all love the comfort of our own homes and our special spot on the couch but consider switching it up for a bit of nature. There are countless options as to what you can do in nature; go for a hike, layout in the sun, walk your dog, etc. While it may be tricky to be around nature if you’re in a city, you can still go out for a walk or go for a picnic in a park.
Another good idea would be to take your workout outside. According to Greatist, research shows that exercising outside boosts your self-esteem, leaves you feeling more revitalized and energetic, and eases stress.
No time or no ability to get outside? Other ideas are to sit next to a window, look at photos of nature, or buy some plants to put inside your home. This can help you feel more grounded without having to go outside.
Attend Group Fitness Classes with Body Alive
Exercise is one of the best forms of self-care you can make time for. While going for a run outside is wonderful, working out in a group fitness class is great to form connections with others.
Not only is it a great way to connect with others in the community, but you’re more likely to follow through and complete the workout thanks to the group motivation. This motivation will push you to your fullest potential and allow you to explore movement in a whole new way!
When you sign up for a Body Alive class, you’ll get a group fitness class led by supportive and qualified instructors while exercising amongst like-minded people. This sense of community and drive pushes each person to reach their full potential. Completing a fulfilling workout amongst friends is one of the best kinds of self-care imaginable!
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep can have major effects on how you operate both mentally and physically. It can hurt your productivity levels at work due to inability to focus, lead to weight gain, and may even lead to diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Some tips to ensure you get adequate and good quality sleep include making sure you don’t eat close to when you’re trying to fall asleep and give yourself time to calm down before bed. Make sure your bedroom is in the best shape for you to get optimal REM sleep. According to Psychology Today, this means removing any distractions such as your phone or a television.
Nourish Your Body
Some days are so jam-packed the only food we have time for is snacks on the go. But one of the most important forms of self-care you can incorporate into your routine regularly is to make sure you’re supplying your body with enough calories and nutrients to operate at its full potential.
First and foremost, you should be incorporating fruits, veggies, and natural foods to fuel yourself. According to Psychology Today, eating the right foods can help prevent short-term memory loss and inflammation, which both can have long-lasting negative effects on the body. Some of the best foods for self-care include fish, blueberries, nuts, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Make Time To Move
This is where self-care varies for everyone. For some, it’s important to block out an hour to watch the new episode of their favorite show or cozy up with a good book, while others crave movement. Studies have shown that exercise can reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, boost self-esteem, minimize stress, and enhance cognitive functioning and that it only takes about 5 minutes of aerobic exercise to decrease feelings of anxiety.
The next time you’re looking for a way to show your mind and body some love, consider going for a quick walk around your neighborhood, or if you can carve out a chunk of time for your favorite class at Body Alive, even better!