Ready to start feeling like your best self?
With work and family at the top of the priority list, it can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of yourself. But putting “me time” on the back burner is a big part of why you can end up feeling run-down, stressed, and overwhelmed. It’s more important than ever to be kind to yourself and make self-care a priority. Even small things that support your physical and mental health can improve your wellbeing.
Self-care forms an essential part of a lifestyle that keeps us healthy, happy, and more in tune with our minds and bodies. Practicing self-care has an array of total-body benefits, such as helping to sharpen your mental and physical health, boosting your self-esteem, reducing stress, and improving your quality of life.
When you take good care of yourself, you’re likely to see an improvement in many aspects of your life, including your physical health and relationships.
Below are 10 ways to step up your self-love game - try a few, or use them as inspiration to come up with your own!
- Get outside
Put down your phone and enjoy the great outdoors. We all need a break from technology now and again, even a small one can help your mind and body to relax and recharge. Ditching the comfort of your home for some one-on-one with nature is a great way to implement self-care and improve your mental and physical health. Similar to meditation, spending time out of doors benefits the brain and mental health.
Enjoy a walk in nature, take your home workout outside in the garden, or go grab an ice cream with a friend.
- Move your body
Many of us like to work up a sweat because we want to feel good, get stronger, and of course get that rockin’ bod. The good news is that a great session can do all that, plus much more! Exercise has a number of benefits for the whole body, including improving your mental health, sleep and skin! Take a look at some more benefits of exercise here - some of them may surprise you!
Ready to start your fitness journey but not sure where to begin? We got you, sis - get a once off plan now or join our waitlist for ongoing coaching here!
- Get enough rest
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Not only does sleep impact your productivity, but it enhances exercise performance, weight loss, cognitive health, metabolism, and long-term health. Sleep is the action that keeps your body running at its fullest potential, and it should not be taken lightly. So try and get plenty of it, girl! Struggling to get your eight hours of zzz’s a night? Check out some of our tips on how to get better sleep.
- Laugh out loud
Literally, LOL.
Laughter really can be the best medicine, and science has shown time and time again that laughing out loud benefits our mental and physical health and reduces stress. By regularly having a good laugh, being jovial and positive in life we will connect with the people we laugh with (because who doesn’t want to be around a funny easy going person) and foster better and deeper relationships.
- Quit the negative self talk⠀⠀⠀
Change the narrative you have with yourself. Talk to yourself and your body the way you would talk to your best girlfriend. Positively. When you have a negative thought, notice it, and turn it around into a positive one. Affirmations are a powerful source to reminding your body and soul how strong you are. They are the backbone of creating your reality. Affirmations are your self-talk and because of this, you want to make sure they are positive, encouraging and inspiring. Repeat these loud and proud today and every day, sis:
- I am love. I am purpose. I am magic
- Everything I am looking for, I can find in me
- Nothing can dim the light that shines within me
- Opportunities are all around me
- Something wonderful is about to happen to me
- I deserve the best and I accept the best
- I will consciously create my future
- I am in charge of how I feel and today I choose happiness
- I know my worth
- I have the power to create change
Surround yourself with positive mantras and give yourself the love you deserve every time you look in the mirror.
- Practice gratitude⠀⠀⠀
Practicing gratitude reminds you of the beauty in the little things in life that you currently have. It helps you look at situations in a more positive light, build stronger relationships with people you love, and helps improve your mental and physical well-being. Take a moment first thing in the morning, and/or each night, to think about how grateful you are for your life, your people, and the person that you are. It’s a beautiful way to start and end your day.⠀⠀
- End all toxic relationships ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Seriously. Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life. If you're starting to question or feel like a friend/relative/partner is no longer the best thing for you, chances are you're in a toxic relationship. This kind of friendship has a tendency to sneak up on people because the signs are often subtle. But generally, a toxic friendship emotionally harms you, rather than helping you. Being in a toxic friendship can do a real number on your mental health by depleting your energy, making you lash out on loved ones, and even lose sleep. So if you aren't getting what you need from a friendship, then it may just be time to leave it in the past. As hard as it may be, it is necessary - not only to you, but to them also.
- Check in with yourself
In order to be the best version of yourself, you need to take care of both your mind and your body. Check in with yourself daily - a journal is a great way to reflect on your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Try checking in with yourself with these journal prompts -⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💞 How am I sleeping?
💞 When did I last drink water?
💞 How am I feeling?
💞 What will bring me joy today?
💞 What am I grateful for today?
💞 When did I last breathe deeply?
💞 When did I last talk to someone about my feelings?
- Keep food fun
Meal prep is a wonderful thing - helping you save time, money and food, as well as keep your nutrition goals on track. But shaking up your meals every now and again, or trying a flexible dieting approach, can keep cooking and eating fun and enjoyable. To do it, experiment with unfamiliar ingredients (check out your local farmer’s market for ideas) and regularly try new recipes.
- Drink more water
Staying hydrated is a crucial act of self-care. Water makes up a whopping 60% of the body and has a multitude of functions, such as dissolving and transporting substances around the body, lubricating tissues like eyes and joints, regulating body temperature, providing minerals, flushing out toxins, and building cells, to name a few. So make sure you’re drinking at least 2L of water a day, sis! Your body will thank you for it!
Find water a little boring and struggle to keep up with your recommended intake? Try these 10 easy ways to drink more water.
Final note
Remember, sis, amazing things happen when you put yourself first and love and care for yourself unapologetically.
Paying attention to your needs isn’t selfish—it’s crucial for your wellbeing. Making changes to your routine that support the way you want to feel can boost your mental and physical health. Prioritise your self-care, and you can create a happier, healthier life.
What’s your favourite way to practice self-care? Leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram @thebod_
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