Why Self-Care is Important + Self-Care Ideas You Can Do at Home
One of the most important things you can do for your overall health is to make self-care a priority. Being mindful and responding appropriately to your own needs is crucial to being the best version of yourself possible. Practicing self-care can keep you feeling physically and emotionally healthy, and when you feel refreshed and clear-headed, it’s often easier to navigate challenges, overcome stressors and handle everyday situations. Let’s discuss what self-care really means and its benefits, then go over a few everyday self-care ideas you can incorporate into your daily routine.
What is Self-Care?
You might hear the term self-care and think massages and manicures, but taking care of yourself includes so much more than an occasional pampering. Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity – and it doesn’t have to cost a penny. When we talk about self-care, we’re talking about nurturing the body and mind. Simple habits such as making healthier food choices, reducing stress and putting your own needs first are the foundations of self-care.
Why is Self-Care Important?
As it turns out, self-care is crucial to maintaining overall wellness. Taking time for yourself allows you to replenish your mind, body and soul. Self-reflection and intentional actions can boost mental and physical health, enhance energy levels, reduce stress and so much more. These positive health outcomes benefit you inside and out, allowing you to live a better life.
Daily Self-Care Tips
Even small acts of physical or mental health care can enhance the way we think, feel, act and handle day-to-day stressors. Though a good self-care routine will reflect your specific physical and emotional needs and habits, we’re sharing a few everyday self-care tips that’ll benefit everyone. Plus, you can do them from home, on your own terms.
Make healthier food choices: The foods you eat directly (and sometimes immediately) impact your mental state. Viewing food as medicine and opting for more whole foods and better-for-you options will benefit your mood, energy levels and ability to focus.
Meal plan: Keep the stress out of everyday meal preparation by creating a weekly meal plan. We recommend drafting a grocery list before you head to the store to help keep you on track and focused. You can also save even more time by placing a pickup or delivery order. For nutrition advice and meal planning tips, schedule a Telenutrition appointment and video chat with a registered dietitian.
Drink water: You’ve likely heard that hydration is important, and the rumors are true. Drinking water every day is vital to both physical and mental health. Water helps your body maintain its temperature, balance fluids, keep your skin looking its best, energize muscles and so much more. Get creative and make your water fruity with these easy and delicious Infused Water Ideas.
Get moving: Whether you’re following along with a workout video, practicing some yoga stretches or dancing to your favorite tunes, staying active is important. Not only does working out boost your mood, but physical activity also reduces stress and anxiety and promotes healthy weight management.
Improve your sleep quality: All you have to do is think about how you feel after a night of tossing and turning to understand the importance of sleep on both physical and mental health. Improve your quality of sleep to ensure you’re energized and ready to take on the day, every day.
Take a social media break: Social media is designed to keep you coming back again and again, and it’s not always good for your mental health. Whether it’s for a few hours or a few days, don’t open any social media apps on your phone or computer and you might find that your real-life connections improve. If completely signing off is too much, try limiting the time you spend on social media every day.
Keep a gratitude journal: Let your feelings flow onto paper. A journal can help you reflect on the day and work through problems. At the end of each journal entry, stop for a moment, take stock of what you’re grateful for that day and jot it down, leaving each entry on a positive note. Practicing gratitude can help reduce anxiety and depression, as well as sharpen brain function. That right there is something to be grateful for.
Take a time-out: Pause for a moment to do something that brings you joy – whatever that may be. Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, drinking tea, meditating or reading a book, take time to do something that feeds your spirit.
Learn how to say “no”: Do you have too much to do and too little time to get it all done? Reduce your workload, prioritize your to-do list and understand that it’s ok to say “no” when you don’t have the capacity. Utilizing this one small word can help create the time needed to focus on your own mental wellbeing and headspace.
Do something nice for someone else: This one might seem counter-intuitive, but studies show that acts of kindness can boost the wellbeing of both the giver and the receiver. Try holding the door open for someone, smiling at a stranger or look for volunteer opportunities in your area. Helping your neighborhood can foster a better sense of community, and that’s a great feeling.
Stop and smell the roses: Whether it’s getting outside or grabbing a floral arrangement from the store, bringing a little bit of nature into your everyday life can help you feel grounded, improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress.
If you’re having challenges, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Schedule an appointment to be seen for your ongoing mental health needs or reach out to the National Alliance for Mental Illness Support at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) for immediate assistance.
Continue your self-care journey with more mental wellness support and information. Shop self-care products in-store or for pickup or delivery so you can get to ‘me time’ in no time. Remember to check out our digital coupons and weekly ad for deals on everyday favorites.
This information is educational only and not providing healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider.