Life can get exhausting – you work all day, walk in heels, deal with people and their tantrums, get stuck in traffic, only to come back home dead tired – both mentally and physically. Now you may not be able to take a long break, go to some faraway island, or quit your job, but what you can definitely do is come back home to spend some time in the calm, cozy, and peaceful ambiance to relax and unwind.
But a calm and peaceful ambiance? How would you create one for yourself? A clean home, perhaps? Yes, but you can do more (Don’t settle for less). You can make use of some tips to create a cozy space at home.
7 ways to create a calm and peaceful home
1. Reduce clutter
We all tend to make our home more of storage space, than a home. They are full of items that we do not use but keep for the sake of using them someday – which I bet never comes.
That’s the story of all the houses. But just so you know, lots of cabinets and tons of things can make your space look compact, which consequently might make you feel suffocated as well.
Thus, try reducing your clutter – whether they are bunches of boxes, or extra furniture lying around the house, or plenty of stationery items on your desk. Declutter every section of the home. You’ll have a peaceful atmosphere, better focus, hassle-free, and quick cleaning sessions.
If you need help and a place to start, check out this blog post I wrote about clutter clearing and how you can make some money.
2. Use a diffuser
Diffusers have only grown popular in recent years. They are devices that produce aroma and fragrance to relax your senses. They can be electric or contain tea-lights and tea-holders to produce mesmerizing fragrances around the house.
Not only that but the essential oils present in the diffusers promote relaxed and deep sleep. Additionally, diffusers can also help with anxiety, any emotion, and stress by relaxing your body and mind. If you are looking for a great brand and great diffusers, check these out.
3. Have suitable decor in the room
Décor plays an important role when it comes to adding a soothing vibe to the home. Here are a few tips that can help:
Try to have lighter color paints in your room, following a neutral color scheme is suggested. Avoid darker colors, including blue and purple as they can make the room look compact. However, if you do go for darker colors, make sure you paint it on one wall and leave the other three walls white. (unless it’s the bedroom which you will want darker colors to be able to sleep)
Let natural light come in. Once again, dark rooms do the opposite, they can make you feel restless and suffocated. So, it is suggested you allow natural light to come in. For this, open the windows and go for sheer blinds (If morning rays are your concern, try using a sleeping mask, or have a mixture of light-blocking curtains and sheer/white ones.
Add plants to the rooms – Plants can promote a natural and soothing vibe around the house. Add them but make sure you don’t add too many of them only to make your home look like a jungle. Keep the plants near the windows, where they can get sunlight.
4. Light aromatic candles
Candles with essential oils can produce aromas even if you don’t light them. However, as is obvious they’ll be the most effective when burnt. Nonetheless, try to add some candles to the décor. However, do make sure that you keep them away from combustible objects such as curtains and bedsheets.
If you don’t use candles, you can get diffusers with lights and use those instead, which is what I prefer if I want to create an ambiance. If I don’t but want the scent, I turn off the light on the diffuser and it works the same.
5. Work on the lighting
Little things matter, this includes lighting as well. They can have a tremendous effect on your senses and overall mood. Dim warm lights for that matter work the best to make your home comfortable, cozy, and serene, all at the same time. Having said that, you might want to avoid white tube lights, neon, and pink ceiling lights.
However, if you already have them, you can add lamps to create a more soothing and comfortable look.
6. Add a Himalayan Rock salt lamp
Himalayan Rock Salt lamps not only serve as a splendid piece of décor but have many health benefits. They promote a peaceful ambiance, improve the air quality, help you sleep better, and lighten up your mood.
It has a light bulb attached to it on the inside but the magic lies in the Himalayan salt that the lamp is made of and gets its’ name.
7. Play soothing music
You would not be stranger to the fact that music has been proven to calm one down, and improve mood. Ergo, this is what you must do – play some soothing music around the house. Refrain from playing any Billboard hits, go for instrumental music. You can even play calming background sounds, such as those of waves and rains.
Lastly,
Well, I just spilled the tricks to make your home feel like heaven. After all, your home is your sanctuary. Let it be the place where you can relax, unwind, and be who you are. Who knew, the secret of peace and calm can be your cozy room?
Hey there, how do you make your home calm and peaceful? Feel free to share some extra tips with everyone in the comment section.
We all know that being socially healthy is important, but it can be tough to figure out exactly how to do it. It seems like every day there is a new study about the best way to make friends or the healthiest way to interact with others.
Contrary to popular belief, social wellness is not simply about being extroverted or having a lot of friends. It is also about the quality of your relationships and how you express yourself. To maintain social wellness, it is important to be able to act interdependently with others and take part in the communities you are a part of. developing positive social habits can go a long way in helping you build strong support systems. Research has shown that maintaining social wellness can impact your mental and physical health positively.
For example, one study found that socially active older adults were less likely to experience a decline in their physical functioning than those who were not socially active. Additionally, socially well individuals tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression and report higher levels of satisfaction with their lives. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 ways to be socially healthy and happy!
10 Ways To Be Socially Healthy
1. Define social wellness
Social wellness can be defined as the state of being comfortable and confident when interacting with others. It involves actively listening to others, maintaining eye contact, and being aware of nonverbal cues. People who are socially well typically have strong relationships and can navigate difficult conversations. They also tend to be good at networking and building relationships. Social wellness is an important part of overall health, as it can impact mental and physical wellbeing. For example, social isolation has been linked to increases in stress and anxiety, while strong social ties have been shown to boost immunity and improve recovery from illness. Therefore, actively working to improve social wellness is a worthwhile goal for everyone.
2. Understand the benefits of social wellness
Few things in life are as important as our relationships with others. From our family and friends to our co-workers and neighbors, the people we interact with daily play a vital role in our overall well-being. That’s why it’s so important to make sure we are actively working to improve our social wellness. When we have strong, healthy relationships, we are more likely to feel supported and secure. We are also more likely to experience greater levels of happiness and satisfaction. On the other hand, when our relationships are unhealthy or nonexistent, we can feel isolated and alone. We may also be more likely to struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to improve our social wellness.
Some of the benefits of social wellness include:
-Improved mental health
-Greater life satisfaction
-Stronger immunity
-Faster recovery from illness
-Lower levels of stress and anxiety
Of course, these are just a few of the many benefits that come with being socially well.
3. Identify the different types of social interactions
Everyone knows that it’s important to be socially healthy and happy. But what does that mean? And how can you achieve it? To start with, it’s important to understand the different types of social interactions. Joining a group, for example, offers opportunities for both structured and unstructured interactions. Strong relationships with family members and friends are also important, as they provide support during difficult times. Furthermore, research has shown that social interaction can have positive effects on both mental and physical health. So if you’re looking for ways to be socially healthy and happy, start by identifying the different types of social interactions. It’s a great first step towards a more fulfilled life.
4. Evaluate your current social habits
Most people would agree that being socially healthy and happy is important for overall health and well-being. However, it can be difficult to know how to go about achieving this goal. One good place to start is by evaluating your current social habits. Do you generally prefer to be around people or to spend time alone? Do you find it easy to communicate with others? How much time do you spend on social media? Asking yourself these questions can help you to identify areas where you might need to make some changes.
For example, if you realize that you spend more time alone than you would like, you can make an effort to seek out social activities that interest you. Or, if you find that you have difficulty communicating with others, you might want to consider taking a class or joining a group.
Evaluating your current social habits is a great way to get started on the path to social wellness. But it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To be truly socially healthy and happy, you also need to make an effort to connect with others.
5. Experiment with new ways to be socially active
Being socially healthy and happy doesn’t come naturally to everyone. In fact, for some people, it can be quite a challenge. However, there are many things that you can do to improve your social health and happiness. One of them is to experiment with new ways to be socially active. This could involve anything from joining a new club or group to attending a social event that is outside of your comfort zone. By trying new things, you may find that you enjoy activities that you never would have thought to try before. Additionally, you will also meet new people and make new friends, which can only enhance your social health and happiness. So don’t be afraid to experiment – you may be surprised at what you discover!
6. Find communities that align with your values
One of the best ways to be socially healthy and happy is to find communities that align with your values. When you’re around people who share your beliefs and ideals, you’ll naturally feel more comfortable and content. You’ll also have an easier time expressing yourself and connecting with others. In addition, being part of a community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. If you’re looking for ways to be happier and healthier, start by finding communities that reflect your values.
7. Make time for yourself and your relationships
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, social relationships are important for our mental and emotional health. Humans are social animals and need contact with others to thrive. This is why it’s so important to make time for yourself and your relationships. By investing in our social lives, we can improve our mental and emotional well-being. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
Set aside time each day or week for leisure activities that you enjoy, such as reading, hiking, playing sports, or spending time with friends and family.
Join a club or group that reflects your interests, or volunteer for a cause you care about. This will help you meet new people and build positive relationships.
Make an effort to stay in touch with friends and family, even if you don’t live close by. Send a text, give them a call, or video chat on Skype or FaceTime.
By making time for yourself and your relationships, you can improve your social health and happiness. So don’t forget to schedule some “you” time.
8. Be present in your interactions
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about the people around us. However, if we want to be socially healthy and happy, it’s important to be present in our interactions. This means being fully engaged with the person or people that you’re talking to. It means listening to what they’re saying and being interested in their lives. It also means being genuine in your interactions and showing your true self. If you can be present in your social interactions, you’ll likely find them more enjoyable and fulfilling.
9. Be generous with your time and energy
One of the best ways to be socially healthy and happy is to be generous with your time and energy. When you give of yourself to others, you’ll feel good about yourself and your contributions. Additionally, you’ll find that people are more likely to reciprocate when you’re generous. So if you want to improve your social health and happiness, start by being generous with your time and energy.
One way to be generous is by giving compliments. A simple “I like your shoes” or “You’re a really good listener” can make someone’s day. You can also show generosity by doing favors for others, such as running an errand or taking care of a task. Or you could simply give someone your time, by listening to them talk or spending time with them.
Generosity doesn’t have to be a big gesture – it can be anything that makes someone else’s life just a little bit better.
So go out and start being generous! You may be surprised at how good it makes you feel.
10. Practice random acts of kindness
Another way to be socially healthy and happy is to practice random acts of kindness. This could mean opening the door for someone, giving a compliment, or picking up litter. It doesn’t matter how big or small the act is – what matters is that it’s done with a sincere intention of making someone else’s life just a little bit better.
When you do something kind, you’ll likely feel good about yourself. Additionally, your act of kindness may inspire others to do the same. So go out and start spreading some kindness today!
Investing in our social lives is important for our mental and emotional health. There are many ways to do this, including setting aside time for leisure activities, joining clubs or groups, staying in touch with friends and family, being present in our interactions, being generous with our time and energy, and practicing random acts of kindness. By doing these things, we can improve our social health and happiness. So don’t forget to schedule some “you” time and start being kind today!
The word “Sacred” and “Sacred space” might not always have religious connotations as it is often believed. In fact, a sacred space can be an area where you feel closer to yourself or something you believe in. In other words, you can call it your sanctuary where you can find peace, happiness, and solace.
For some people, sacred can have religious connotations because they find peace in God, and everything divine. They set their sacred space to feel closer to their God. As for others, a sacred space can be a zone where they feel themselves. For instance, if you’re a book-lover, your sacred space can be a library.
Ergo, the point is, the word ‘sacred’ has different and subjective meanings. Which meaning you choose is precisely what you believe in. Nonetheless, it is any place you feel safe in – be it with yourself or in a space that connects you to your God, or your spiritual self.
So, if you know where and what makes you feel safe, it would be a good idea to create a sacred space for you to stay calm, relax and rewind.
Here’s how you can create it.
How to create your own high-vibe sacred space
1. Choose your space
To build your dream home, you need to first select a land. Likewise, to create your own sacred space you have to choose a space that you think would be the most appropriate for the purpose.
If your meaning of a sacred space is something divine, related to God, then you might have to create a space that is suitable from the point of astrology. In other words, you might have to pick a direction most suitable for your endeavor.
If your meaning of sacred space is a library, then think which would be the best place to have shelves and store hundreds of your favorite books.
These are two examples, and the answers differ as to what you consider your sacred space to be. That being said, if it helps here are some space suggestions:
Table, desk, corner table
Shelf, cabinet, and wardrobes
Bedside table, dresser
Room corners
Window sill
Entranceway
Outdoor area
A separate room
2. Picture it
Time to use a little bit of imagination. The whole process would be effortless if you would already have in mind what your sacred space should look like.
If not, think through. You can also head to Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration to create your own high vibe sacred space.
3. Prepare your space
If you live in a cluttered place, then you would certainly have to make room for your sacred space. Clearing things would definitely help. However, if you are running storage issues – try decluttering.
For some added inspiration: What matters is you, and your sacred space. So, try to get rid of things that would not meet the purpose you have set your mind to.
Lastly, this doesn’t need much emphasis, but your space needs to be clean. So, get your dusting cloth and get started. To add an aesthetic touch, you might want to paint to add uniqueness to your space. Choose a color that calms you down – white and off-white are highly suggested. Don’t go for dark and dull colors – they won’t provide you peace and calm as light shades would.
4. Add things you want to
Once you picture the space, you would also be picturing the inclusions. So, this as well is a question only you can answer. Think through, make a list, set a budget, and then get started with acquiring the things.
If your idea of a sacred space is a spiritual one, then you must consider adding healing stones such as Rose Quartz in your collection.
Once you have acquired all of them, set the place. (At this point, you’d be pretty excited, wouldn’t you?
5. Make it comfortable
It’s a rule – your sacred space has to be comfortable – otherwise, it will defeat the purpose. So, add all the things that will get your body to relax. It can be a reading chair if you are setting up a library or a mat if you are creating space for yoga.
Lastly, just keep adoring it
Now that you are done with it, there’s nothing left but sitting back and adoring the sacred space you created. It’s your sanctuary. Don’t be afraid to come in as often as you like or need and enjoy it. Soak in the energy you created and let all your worries disappear!
Hey there, what does sacred mean to you? How do you create your sacred space? Feel free to talk your heart out with us in the comment section.
Not all of us come from a financially blessed family. Growing up, my family was put on the list of free lunch service at school, and would get donations for gifts from community members, so I know what it’s like first hand to struggle. Some of us have to work extra hard to make our ends meet and to provide for ourselves or our families. Whether it is juggling extra jobs, or working in a corporate sector, it’s a pain to drag yourself to meet your expenses. If the struggle seems familiar to you, then you know not just earning, but saving can be difficult too.
You have to be frugal; you have to think a million times before buying something and make hundreds of sacrifices to adhere to your budget. It’s all a struggle.
However, as much as challenging it is, there are some aspects we must never be frugal about. In other words, we might cut back on other expenses, but MUST NOT on these!
5 Important things you should NOT be frugal about
1. Healthcare
You cannot put a price tag on life. It’s literally priceless – all the reason why you must never try to be frugal when it comes to healthcare. There’s no doubt that healthcare is extremely expensive and not everyone can afford it. But you cannot settle for anything less.
Healthcare is not a piece of clothing you can get in for cheap at a different store. So, it’s time you understand that you cannot be frugal about it. Get health insurance, pay regular premiums, go for regular checkups, don’t ignore the warning signs, and invest in medicines that are essential for your wellbeing. Don’t try to trim your budget for that.
My dad has had Epilepsy since he was 12, so I remember growing up with pill bottle after pill bottle he would take each morning and each night on a specific schedule. He also had to go to the doctor every six months for checkups to ensure he was still managing his Epilepsy properly. He had really great healthcare because he didn’t have a choice, it was a matter of life and death. We didn’t necessarily have the same experience as kids. If something was wrong, mom would try to care for us at home first, then we would see a doctor at the last minute. I have reeling teeth problems because I didn’t go to the dentist often as a child and also didn’t have great oral hygiene instilled in me.
However, if it helps, you can avoid some medical expenses by living a healthy lifestyle. Eat clean, develop some healthy habits, and exercise regularly to ensure that your immunity is strong enough to battle diseases.
2. Education
High school education is okay, but higher education can be pretty expensive – which is why parents often spend their lives accumulating money for their kids to pay for education.
Sadly, education has become more of a business these days. But this is something you cannot control, so you cannot be frugal here. Consider education as an investment for the future. You might have to incur heavily right now, but perhaps in the next 10-15 years, you’ll recover 5x of the amount you spent.
I am proud to say I’m the first and only Bachelor’s Degree earning immediate family member of my family. I accumulated a ton of debt during the six years it took me to graduate and did so even with my oldest daughter on my hip for the last year of college. It was tough, but also important for me to finish something and set the example for my children.
You may spend your savings, or you may borrow money. However, be mindful of the amount. You still have to spare some for emergencies.
3. Good Food
Yes, you can definitely cut back on instant noodles, unnecessary sauces and spreads, and all those unhealthy food items on the grocery shelves. But you cannot cut back your expenses on healthy food.
When it comes to health – it’s precious, all the expenses are worth it if it keeps you in the best health. You cannot settle for low-quality food items that might cause you some serious health issues – it will add stress, struggle, and not to mention additional medical bills.
So, go on, don’t think twice before investing in healthy vegetables, food and dairy items. Pick the best. However, if you’re looking for even a little scope of saving, I suggest growing your own veggies, or picking different grocery stores that offer cheaper but quality food (However, don’t experiment too much). Trust me, there are no other ways.
If you are interested in growing your own veggies and fruits, I highly recommend you check out the AeroGarden. I absolutely love mine and no longer need to purchase lettuce from the store!
4. Invest in Experiences
At the end of the day, the goal is not just to survive but to live. You must have a bunch of good memories and experiences to look back on in life, and if that requires investing, it’s totally worth it. Not to mention, some good memorable experiences can make you happier. So, if something makes you happy, don’t think twice.
Save and go on multiple vacations. I know it can be extremely expensive, but once you spend quality time in a relaxing, spectacular place, it’s worth every penny. However, if you are really too tight to go on vacations, enjoy the small experiences. Go out, taste authentic delicacies, eat at fancy restaurants, have the time of your life, because you’re lucky enough that you have one to live. Be grateful! Remember, you don’t have to travel far to have an experience, I’m sure there are plenty of places you can visit around you that will create memories for a lifetime.
5. Hobbies
Once again, if it makes you happy, it’s worth every penny. Hobbies and happiness go hand in hand. Doing something that your heart lies in makes life so much worth living. So, don’t hold yourself back from investing in your hobbies.
Whether it is investing in a music class, or buying expensive canvas colors, go ahead and do it. It’s okay to do something that you like, and it’s okay to spend it on activities that provide solace to your soul. YOU MATTER.
I know these expenses can cause a lot of financial burdens. But sometimes, things are worth the money you invest in – include these five in it.
So, if you think you can, don’t hold yourself back. Accept it – they are necessary expenses.
Hey there, do you always stay frugal? What is your opinion about spending on these areas? Feel free to share your views with us in the comment section.
One of the secrets to a peaceful, stress-free, healthy, and productive life is a healthy nighttime routine. As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, your nighttime is the most important part of the day. The reason being – it’s the time your body sleeps and relaxes, to boost itself for the next day. What you do every night before bed could mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and not.
So, if you want to make your next day healthier and productive, you have to follow a nighttime routine to reap all the benefits. Here are all the things you need to do.
10 things you need to do every night before bed
1. Read a few pages
Want to relax and unwind? Reading is a great way to relax your mind and body. Not to forget, reading comes packed with benefits – for starters, you acquire knowledge, develop analytical, comprehensive, and critical skills. The list can go on but the point remains the same – reading is the best thing you can do for yourself.
While you are at it, do not finish the entire book in one night. You cannot compromise your sleep even when you are hooked to the book. Additionally, make sure you don’t read digital books, but paper books as they would be much healthier for your eyes.
2. Keep gadgets away
We have been told for ages that long and continuous exposure to gadgets is not good for the eyes and brain. They are not good for your sleep either as the blue light from the screen can strain your eyes and affect your sleep quality.
So, make sure you keep gadgets away at least an hour before you sleep.
3. Turn on the diffuser
Want to have a calm and peaceful sleep? Diffusers are the answer. They have been a rage in recent years for the right reason – Essential oils in diffusers produce an aroma that can leave you enchanted and de-stressed in no time. Ergo – plug them in before you sleep. We use them in the girls’ room to help them wind down and actually get sleep right away instead of tossing and turning and not getting sleep. My favorite oil for them is Lavender because their problems are minimal compared to us adults, so Lavender is generally great for them. If you want to use doTERRA like we do, you can grab yours here. I use the Serenity Blend for Steve and I to help relax our minds and help us settle the problems we might be trying to get away from during the day.
However, if you are worried about electricity consumption – be assured that diffusers typically use little electricity. If you still would want a different alternative, you can go for room fresheners and tea-light diffusers. (If you choose the latter, make sure the tea-light is away from anything combustible – including curtains, sheets, and wooden surfaces.)
4. Prepare for the next day
Have a bag to set? Clothes to select and prepare? Vegetables to cut? Refill and refrigerate the bottle? Do them the night before if you want to spare yourself the morning rush. If you have kids to get ready, knowing what to make for breakfast and also how you will get them to school is important to plan so you leave on time.
5. Stay away from caffeine
Addicted to coffee? We all have been there and we all love it unconditionally. However, as much as you can’t keep yourself away from coffee before you sleep – you have to if you don’t want to stay awake like a night-owl. Having said that, ban all caffeinated products, including green tea as it contains trace amounts of caffeine.
6. Plan the next day
Have lots of tasks to do tomorrow? Plan your day ahead. Prepare a to-do list and a schedule to stay motivated and productive the entire day.
7. Do Breathing exercises
Do you know why Yoga and meditation are life-changing? Because they include breathing exercises. Ergo, if you cannot indulge in meditation at night, do a five-minute breathing exercise before you go to sleep – Not only will it relax your body and mind but will also improve your body functions through an increased supply of oxygen.
8. Stretching
Stretching in the morning certainly has its own benefits, but stretching before you sleep is no less beneficial for your body and sleep. Stretching can increase blood circulation, relieve muscle tensions, and can even make you feel more relaxed.
However, ensure that you do not indulge in workout-like stretches – be gentle, you don’t need to get your body alarmed – you have to relax it.
Bear hugs, Knee-to-chest, Spinal twists, Child’s Pose, Butterfly stretch are some of the ones you can try for a good night’s sleep. If you need a better routine and want to do yoga classes, or even foam rolling, I love my Peloton app for that exact thing. Use this link to get 60 days for free!
9. Remove make up- Do some skincare
Your skin goes through a lot during the daytime – the stress, pollution, dust and dirt, whatnot. The least you can do is take care of it at the end of the day. For starters, remove your make-up, apply a face pack, and moisturize your skin. Aka give your skin the care it deserves.
10. Lastly, some tips to improve sleep quality
Make it a rule to sleep at least 8 hours a day. Go to bed early if necessary to achieve that goal, or sleep late if you are more of a night owl. Here are some additional tips that can help you have that sound and deep sleep you wish all night.
Sleep in total darkness – Close the curtains
Make sure your bed is cozy.
The room is cool.
Sleep with an eye mask. – Our favorite one here which Steve uses nightly and I use when we travel.
Play calm noises in the background.
Refrain from midnight snacking.
Exercise during the day.
Have a few more tips to share? Feel free to enlighten all of us in the comment section. You are most welcome there.
Have you ever felt like being an adult is opening your eyes to the negativities of life? Whether it’s in real life or social media, there are just so many atrocities and less compassion going around. The sad part about it is it can easily affect you, your mood, your day, and your outlook in life.
Being an adult comes with responsibilities. Sometimes, it’s challenging to maintain a healthy perspective when these obligations become overwhelming. So, to manage stress, you resort to outlets that you consider as self-care.
There are too many ideas that go around self-care, and some of them are common misconceptions. First on the list is that people tend to think of it as self-indulgence. It’s not about luxurious items like bags, clothes, jewelry, or expensive activities. The value of self-care doesn’t equate to the value of material things you have or acquire.
It’s a backward concept to think that practicing self-care is being selfish. It’s more about self-discipline, practice on understanding what your mind and body genuinely need. There’s no absolute coverage of self-care. As long as it serves its purpose of looking over your well-being to cope with stress and be mentally and physically healthy, then it’s self-care.
Nowadays, anxiety and depression are at an all-time high everywhere. People got lonelier and overwhelmed daily. In this post, I will delve into this vital topic of self-care and why it is crucial.
What is Self Care and Why Is It Important
We all know a thing or two about self-care. Most conversations on social media, podcasts, blogs, and books talk about it. It’s a massive part of today’s culture. But take a closer look at what it truly is. Essentially, self-care is any activity you intend to nourish your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” So, it’s a concept recognized on a global scale that mainly aims to promote health.
It affects the entire community, and it starts with how we individually work on it. It’s essential to be mindful and intentional in practicing self-care. Achieve the goal of self-care by being attuned to your own needs and wants, which can be difficult, but it’s doable. So, let’s dive deeper into why self-care is important.
Why Is Self Care Important
It encourages you to have a healthy relationship with yourself
Going back to the definition given by WHO, self-care is mainly about staying healthy physically, which includes nutrition, hygiene, and getting all the medical care needed. In essence, it’s about taking care of your health, which is a solid foundation for having a healthy relationship with yourself. It fosters self-sufficiency and resilience. Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself allows you to be more present for other people. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
One of the many benefits of self-care is that it helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When you’re physically and emotionally exhausted, your focus tends to get aggravated. Your to-do list might seem to take much of your time, but it’s important to remember that self-care is part of stress management.
There are many ways to do this, like getting enough sleep, preparing and consuming healthy meals, regular exercise, crafting, taking a stroll, and making time for friends. These are all physical self-care and emotional self-care.
It helps improve concentration
When stress builds up, you feel irritable, restless, sometimes insomniac, and lackluster motivation. All these can significantly affect your focus. The most important part of practicing focus is mindfulness. Choose the kind of self-care that lets you have a better sleep, better memory, and keeps you motivated.
Meditation is an excellent example of attaining physical and emotional concentration. It is spiritual self-care that deepens our connection with who we are inside.
It increases energy levels
Stress consumes energy, so it’s essential to take care of yourself daily. Keep your energy levels up and be on the go. To keep you energized, here are tips to achieve it:
Drink water to keep you alert.
Limit caffeine and go for healthier options.
Get enough sleep to have a refreshed mind.
Do things that bring you joy.
Self Care Practices
There are many forms of self-care, but the most crucial part of it is your eagerness to try what works for you. When you take those necessary steps to eliminate stressors and take better care of yourself, you can maintain strong physical and mental health. Here are some of the best self-care practices:
Simplify your schedule
To live a simpler and stress-free life, simplify your schedule. Always running around, constantly being busy with work, and other activities can take the joy out of your day. So, simplify your schedule by knowing your limits. DOn’t stretch yourself too thin just to accommodate everything and everyone. Prioritize what and who matters most to you.
Create a gratitude list
There are many benefits to making a gratitude list. It can create a significant impact on your mental health and happiness. Inner strength and self-compassion give you a better perspective of understanding yourself and other people. What you can try to do is keep track of every good thing that happens to you. Journal regularly so that on days when you need happy thoughts more, you’ll have a pocketful of affirmations that better days are real and down days pass.
Unplug for a day
According to a study from Stanford in 2014, productivity decreases when your work more than 50 hours per week. Unplugging for a day helps you to focus. Switch off your phone or log out of any social media platforms. Take that day to give your mind and body a rest.
Do something new
By doing things you haven’t done before, sometimes helps in making you feel bored and frustrated. Reinvigorate your sense of adventure. Write ideas that you consider outrageous and take action.
Meet with a counselor
You don’t have to do it alone. Seek help if needed. Find a counselor whom you’re comfortable speaking with and make it a commitment to yourself. Reach out to trusted counselors, therapists, and other behavioral health providers to help you equip tools against trauma, situations, and other mental health challenges
Ultimately, self-care is a choice you have to make to want to have better well-being proactively. It is always worth your time and money, especially in this time when stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. It’s not self-indulgent nor selfish. It’s about making sure that you are healthy and living your best life, not just for yourself but for others as well.
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