Hi Amber Babies!
February is known as the month of love. It’s when we celebrate Valentine’s Day—a time to show loved ones how special they are to us. But why shouldn’t we show that same love to ourselves?
Showing a little self-love can lead to a healthier and happier you. One of the best ways to do this is by taking care of yourself. It’s easy, inexpensive, and takes just a few minutes each day.
Below are a few daily self-care tips that can do wonders.
- Meditate or pray. Start your day with a meditation or prayer. Take time to relax the mind and focus on positive thoughts. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and reduce pain.
- Take care of your skin. A skincare routine that includes cleansing and pampering can keep your skin healthy and make you feel more confident. A good routine doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Find what works for you and stick with it.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Research shows that we don’t get enough of the recommended daily fruits and vegetables our bodies need for adequate nourishment. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and folic acid. Folic acid may reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
- Get enough sleep. Make sure to get enough rest. For most people, 8 hours is a necessary amount of sleep. Some people can get away with less. Make sure that you get the rest you need to feel your best. Lack of sleep can reduce your mental sharpness, lead to weight gain and irritability.
- Connect with a friend. The pandemic has made social connections more important than ever. Research shows that having friends can boost happiness, reduce stress, and help you cope with difficult situations. A call, email, or text can brighten up your day and bring some added joy to life.
- Reward yourself. Take the time to reward yourself for your achievements no matter how small. Treat yourself on occasion—our brains are wired for immediate gratification so don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done. A splurge on occasion won’t hurt your wallet and will go a long way to boost your happiness.
- Show gratitude. Studies show that people who show gratitude are happiest. Being grateful forces people to look at the positives rather than the negatives in their lives, and can improve our psychological and physical health.
- Use positive self-talk. We are our own worst critics. Instead of being critical about yourself, use loving self-talk to provide encouragement, offer motivation and boost your confidence. Women especially spend a lot of time nurturing others but don’t do the same for themselves. Nurture your spirit and mind with kindness.
- Do what you love to do. Reading, writing, watching movies, talking to friends, spending time outdoors…whatever it may be, make sure you do it. Everyone needs fun and enjoyment in their lives. Make the time to do what brings you joy.
- Exercise. Don’t forget to take care of your physical health. Take a walk, bike, run, skate, dance or practice yoga. Moderate exercise has been shown to boost the mood, increase physical health and improve psychological health. Don’t have time for 30 minutes a day? Break up your exercise into smaller chunks of time. The point is to keep moving throughout the day.
There’s only one you, which makes you unique and special. Take care of yourself.