Make Self-Care a Priority in September
Ashley Svaty, Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent
We need to focus on our self-care now, more than ever. Life is busy and each day brings on new changes and challenges that may have us pushing off self-care. While it may be tempting to keep pushing off that much needed self-care, remember we need it! When we neglect our own well-being we may begin to feel stressed, irritable, moody, depressed and unhappy. By taking care of yourself you will be more relaxed, content, stronger, better able to help others, and more confident. Slipping away from your daily routine doesn’t have to occur for extended periods of time-it can mean taking a bath, decluttering, reading a book, walking your pet, playing with your kids or grandkids, or going to your bedroom with your door closed to sit in solitude for a bit. Below are various examples of self-care, feel free to try as many as you wish!
- Relax. Relaxation allows you to experience more energy, sleep better, build up your immunity, concentrate better, and much more. Relaxation can occur through taking a hot bath, reading a book, getting a massage or even taking a few deep breaths. Set an alarm to remind you about “me time”. Eventually, it will become a habit that you won’t want to break.
- Eat a nutritious diet and drink water. Wholesome, nutritious foods provide you with more energy, combat depression by keeping your brain functioning at its best, and prevent numerous other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancers. Drinking plenty of water will help hydrate your skin and your body. Consider the following recommendations:
o Eat Mindfully and listen to your body’s hunger cues.o Avoid oversized portions.o Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.o Make water your go-to beverage.o Choose foods low in sodium.
- Just Say NO. Do you find yourself saying “yes” to everything that is asked of you; even if it is something you really don’t want to do? Always saying yes is not healthy. If often overcommits you, which can cause stress and fatigue. Saying no allows you to honor existing obligations and dedicate quality time to those commitments. Saying no to things that you have always done but are tired of doing allows you to try new things.
- Increase your physical activity. Exercise affects overall physical and mental well-being. It increases strength, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, balance, and muscle mass. It also boosts self-esteem along with confidence and helps lower stress and anxiety. Adding a 10-minute calming walk to your to-do list is a fantastic way to sneak in daily self-care.
- Laugh. Finding humor in daily situations and laughing more throughout your day is truly the best medicine. Laughter has the ability to increase the “feel good” hormones in the body, called endorphins and can reduce stress, lower depression and help your body heal. Watch a funny movie or show, go to a comedy club, take a comedy class, or simply laugh with a close friend or loved one.
