Life keeps us busy and it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself. We get tired and need a boost but tend to reach all too quickly that dependable cup of coffee even if we are sick and our bodies are screaming for nurture and healing!
Often-ignored but totally necessary, self-care can be any behavior or practice that helps us avoid triggering worse health problems (like the risk of heart problems due to high stress, for example) and betters our life quality by improving our mental and physical health through increased self-esteem, less stress, and overall well being. Implementing these simple tips can also help provide balance in our over-stimulating world. Self-care makes up an essential part of a healthy lifestyle that keeps us healthy, happy, and more in-tune with our minds and bodies.
Problem is, we can just do it once and expect change. New patterns of change in our lives can be hard to commit to as they can seem intimidating or we are are afraid of failing. But I’ve compiled these tips because they are easy to implement into our daily lives, allowing us to set new patterns.
So get out a pen and paper and write down the ones that feel right to you; ones that you feel you can accomplish and will make you feel good. Cause that’s what we all want, right? To feel good?
1. A list within a list – I want you to write a list of the things that make you smile, giggle and make your arms spread open in pure joy. What are those things? Can you think of 3? How can you make those things happen each week or even each day? For some, it’s loud happy music and dancing around. For others it’s swimming or playing with a child. Think on that one. Life is best experienced when our hearts can smile. What gets yours going?
2. Get Outside. Ditching the comfort of your home gets us out in the world without obligation; cause walking from your front door to your car doesn’t count. Get outside, take a walk and BREATHE deeply. Being outside alone is associated with less mental stress and increased quality of living.
3. While You’re At It…. Exercise outdoors. We all know the benefits of exercise and even if you’re feeling a little shy – there are plenty of ways to get your heart rate going and oxygen pouring into your lungs. Find a friend to play tennis or go on a long walk with. Find a more private park path or beach to stand strong and engage your core muscles. Climb a tree. Hike. Swim. Run. Bike.
4. Eyes Wide Open. Look around and find happiness. Find love. Notice acts of kindness, encouraging words and heart felt smiles. Watch the love between people and see the beauty in the flowers. It can be hard to get past the sadness and hostility in the world, but when we focus on the beauty still present, we are more excited to share it. Be part of a joy revolution – and start with yourself.
5. Pay It Forward. Have you heard of those stories of people in line at Starbucks, waiting to pay, only to find out that the person ahead of them took the bill? By helping others, we actually help ourselves, too. Lending a hand not only boosts mental health, but may also lead to a longer more fulfilled life. Volunteering also affects self-confidence, self-esteem, and general wellbeing in a positive way.
6. Common Scents. Yes, that was intentional. Essential oils are getting more and more recognition for their healing properties and we are happy that it’s happening. 4. Breathe the right scents. We have all been taught that deep breathing can help us relax. But what we breathe might be just as important as how we breathe. But current research suggests that citrus scents, orange essential oil in particular, can help slash stress and anxiety, and inhaling eucalyptus oil can invigorate the senses while also going deep inside our cells to purify and cleanse us from bacteria and toxins.
7. Get Sleep! So many things can sabotage our sleep, whether it’s a late night working, a reality show marathon, a wild party, or just normal life. The problem is, skimping on sleep can seriously hurt clarity and productivity, causing us to eat more, and may lead to adrenal and thyroid problems; which domino to diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Prioritize your rest to be a healthier, happier you — even if it’s just a power nap on your lunch hour!
Are you ready? Ready to upgrade your experience on the planet? Ready to reduce your stress and feel GOOD?
We are. Eurospa is committed to global self care, which is why we provide top quality eucalyptus products and menthol crystals for spa and home use. Your health is our priority!
How do you reduce the stress? We’d love to hear from you!