7 Tips To Help You Care for Your Body and Soul

There is a lot of talk being tossed around about self-care and the mind-body connection. Far from being selfish, taking time to care for your physical and emotional needs is a key component of any wellness routine. Try incorporating some of these nurturing tips into your regular day to gain the benefits of practicing self care.

1. Spend Time Outside

Turn to nature for its soothing, restoring, and healing properties. Try to spend at least 15 minutes each day in nature. If you can't make that happen, bring nature in by using houseplants, windows, and natural lighting.

2. Eat More Plants

A plant-based diet is strongly recommended by most nutritionists and health professionals. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to eliminate all animal products and become a vegan. Instead, look for a moderate approach that focuses on vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods.

While you are looking into the benefits of plants, you might also want to learn about how they can work to heal and soothe. Many common vegetables and herbs have therapeutic properties. A few common ones to look into are garlic, ginger, and turmeric. You have probably heard about its active compound, but there are some differences when you compare curcumin vs turmeric so be sure you know what you are taking in.

3. Take Time for Yourself

Life can get hectic and schedules fill quickly. Make sure you leave time in your day for yourself. Maybe you enjoy a walk at lunchtime, or a relaxing massage once a month. Whatever you find relaxing and restoring, try to incorporate it into your regular routine.

Don't know where to start? Try this simple mini-meditation session:

• Close your eyes and become aware of your thoughts, sensations, and feelings
• Focus on your breathing for a full minute
• Finish it by turning your attention to how your body feels right now

It may not seem like much, but by taking three minutes to reflect and increase awareness, you will have a chance to focus on yourself and your own needs instead of life's craziness.

4. Have Some Fun

You aren't all about work, and your body and soul shouldn't be either. Schedule downtime to play and unwind. Unstructured play has benefits for adults and kids alike. So, go ahead and grab a few friends for a round of mini-golf at lunch or break out some colored pencils and color for a few minutes.

5. Disconnect From Your Tech

If you feel like you are always plugged into the world around you, you aren't alone. Instead of always being on call, set aside time that you can unplug from your tech and all of its demands. From reducing tech neck to improving sleep, there are many benefits to be gained from ditching constant connectivity.

6. Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important activities you do all day. While you are resting comfortably, your body is undergoing a wide range of processes. That includes healing injuries, resetting hormone levels, and regulating blood sugar.

Experts agree that most adults need about seven or eight hours of sleep every night to stay healthy emotionally and physically. If you aren't getting enough, take some steps to increase your sleep. Try lowering the temperature and reducing lighting in your bedroom. Setting up a bedtime routine can help prepare your body and mind for sleep.

7. Declutter Your Space

Cluttered spaces can lead to stress and anxiety. They can also become a health and tripping hazard for some people. Don't allow the enormity of a decluttering process to overwhelm you. Instead, take it in manageable chunks. Try to remove one item each day by either putting it away or getting rid of it.

When you are practicing self care it is perfectly okay, in fact, it's expected, for you to focus on yourself. When your needs are met and satisfied, you will be better able to handle what life throws your way and to take care of the others who depend on you every day. Far from being selfish, it gives you the vitality and perspective to achieve your goals and meet the needs of those around you.