Self-care. If the thought of it sends anxiety through your spine for fear of spending too much time or money being “selfish,” then you need self-care more than anyone. Fortunately, your nightmares don’t have to become a reality, and there are many ways to prioritize your well-being that doesn’t involve dipping into your savings.
Today’s tips can help you take care of yourself with simple everyday actions that will add up fast.
Manage your emotions.
Whether you realize it or not, every emotion you feel affects your health either positively or negatively. If you’re an entrepreneur, you have to learn how to manage the less-than-happy feelings, which can quickly take a toll on your productivity as well as your ability to communicate. The University of Minnesota sums it up nicely by saying, “poorly-managed negative emotions are not good for your health.” In addition to the advice offered in this article, you can also manage your feelings by getting a life coach, exercising more often, and reflecting on why you perceive certain situations so strongly in the first place.
See your doctor.
Have a rash that won’t go away? Gastrointestinal problems? Chronic ear infections? Visiting your doctor is the best way to prevent and treat these and other issues. But, if you also don’t have the time or money to take off work to visit the office, look for a qualified online doctor that can write prescriptions and handle a variety of common health issues. Healthcare has gone digital, and it’s now more flexible, reliable, and accessible than ever.
Get enough sleep.
Sleep is perhaps the greatest form of self-care, and it’s something crucial to everyone’s overall health and well-being. If you’re not sleeping well each night, look at your activities during the day. Lack of physical activity or overeating, for example, can affect your ability to sleep. But, your insomniac tendencies might be due to something as simple as having the wrong pillow or mattress. Research each of these, and don’t be shy about trying something new.
Keep your weight in check.
You can be a few pounds overweight and still feel great in your own skin. But, if you don’t, and you notice that you’re slower, sluggish, or tired all the time, it may be time to lower the numbers on the scale. As this blog has shared before, there are plenty of ways to lose weight, and you don’t have to exercise all day or eat a strict diet. Small steps, like getting enough vitamins and sleep, can help.
Get dressed every day.
Self-care may also look like mundane actions, like getting dressed every morning. By taking the time to put yourself together for the day, you can set the mood for how you feel from sunup to sundown.
Watch your favorite TV show.
While no one would suggest sitting on the couch day in and day out, watching TV does have some benefits to your wellness. You might watch a comedy, for example, if you need a good laugh. You can also use TV as family bonding time or as a supplement to your favorite book series. Not sure what to watch or read? Collider has a Netflix list just for you.
Eat more fruits.
When salads are simply out of the question, but you know you need to be healthier, grab the fruit bowl. Despite their high natural sugar content, fruits, such as bananas, apples, and melons, contain essential nutrients. Plus, they are a sweet treat that can help quell your cravings for candy. Dollar for dollar, fruit is a healthier option than anything you find in the cookie or cracker aisle.
There’s no reason you can’t enjoy great health each and every day. The above self-care tactics can get you through the worst of times so that you can be your best. Remember, it starts with managing your emotions, but you also can’t bypass important steps, such as visiting your doctor and choosing healthy snacks while you watch your favorite TV show.