3 self-care tips for mind and body

Your life is busy. From the hours you devote to family and friends to the time you put in at work – it can be hard to carve out even a few minutes for yourself. But if you don’t, you feel it. All that hustle and bustle and taking care of others catches up with you – making it hard to do all you want to do and be your awesome self. To feel your best, you know you need to put yourself first. This is especially true when it comes to your health. But just because you know you should prioritize yourself and your health, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

We’re all constantly inundated with messages to do more and be more. And the unrealistic pressure we put on ourselves is taking a toll. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, feelings of stress, anxiety and overwhelm in the U.S. are on the rise with more than 40 million U.S. adults suffering from anxiety disorders. And stress can do a number on our immune systems too – making us more susceptible to colds and other viruses and illnesses.

Despite study after study warning of the negative effects of stress, many of us feel guilty if we say no and take time to care for ourselves. But we shouldn’t.

Self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity

It’s time to change this mindset! It isn’t selfish to prioritize yourself. In fact, investing in self-care is one of the most loving things you can do – for all the people and things in your life. Think of how much more happy, engaged and creative of a partner, parent and employee you are when you feel cared for, calm and centered. What if you could find a way to feel like this more often?

We all need to find ways to give our minds and bodies space to pause, gain perspective and recharge. Here are three things you can start doing today that can make a positive impact on your overall health. The best part? They’re simple, free and they work!

1. Take a breather

When you feel stressed, your breathing becomes irregular and shallow – triggering your body’s fight or flight response. But you can calm that response by taking a few deep breaths. Focus on inflating your belly as you inhale to a count of three and then slowly exhale to the same measured three count. When practiced regularly, deep breathing can be a game-changer when it comes to managing feelings of stress and overwhelm and calming your body and mind.

2. Move your body

Your body is made to move. And regular movement isn’t just good for your physical health but also your mental health. However, our busy modern lives often make it challenging to find time for exercise. If you struggle to make it to the gym, don’t get discouraged. Take a walk around the block and get some vitamin D, do yoga stretches while dinner is in the oven or turn on some tunes and dance around the house. Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily life and aim to get 30 minutes each day.

3. Tune out

From email and text messages to social media and the 24/7 news cycle, you’re constantly bombarded with information and messages – many of which aren’t super positive. In today’s “always on” culture, it’s important to be intentional and take breaks. Put your phone away. Turn off the television. Ignore those Instagram feeds. Turn off the noise and give your brain a break. Stare out the window, daydream or close your eyes and just let your mind wander. Take five minutes to welcome the peace and quiet and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing.

Care on your terms

Taking time every day to do things that make your body and mind happy are essential to improving and maintaining your overall health. And, even when health issues do crop up, getting the care you need doesn’t have to be a complicated or stressful ordeal.