In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the holidays approaching fast it’s easy to forget to care for yourself.
But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish, IT’S ESSENTIAL.
When we establish simple daily habits, we can create a balanced life that nurtures our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
I would like you to try some of these self-care practices that are helpful in transforming your day and getting you through the holidays.
Start Your Day with Mindfulness
Before reaching for your phone in the morning, take a few moments to establish a sense of inner calmness and implement some of these practices into your day.
- Meditation: This can help with stress reduction by reducing your fight-or-flight response, (which is a physiological response to a perceived harmful event or attack), and clearing away information overload.
- Deep breathing: activates your body’s relaxation response, which can help to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Journaling: can set a positive tone for the rest of your day by unlocking creative potential and making connections between ideas, and can help process difficult emotions in a constructive way.
The Five Minute Journal – Original Daily Gratitude Journal
Cultivates Gratitude and Mindfulness – Journaling allows you to appreciate your life more for at least 5 minutes a day.
Image: Amazon
Hydrate and Nourish Your Body
Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning can help rehydrate your body from a night of sleep, aid in digestion, boost your metabolism, and flush out toxins.
Dehydration is one of the common causes of headaches. Adding a freshly squeezed lemon to your water can help keep you hydrated throughout the day, aid in digestion, and help prevent kidney stones by increasing the amount of citrate in your body.
A balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and whole grains can help to fuel your body and mind for the day.
Some health benefits of a balanced breakfast:
- Alertness and productivity
- Boost your metabolism
- Weight Management
- Heart Health
- Blood Sugar
- Blood Pressure
- Snacking throughout the day
Whole grains are high in fiber which can help you to feel full for a longer period.
Some examples:
- Oatmeal add nuts and fruit
- Whole grain granola and fruit
- Quinoa for pancakes
Protein can also help you to feel full all morning.
Some examples:
- Eggs
- Cottage Cheese-low fat and fruit
- Greek Yogurt-plain in a smoothie or with fruit
Healthy fats can help to balance your mood, they are heart-healthy and have inflammatory properties.
Some Examples of Healthy Fats
Avocados:
Are great on toast, are also high in potassium. Potassium is a needed electrolyte and plays a role in muscle contraction, heart health, and cell and kidney function.
Greek Yogurt:
Greek yogurt can be added to fruit. Great probiotic!
Nuts
Nuts, which can be added to your oatmeal.
Smoothies
Smoothies-you can add fruit, greek yogurt, spinach for iron, and chia seeds( which are antioxidants and good source of fiber).
Build Your Balanced Life, One Habit at a Time
Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. I would like you to focus on small, consistent actions so that you can cultivate a life that feels balanced and fulfilling. Start with one habit and build from there, your future self will thank you!
