We’ve all heard about how important it is to do things that improve your mental and physical health, so much so that in 2020, Google reported that the number of searches for “self-care” was at an “all-time high”.
Having an effective self-care routine can produce a number of health benefits. Some of these include reductions in anxiety, depression and stress, as well as increases in feelings of happiness. In this article, we will provide you with some simple but effective tips that can elevate your self-care habits and/or routines.
TIP #1: Sleep More (7+ hours of sleep)
Sleep plays an important role in ensuring that our bodies remain healthy. As a result, constantly depriving ourselves of rest can be extremely harmful to ourhealth.
Design a sleep schedule that allows you to wake up feeling fully rested and functional enough to complete your daily life tasks without feelings of exhaustion weighing you down.
TIP #2: Make time for meaningful social interactions
Self-care isn’t always about 5-minute breathing exercises and 1-minute face wash routines. Humans are social creatures that value social connections. So, even if you aren’t keen on spending hours at a social event, still try to make time to hang out with your friends and loved ones in a way that will not overwhelm you.
Nurturing your social relationships can not only improve your mood, but it gives you space to freely express yourself in various ways. Try organizing a game night or movie night with persons you wouldn’t mind spending a few hours with soon!
TIP #3: Eat healthier
In the words of Jeff Olson “It’s easy to eat well. And it’s easy not too”. Having a diet that mainly revolves around food that contains high fats, sugars and oils won’t immediately affect your mental health or even physical health—at least not today. But over time it can and it will.
Try thinking about ways that you can practice eating healthier. However, keep in mind that when trying to cut a habit, that you must replace it with a healthier and achievable one.
For example, consider not putting high-sugar juices or soft drinks into your lunch bag, and instead, carry a large water bottle to school or work. A small but effective change like this is a great example of removing an unhealthy craving while replacing it with a healthier and achievable alternative.
If you are struggling with finding the motivation to establish healthy self-care habits and would like additional support, contact ChildLine’s 24/7 helpline at 800-4321 or 131 or message our 24/7 live webchat or WhatsApp directly on our website.
