We are all leading such busy lives in today’s day and age that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves.
You have no doubt heard of the adage ‘put your own oxygen mask on before you help others’ – and this could not be truer when it comes to your wellness.
At the Centre For Human Potential, our psychologists are dedicated to helping you achieve the best from your life. And a big part of this comes down to self-care.
If you want to get on track to living your best life, you need to make sure you’re taking good care of yourself.
Here are some of our best self-care tips to carry with you throughout the day. (Remember: Before making any health changes, please consult your GP or a qualified health professional beforehand. Any health changes should be in conjunction with consulting your GP.)
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Eat healthy foods
Food is fuel for our bodies, and it can affect how we feel throughout the day. Whenever possible, choose to eat healthy foods over those that you know are bad for you.
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Drink water regularly
Drinking water regularly can help you prevent from being dehydrated. Dehydration can affect your health and productivity, so you want to make sure you’re hydrating properly throughout the day. Every person’s body is different, so listen to your body to see whether you’re getting enough water.
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Don’t forget to breathe
It’s easy to forget to breathe properly when you’re stressed. If you’re feeling tense or anxious, take a moment to take a few deep breaths. Don’t get yourself hyperventilating, but make sure that your breathing is nice and controlled. Breathing slowly and deeply can help you centre yourself and regain your calm.
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Spend time with friends
Although you can’t always spend time with friends every day, make sure you take the time to catch up with them and the people you love. It might be something as simple as a lunchtime date with a friend or a coffee with someone in the morning – but this kind of contact is vital for your mental health.
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Put up healthy boundaries
It is important for your mental wellbeing that you have healthy boundaries in place. Boundaries are a form of self-care because they protect you from engaging with people and situations that are harmful and toxic to you. Never feel guilty about putting up boundaries when you need to, whether it means turning down a date or choosing something you know is right for you.
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Practice saying ‘no’
This ties in with our previous point, but it is just as relevant. You need to be able to say no to people and things if it is not right for you. Being a people pleaser is not the best way to get ahead in your life.
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Slow your pace
If you are someone who is always rushing around, make sure you take the time to slow down and appreciate the little things. It might be the stillness of the morning as you wait for the jug to boil for a cup of tea, or the peaceful sound of your children playing.
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Make a list of things you want to do in the next month
Life can get away from you if you’re not watching, so make sure you get some of your long-term goals on your list moving.
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Do something kind
It is important to practice compassion and kindness, so make sure you do something lovely for someone today.
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Spring clean something small
You do not have to go huge with this one – it could be something like cleaning out your car glovebox. Just get a small job done each day or each week and you will find that the big jobs don’t seem so hard.
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Get active
This one goes without saying! Go outside or into the gym and get your sweat on. Not only can exercise help reduce stress, but it can also improve your health.
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Laugh
Most people don’t realise it, but laughter offers a variety of benefits to your physical and mental health. Not only can a good laugh make you feel better, but it can also set the tone for the rest of your day.
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Keep your mobile device in another room when you go to bed
Stay away from the screen an hour before bed for a more peaceful rest.
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Listen to music you love
Put on a playlist of your favourite jams and pump them up in the car, at home while you are making dinner, or when you are commuting to work.
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Enjoy your meals
These days, it’s easy to rush eating so we can work and do more. This prevents us from enjoying our food. Instead of rushing your meals, try eating more mindfully and taking the time to really enjoy your food. Your mind and body might thank you.
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Practice self-love
If you’re like most people, you may have things about yourself that you find difficult to accept. Today, practice just loving yourself for exactly who you are, and appreciate the fact that everything about you is what makes you you.
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Share a text with your loved ones
Send out a message to your family or friends telling them how much you love and appreciate them.
As you can see, there are many ways to take care of yourself and improve your wellbeing. And if you want to grow and develop yourself even further, why not consider some online psychology or personal counselling? Our psychologists and staff at CFHP are here to help you achieve your personal development goals.
At CFHP, we’re committed to providing the tools you need to live your best life. We offer a range of wellness and self-help counselling and therapy services to get you on track in your personal journey. For more information on personal development, please contact us.
