Whether you’re a mom juggling a million things or Superwoman fighting for justice, taking care of your health is key to living your best life. During this #MentalHealthAwerenessMonth we would like to remind you to give yourself a little love.
This month, we have been sharing some mental health tips on our social media channels and, with this article, we want to focus on women around the world because we believe you all deserve self-care time.
Today is a reminder that you need to take care of both your physical and mental health all year round.
How can you do it? It isn’t just about eating your veggies and hitting the gym (although those are definitely important!). It’s also about taking care of your mental health, managing stress, and finding ways to prevent anxiety.
If you feel overwhelmed because you are finding it difficult to address all these things, don’t worry! Take a look at the following ideas:
5 WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
1. CHECK IN FOR A CHECK-UP: As much as we all love to diagnose ourselves online, it’s not a substitute for a real-life medical professional.
Schedule an annual check-up with your doctor. It’s worth it to make sure everything is in order and catch any potential health issues early on.
2. EAT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT: … Because it does! Nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Really think about it: Are you getting all the necessary nutrients you need? If not, now is the time to make some changes to your eating habits.
Sounds boring? Absolutely not! Try a new healthy recipe from Pinterest and make it a fun experience by inviting friends or family over to cook with you. You can also experiment with new ingredients and flavours to make it more exciting.
3. GET YOUR MOVE ON: Start moving! Start with a fun activity that you enjoy and stick with it. Hiring a personal trainer or pairing up with an accountability buddy can also help keep you motivated.
Physical activity offers many benefits, including lowering your risk for heart disease — the leading cause of death for women. Plus, we all know exercise is a great stress-reliever. So, when life gives you lemons, take it out on those burpees.
Did you know that adults should do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes each week of aerobic physical activity that requires moderate effort? If that sounds like a lot, make your goals feel more achievable, and aim to get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. Then slowly start incorporating more time and activities.
Don’t forget to incorporate strength training at least twice a week and include all major muscle groups. Why? More than one in four older people fall each year. Strength and balance training can help.
4. MIND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: Research shows positive mental health is associated with improved overall well-being.
Take a few moments each day for self-care, and it can influence your health in a BIG way. Healthy behaviours include meditation, journaling, therapy and practicing gratitude. Focusing on what you’re thankful for, such as your loved ones, can help you feel more optimistic.
Above all, be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Don’t let your inner voice be a cruel one. Remember that it’s OK to make mistakes, especially when you’re doing your best! Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would a close friend.
5. FIND YOUR BLISS: Take time to relax and unwind. Long-term stress can lead to serious health problems, so make sure to give yourself time to recharge.
That includes getting enough sleep! Adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. During the day, spending time in nature can greatly reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
You have to take care of yourself before you can care for others. Plus, taking care of yourself can have a positive impact on your loved ones – when your friends and family see how happy and healthy you are, they’ll want to follow in your footsteps!
Since self-care is a lifelong journey, it’s important to find what works for you. So, show your body some love this month … and beyond. It’s time to feel your best and live your best life!
Partner.Co is always here to support your body and lifestyle goals. Check out our health and wellness products, here.