2020 has been an incredibly stressful and often distressing year. As a result, it is important that we develop great self-care habits to carry into 2021 that will help us start the new year on a good foot. With that in mind, here are three ways you can take better care of yourself.
Exercise more often.
Sometimes, the thought of getting out of bed and starting the day with exercise sounds like the worst thing in the world. However, you cannot use a lack of motivation as an excuse – and even fifteen minutes of exercise each day can make a massive difference to your mind and body. Whether you start or finish your day with exercise, make sure you add it to your daily schedule. Set yourself clear fitness goals and work towards them.
If you’re recovering from an injury, ensure you start small. For example, you can begin by going on a short walk and gradually increasing the length of the walk or the speed at which you walk as you get stronger and more fit. Remember, you should not put pressure on yourself to be in perfect shape straight away – it takes a long time to recover from an injury, especially if you are involved in an incident such as a car accident. If this is the case, you should also ensure you have an expert injury lawyer on hand, such as Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, who can help you get the care and financial support you need moving forward.
Prioritize sleep.
If you don’t get enough sleep, you simply can’t function at your best. In fact, it affects you in more ways than you can imagine – not only will you feel groggy, you will also struggle to focus and may feel more irritable. Over time, prolonged lack of sleep can cause severe damage to your mental and physical health. Therefore, it is essential you find a way to get a good night’s sleep. Here are some tips to guide you!
- Establish a routine where you go to bed at the same time each evening.
- Turn off your phone before bed, as this will only distract you.
- Avoid caffeinated food/drinks before bed.
- Listen to an audiobook or meditation tape to help you fall asleep.
- Use lavender spray or oil.
- Take a warm shower.
- Avoid checking the clock.
Take a break
Although it is important that you are productive, you should also ensure that you rest when you need to. Only robots are designed to be continually productive, so you should not feel ashamed or embarrassed if you need to take a break. In fact, you should try to allocate around half an hour a day to ‘me time’. This can include:
- Exercising
- Going for a walk in nature
- Listening to music or a podcast
- Watching your favorite film or TV show
- Reading a book or magazine
- Cooking your favorite meal
- Baking
- Talking to a friend/relative (in person or on the phone)
- Participating in your favorite hobby
- Journaling
- Taking a long bath
- Lighting a candle
- Doing nothing
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