The number one hiccup in the American lifestyle I have consistently seen in my almost 20 years of health coaching is lack of self-care. But this trend is taking a turn as the younger generation witnesses the results of their parents’ and grandparents’ burnout.
Self-care can look different to each individual but, by definition, means “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health” (Oxford Languages). If you break down what health means to each individual, you will also get a wide variety of answers.
Essentially, health refers to a collection of various aspects of life like relationships, career, spirituality, self-esteem, finances and the more well-known diet and physical activity. It is by reflecting on each of these areas we can gauge the level of health we are in.
Self-care is about consciously providing an outlet to nurture oneself. If you know you have been lacking in this department, you may need some ideas to get you started. Try different things to find out what works for you. Ask people you know who practice good self-care what they do and how they fit it in. Get a coach or mentor. Get your family involved. Be your own cheerleader.
Below are five ideas to start you on the path of good self-care, which can lead to a variety of health benefits, including improving your immune system, better cognitive function, increased productivity, improved physical health, and even greater happiness.
1. Start your day with yoga or meditation. It doesn’t have to be a long period of time to realize a benefit. Try five minutes per day. If you can fit in 10 minutes or more, great! But five minutes won’t break the time bank and can get your day started in a positive direction.
2. Take a walk after lunch. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes after eating to allow the digestion process to kick in. If appropriate, walk outdoors where you can get some sunshine and open air.
3. Soak in the tub. Water is healing and, when heated, can relax muscles and aid in sleep.
4. Prioritize sleep. Getting quality sleep will help you feel more balanced during the day. Be sure to turn off all ambient light and electricity, both of which can disrupt deep sleep.
5. Connect with others. Humans are communal and connecting with each other is an important part of self-care.
There are many more ideas, but the key to all (except sleep) is movement. Whether you’re moving your body or your mind or letting something else (like water) move you, it’s about creating flow and avoiding stagnation or ruts. Ruts and stagnation leave you stuck, which is a breeding ground for disease. Practicing regular self-care nurtures both the body and mind, can lower your risk for disease, and create better health and well-being.
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness Northeast Mesa is located at 2025 N. Power Road in Suite 106. For more information, visit primeivhydration.com or call (480) 992-4202.