Taking Care of Self: 11 Easy Ways
Have you neglected your self? Amongst the stress and demands that can accumulate in our busy lives, some of us easily forget to take care of the most important person who matters – YOU. We may have a great many good intentions, but often times we end up frustrating ourselves by putting things off that require our attention. This frustration grows as do the unfinished tasks left unchecked on our to-do lists. With so much demanding our attention, the first thing that gets sacrificed is taking care of our individual selves.
As a result, exercise gets dropped from our regimens and eating becomes a pleasurable coping mechanism. Then we wonder why we’ve gained unwanted weight and feel horrible, tired, burnt-out, irritable, angry and even miserable. Without a healthy, fit and happy self, whatever you are giving out to this world is not truly your best. Although what you give may be perceived by some to be “better” or even “best”, you can unlock your true potential by ensuring that you are mentally, emotionally, and physically sharp. It’s true what they say, “the better you take care of yourself, the better you can care for everything else.” Make a habit of taking steps to properly care for yourself to ensure that you function at your true best.
Here is a list of actions to help you reap the benefits of self-care.
Give your digestive system a rest.
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide nutrients that are vital for health and maintenance of the body. Unlike meats and processed foods, they are easier to digest. As a result, you will have more energy.
Release the stress.
Go for a massage and work out those tight areas in the body. If you are hardcore you can try deep tissue massage. It can be painful but it works deep into the tissues to get out the accumulated tension from stress and tightness that are really stuck in there! Feel a sense of freedom within your own body after taking the action to release.
Mineralize.
Minerals are essential to good health. Some of the best forms of minerals are the natural kinds that come straight from the sea. Examples of rich sources include: wakame, nori, arame and kombu which can be found at most health food stores. Learn to prepare them into your meals or snacks.
Smile.
Smiling encourages people to work with you, and signifies a calm, assured, confident, and successful presence. Even if you don’t necessarily feel any of those things, you can assume the look and the feeling will follow. Smiling is contagious: When you smile, everyone else smiles with you. By attracting more positive energy, you will have a much richer life.
Increase your energy.
Stop eating when you are still a little hungry. By leaving a quarter of your stomach empty, you will conserve your energy and not have it be taken away to digest overconsumption of food.
Catch up with self.
Write in a journal. We are changing every moment from every experience of our lives. Take some time to catch up with yourself and learn to know the you of today. Put down that tabloid full of celebrity gossip and tune into the most fascinating personality in your life, you!
Spend time with good friends and loving family.
By being in the company of people who care about us and provide us with love, support and attention, we have a great time and are happier.
Pamper your body.
Make a trip to the spa. Get a facial, manicure, pedicure or a body wrap. Indulge in being pampered and cared for. Allow yourself to sit back and relax while someone else does all the work.
Go for a check-up with your doctor.
Regular check-ups with your doctor (at least once a year) will keep you updated with your body. By being better informed, you will be able to promptly provide the right care for your body.
Exercise your heart and firm up your muscles.
Amongst the many benefits from exercise, this will help you speed up your metabolism and keep you healthier.
Take a vacation.
Take off to the tropics, visit another big city or go camping. Whether you get away for one day, one week, one month or more, time away from your daily routine will help to liven your spirits and awaken your senses to something new and refreshing.
Every month Anna Wong, personal fitness trainer to the stars, will be writing a column for Asiance Magazine. This column is dedicated to your questions and concerns in health and fitness. Your suggestions and requests are welcome. This column is for you so your feedback is important. To contact Anna, email her at anna@annawongfitness.com.
The content provided in this column are protected under an international copyright. They may not be copied and/or used for any purpose either completely or partially unless by prior permission from Anna Wong. Violations of said copyright may result in legal action.
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