Things You Can Do to Take Better Care of Yourself

Life can be such an attention seeker at times that we forget to take care of ourselves, or don’t take care of ourselves as much as we should.There are many things we can factor into our daily lives that can contribute towards improving our day.

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Go to Bed Early/Earlier

Over the past few days, I’d had little sleep – three/four hours tops. I didn’t realize how much of an impact that had on me until I had an early night and woke up the next day. I felt the difference, like I was a brand new person. My head felt clearer, my body felt lighter and I was breathing deeper.

Sleep’s like medicine. It gives your body a break so it can rejuvenate. Give a bit more to yourself, and go to sleep an hour earlier. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it.

Exercise

I avoid exercise sometimes. But you know what? After exercising, I always feel better – not because “Thank God, it’s over,” but because I literally ‘feel’ better. My mood’s higher and lighter and I feel like if I leapt up, I’d end up taking flight.

Exercise is also the friend that listens. All the frustrations, sadness or fear you might be feeling, you let it out there through movement. Also, whatever you want to achieve, whether it’s earning a certain amount of money, swimming with dolphins or scuba diving in Oahu, you can visualize it when you’re exercising. That has power in it, the combined weight of exercising and visualizing.

Alternatively, exercise can be great if you want to take your mind off something.

In terms of movement, I’m talking about the things you could do that are immediately accessible to you, like stretching, dancing solo or going for a walk. Also, say you use the bus, you could walk a couple of stops, then get the bus. Or if you need to go somewhere that’s a five-minute drive away, walk it. Take the stairs at work. If it’s a lot of floors, take a certain flight of stairs, then take the elevator.

Meditation

I used to think meditation was a bore, but that was me from the outside looking in. The couple of times I tried it, I was still convinced it wasn’t for me. But then something clicked. I felt a calmness, a peace, and decided I wanted more of that.

Meditation isn’t for everyone, but it might be for you, so try it.

Food

Food is pretty magical, don’t you think? It sustains us, changes us, heals us, makes us feel energized, and can make us feel tired. Eating certain foods can make all the difference to how you feel and function throughout your day. Use them. Be your own magician.

If you only did one of the above, it’s something, it’s a start, and might encourage you to do the next thing. Either way, you’ll be helping your body and you’ll be helping yourself.Go for it.