“Wearing your own mask first before helping others”, this advisory acts as the perfect metaphor to suggest that we make self-care a priority. 

We are busy, feel guilty about taking care of own selves or self-care simply doesn’t make it to our priority list. 

The fact, however, remains that taking care of our body, mind and soul is important as a regular routine and not just when we are ill or face total burn out.

Top 10 Self-Care Strategies:

1. Why Practice Self-Care?

Self-care is known to bring a host of benefits physically, mentally as well as psychologically. Not only does it take care of our physical well-being, but also protect us from unnecessary stress and anxiety. Not only does it help keep our blood pressure and other physical parameters in check, but it also helps fight stress and anxiety. Importantly a self-care routine helps bring positivity and well-being into our life. 

Just what then are some effective self-care tips? Read on:

2. Keep your Self, Hydrated

There is enough medical advice about how one must drink a minimum of 4 litres of water every day. In fact, start your day with some lukewarm water. It goes a long way in flushing out toxins from your body. That it also increases your metabolic rate and aids weight loss is an added incentive!

3. Pump Up Some Iron

If there is one way to feel more energetic, combat disease, improve your mood and even add some years to your life, it has to be through an exercise regimen. A brisk walk, cycling, swimming, pumping iron at the gym; take your pick. Either way, you will march ahead to a healthier, happier you! There is no better way to take care of your health.

4. Breakfast Like a King

If you have been eating on the run, it is time to slow down and sit to eat that breakfast. A good mix of proteins and carbs will help you keep going through the day. Remember the first meal of the day, should be your biggest!

5. Take a Break Every Hour

A study has shown the impact on productivity by the 52-17 rule. In short, it says that focusing on work for 52 minutes, and then taking a 17-minute break, can up productivity! If 17 minutes seems too much to you, consider taking a shorter break every hour. Among other things, this helps boost productivity as:

• You are likely to remain more focused at work knowing that you have a scheduled break
• Activity at regular intervals improves your health as well as mental focus.

6. Pump Up the Jam

The healing power of music is well known. Your self-care routine could benefit from drowning yourself in your favourite music. Make that headphone your companion. Any time is music time- while you are out for a walk when you are exercising or cooking. Music can go a long way in helping you tide over stressful situations and even aid you with pain management.

7. Confront your Negativity

Ever so often we tend to make the negatives in our lives bigger than they are. A good way to not let the negatives overtake the positives in your life is to confront them head-on. Better still write them down. Then go ahead and combat them with the truth and with the many things you are capable of.

8. Learn Something New

Our brain thrives on new challenges. So go ahead and learn a new skill from scratch or return to something you gave up. The thought that you are doing something for yourself will be enough to get that mojo back.

9. Celebrate your Successes

When was the last time you took time out of your busy schedule to celebrate your many accomplishments? Celebrating your milestones go a long way in both changing your physiology as well as strengthening your psychology. So go ahead and acknowledge your accomplishments and train your brain to think that what you are doing is indeed important and exciting

10. Sleep is Self-Care

Sleep is as crucial a self-care tip as any other. There can be nothing quite so energizing as waking up feeling fully rested, and ready to take on the day. If you haven’t felt like this in a long time, it is time to relook at your bedtime routine. Avoid looking at a screen for at least an hour before going to bed.  A nice hot bath can also help you get a good night’s sleep. From keeping your heart healthy to helping you combat stress, there is a lot a good night’s sleep can fix.

Learn to Say no, to Say Yes to Self-Care

This is one self-care tip, which will actually allow you to put a self-care routine in place. If you feel obliged to say yes whenever anyone asks for your time or energy, it is time to take stock. Consciously saying no, will go a long way in empowering you to follow your self-care regimen.

Here is to you and your well-being!