Slow Down! Make Your Self Care a Priority
Life is stressful. Are you juggling a family and a career? Maybe it is time to slow down and make your self care a priority. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us do not know how to put the brakes on and relax. In this article, you will learn a few keyways that you can take care of yourself.
It is easy to put your health and mental well-being on the back burner. You probably spend the day running around and taking care of everything that you need to finish for everyone in your life and family. Sometimes it is hard to think about yourself. If you are like so many people, you might even feel guilty focusing on your own needs. However, for the sake of your mental and physical health, it is imperative that you make self care a priority.
Nourish Your Body and Soul
It is important to take the time to eat nutritious and balanced meals. Nowadays, many people are rushing from place to place so the thought of cooking a meal during their busy day is just too overwhelming. Instead, it is easier to grab fast food or microwave a quick meal. Sadly, such foods are not extremely healthy and can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Instead, you should focus on eating a very balanced and nutritious diet.
In America, up to 33.8 percent of all adults are obese according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The rise in weight is related to the foods that are consumed. Sadly, an unhealthy diet leads to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, some cancers, stroke, and more.
Good nutrition should be made up of meals formed from the five healthy food groups:
- Vegetables
- Dairy
- Fruits
- Grains and nuts
- Lean meats
Take Time for Yourself
Yes, you should make yourself an appointment for pampering. Try to steal an hour a day when you can relax in your Central Florida pool enclosure with a good book and then dive into the refreshing water for a swim. Or languish beneath your pergola for a much-needed nap. It is okay to take time all to yourself to do whatever you want. During those private moments, try to avoid thinking about work, family problems, world events, or other stressful topics. Instead, completely disconnect. Also, put down the cell phone and turn off the electronics. Instead, find peace and balance within your soul and mind.
Do not Skimp on Sleep
You might think that you can function on six hours of sleep, but your body probably needs seven or eight hours to truly function well. Sometimes, it is easy to skimp on sleep. You might want to stay up and watch tv or spend an extra hour before bed working. You tell yourself that you will make up the sleep on the weekend, but you cannot really make up sleep. Instead, your body just becomes exhausted and you start to drag mentally and physically. Ideally, you should try to go to bed at least an hour earlier each night so you can get enough sleep to refresh and rejuvenate your body.
Avoid Multi-tasking
This one is hard for most people, but you should not eat your dinner in front of the computer or tv. Also, avoid eating when you are behind the wheel on the way to work. Basically, try to single task in your life. Yes, this means you are going to need to take more time to perform things, but your body and mind will thank you for the luxury.
Sometimes focusing on your self-care means indulging in some wants and desires. Have you been dreaming about floating in a pool, reading a book in a sunroom, cooking slowly on an outdoor kitchen while the sun sets, meandering down your pavers to your backyard sanctuary? These small dreams can become a reality if you indulge your desires occasionally. At U.S. Aluminum, we are here to help you focus on yourself by creating the outdoor space that you have always wanted. Contact us today to learn more.