Here are some interesting and creative ways to take care of yourself and your well-being. You’ve heard it all! Eat healthy foods! Sleep at least eight hours! Are you exercising enough? Here, in this article, is something new and refreshing, that will help you feel better about yourself and about your day.
From work, family obligations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial worry, we are all under a considerable amount of stress. No matter how busy you are, you should find space and room in your calendar to take care of yourself.
We have to take care of each aspect of our well-being, physical, mental, and social. If you are going through some hard times lately, you can try the following.
Have an Email Vacation
How About an Email Vacation?
Turn off all push notifications whenever you can. Give yourself a few hours (if not more) before you check your emails again and take an email vacation whenever you can. Definitely on weekends and during your vacation! In one study, when participants reduced email time, they had more time to focus on work throughout a working day. Additionally, they had lower stress levels since they were able to focus on one task at a time without any exceptions.
Again… Food Matters
It’s hard to talk about well-being without mentioning the diet. When you are stressed what do you want to eat? Double cheeseburger, with fries, diet coke, and a pint of ice cream? Why?
It’s proven that these foods will make us feel good but only temporarily. Food high in sugar and saturated fat will stimulate reward centers in your brain that are usually stimulated during sex. Also, we can easily develop a habit of eating junk food when we are stressed.
As we all know, these foods can make us feel great at the moment, but unhealthy fats and all that sugar can lead to inflammation and brain fog. Junk food can have a negative impact on mood, mental health, and how your brain works. There is nothing wrong with enjoying junk food every now and then, but be very cautious so it doesn’t become an unhealthy habit that you can’t get rid of.
Instead of junk food, choose fruits, veggies, and fiber-rich grains. Add some raspberries and blackberries to your oatmeal. So many healthy and delicious options! All you need to do is develop a habit of eating healthy.
What about a Dance Party?
Are you used to binge-watching your favorite TV show? Although, it’s rewarding to watch your favorite TV show for the fifth time, be aware of how much time you spend watching TV. Spending more than two hours watching TV can have an impact on your mental health. Researchers found that negative screen time is worse for women than men. This is probably due to how men and women deal with stress. Men are more likely than women to engage in distracting behaviors and women are more likely to overthink and internalize issues.
Enough about TV and binge-watching. Instead of this, turn on the music and dance with your roommates, family members, or by yourself. Dance is an activity that will help you make feel better and boost positive vibes. No matter how silly it might sound, try it and see how that makes you feel.
Mindful Day in the Sunshine
Studies have shown that the human mind is focused on the present moment only 53% of the time which means that 47% of the time our mind wanders.
Mindfulness practice can reduce stress, anxieties, and depression. Next time you feel overwhelmed, stop, take a few minutes, and have some time off in the sunshine. Spending a few mindful minutes in the sunshine will do. Pay attention to your breathing.
Remember, you can’t be a good employee, parent, daughter, son, or active member of your community if you don’t take care of yourself first. Your well-being is critical to you and those around you.
