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August is National Wellness Month which is dedicated to focusing on self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines. Create wholesome habits in your lifestyle all month long and see how much better you feel!
Research has shown that self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. Whether you challenge yourself to a new yoga pose or try a different spa treatment, make a small change and impact your health in positive ways.
Paula Gill Lopez, Ph.D., an associate professor and chair of the department of psychological and educational consultation at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, says the need for self-care is obvious. “We have an epidemic of anxiety and depression,” she says. “Everybody feels it.”
We’ve compiled a list of ways to focus on your self-care:
1. Journaling
It can help release all of your emotions on a page and reflect on how you are feeling. It’s a great way to keep track of what’s working for you and what’s not working for you and allows you to discover what you need to do to become the best version of yourself.
2. Creating Healthy Routines
Implementing healthy routines in your daily life can boost your mood, mind, and ability to conquer your day. Ways to incorporate healthy routines could look like
- Eat food that fuels your body with the nutrients you need.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Exercise in a manner that feels right for your body. (ie. walking, hiking, yoga, weight lifting, etc.) You are more likely to stick to a workout plan that you enjoy.
3. Emotional Self Care
- Setting boundaries when necessary
- Choosing your mental health first
- Doing things that make you happy
- Get together with your friends who support your journey of wellness.
4. Getting Outside
It’s important to get up and get moving in general, however, there are specific benefits to spending time in nature. Studies have shown spending time in nature can lower stress levels. Break up your day by taking walks around your neighborhood, or visiting new parks on the weekends.
5. Limit Screen Time
Social media can be incredibly consuming and has been shown to have a massive impact on our mental health. Consider “unplugging” if you can for a while. Most phones also have app time limits you can set to help reduce time in front of the screen. Experts recommend staying off your phone at least an hour before bed to ensure better sleep.
6. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help you remain in the present moment versus fretting over the past or worrying about the future. Coupled with deep breathing techniques, mindfulness can easily calm an anxious mind and better your well-being.
Self Care looks different for everyone; be sure to find the method that works best for you. Take this month to really dedicate yourself to improving your mental, emotional, and physical health.
