Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
I want to remind you that we are Spirit, Soul, and Body and can only have holistic health if all three aspects are addressed. To deal with life’s stress and worry, we must nurture our Spirit, Soul (Mind), and Body. Keeping a healthy, sound mind in a healthy body can allow you to decompress after a hard day, restore your concentration, and generate an overall sense of health and well-being.
Self-Care for Mental Health
Self-care is just taking care of oneself. It’s more than simply having a massage. It is any activity you do to maintain and enhance your health, well-being, happiness, peace of mind, and life fulfillment. I’d want to underline something crucial that many self-conscious people seem unaware of.
Self-care is not for the faint of heart. Self-care is not for the faint of heart. It is neither a luxury nor self-centered.
When you don’t take care of yourself, are too harsh on your body, or neglect your emotional needs, you are much more likely to experience burnout, a range of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as physical pain and sickness.
Taking care of yourself will always return to haunt you sooner or later. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps you’ve got your own wake-up call. I’d like to share Tracy Kennedy’s 30 Self-Care Habits from Lifehack.org. She has compiled a list of 30 Ways to Look After Yourself Mentally, Emotionally, Physically, and Spiritually. Of course, I added my tone and touch, but the original is attributed to Tracy.
1. Inhale
Deep breathing boosts circulation by delivering oxygen to your muscles and brain. This higher oxygen level results in more energy and healthier muscles, organs, and tissues. Breathe deeply more often. In fact, specialists advise developing the practice of practicing deep breathing every day. What occurred when you began reading this? Did you inhale deeply? That’s fantastic; you’re already taking care of yourself.
2. Eat Healthily
Your body is a machine that runs on food. It’s as simple as that. I’ve discovered two primary things from researching diets and dealing with top health professionals over the years: First, prioritize eating genuine, full, nutrient-dense meals while avoiding processed foods and refined sugars. To be honest, you should avoid all types of sugar. Second, figure out what works best for you. There are other diets to choose from, including Paleo, Mediterranean, and plant-based diets.
3. Maintain Hydration
Water makes up about 50-65 percent of the human body. Some sections of our anatomy, such as the brain, heart, and lungs, are more than 70%. Drinking water is a simple and efficient approach to looking for oneself. You should practice starting your day with a glass of warm water infused with lime or lemon juice. That is a very powerful method of stimulating your cell to fight and defeat the many fights throughout the day. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. It requires no more time, energy, or effort, so grab a glass and start hydrating.
4. Sleep
I used to see my lack of sleep as a badge of pride. However, more research is being published on the necessity of having adequate quality sleep and, more crucially, the implications of not getting enough. People all around the globe are being denied vital sleep, which is doing more damage than good to their health. Make sleep a top priority. Your mind and body will be grateful.
5. Consult Your Doctor
How long have you postponed scheduling an appointment, putting up with persistent discomfort, or coping with anything that simply doesn’t seem right? Most problems can be addressed early on, but they become much more difficult to manage as time passes. Take out your phone and make an appointment right now.
6. Show Your Appreciation
We must first love the life we live to live a life we love. The science and benefits of thankfulness are still being studied. Gratitude is the trait of being appreciative; we should constantly be ready to express gratitude and reciprocate kindness. Being appreciative is one of the most basic but powerful things you can do for yourself. Here are 40 Easy Ways to Express Gratitude.
7. Utilize Supplements
Name your problem and study or ask your doctor (ideally an alternative medical practitioner) what vitamins, minerals, or plants will help you feel better. B-12 insufficiency, for example, has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety, while Vitamin D deficiency has been connected to various health issues. I use turmeric/curcumin to minimize inflammation and B2 and magnesium tablets that my neurologist prescribed for hormonal migraines. You should be open to incorporating supplements into your diet. Because you are supplementing your diet with nutrients that your body demands but are not present in your everyday diet. Always double-check the quality and effectiveness.
8. Hug Your Child, Spouse, or Other Loved Ones
According to research, the advantages of hugging extend beyond the nice sensation you receive when holding someone in your arms. According to scientists, providing another person encouragement via a hug helps lessen a person’s stress, particularly during stressful times. They think that hugging’s stress-relieving benefits may also help you stay healthy. Hugging promotes oxytocin (the love hormone), serotonin (which enhances mood and produces happiness), the immunological system, self-esteem, decrease blood pressure, regulates the neurological system, and relieves stress. Only a few seconds may lift your spirits.
9. Practice meditation
You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you? However, when I think of meditation, it has nothing to do with techniques based on Eastern mysticism. According to Psalm 19:14 of the Holy Bible, “May the words of my lips and the thoughts of my heart be agreeable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.” My meditation will be completely on God’s Word and what it reveals about the God of the Word. So, if you’re one of those individuals who think they can’t meditate (I feel you, I used to be one of them), stop making excuses. Try it.
10. Obtain Bodywork
Massage isn’t the only method of self-care, but it’s fantastic! Bodywork is an important part of my self-care regimen. Bodywork enables us to relieve emotional stress that our bodies retain in ways we are unaware of. Chiropractic, stretching, cranial-sacral therapy, myofascial release treatment, osteopathy, and reflexology are options.
11. Go on a Hike
Get your blood pumping. We are all aware of the advantages of exercise. This might be a stroll, run, hike, gym visit, yoga, or stretching. Get your blood and body moving, whatever you do. The Men’s Ministry at the church I attend organizes an annual walk to the Blue Mountains. That is the highest point on Jamaica’s island. That is an excellent exercise because if you are not physically and psychologically prepared, you may not reach the top.
12. Spend Time With Those You Care About
Plan a date night with your spouse, a special day with your child, or a happy hour with your best friend. We are inherently programmed to seek out and connect with others. According to research, those who mingle tend to be happier. This does not have to be done in person; sometimes, a phone call is all required (and can fit in!).
13. Take a Break (or a Staycation)
Moreover, half of all Americans do not utilize all of their vacation days. Take a break from your daily routine. Allow yourself time to relax, heal, and re-energize. Especially for couples who are going through a difficult time. Breaking away from your usual surroundings may help restore relationships, marriages, families, and jobs.
14. Do something purely recreational.
When was the last time you did something just for pleasure or because it made you happy? Not because it provided a concrete value, purpose, or return on investment?
Turn on some music and get ready to dance. Laugh with your children. Take a trip to the bowling alley. Make a game. Write. Purchase flowers. Follow your dreams. Participate in a fun event. What is the true ROI? A healthier, more energetic, and happier version of yourself.
15. Take Care of Yourself and Your Body
You feel better when you look well. What you believe about yourself defines you. Get your hair trimmed, your nails done, and a facial, manicure, or pedicure. We feel better emotionally when we take care of our physical appearance.
16. Spend Time Outside in Nature
Spending time in nature has been proven in studies to have several health advantages, including reducing stress hormone levels. Get outdoors, plant a garden in your backyard, and commune with nature.
Visit the forest and the ocean, or go on a stroll. Walking barefoot and ‘grounding’ may be very beneficial.
17. Get Rid of Toxicity and Negativity
Toxic individuals spread their toxins. Make an intentional effort to spend time with individuals who nourish your spirit and make you feel invigorated and alive. Reduce or eliminate your time spent with individuals and circumstances that deplete or leave you fatigued.
Surround yourself with good energy, love, and encouragement.
18.Taking a Bath
This is a simple and low-cost method of self-care. Add some Epsom salts, aromatic oils, or that bath bomb you’ve been saving. Light a candle, take a seat and unwind.
19. Exercise Self-Reflection
Self-reflection entails stepping back and reflecting on your life, actions, and beliefs.
Take frequent breaks from the hamster wheel of life. Consider what works and what doesn’t, celebrate your victories and triumphs, and decide what to preserve and what to alter.
Try writing or read these self-reflection tips: How Self-Reflection Can Make You Happier and More Successful.
20.Feed Your Mind
Reading God’s Word daily is the most effective strategy to nourish your mind positively. Reading the works of important individuals is another approach to nourishing your intellect and educating your worldview. You may not be able to meet the individual, but you may read their works.
Discover something new! We need to employ our entire cognitive ability as humans. We are here to develop and change, and learning is an important part of being active and alive.
Attend a class or an online course. Get a book. Take in a podcast.
Mind health
21. Offer Your Help
We also want meaning, participation, and the ability to make a difference. Volunteering has been proved to make individuals feel healthier and happier, among other things.
22. Unpack your belongings
Self-care entails taking care of your whole being. This often entails coping with emotional trauma, prior experiences, or limiting beliefs.
Consult a therapist. Speak with a coach. Have a necessary chat with the person you’ve been hating for decades.
23. Take risks.
Step out of your comfort zone. Be courageous. Try something new.You’ll feel happy, confident, and powerful after completing a backpacking trip, attempting a new hobby, or challenging yourself physically, psychologically, or emotionally.
24. Clean up!
There’s a reason Marie Kondo has gone viral. We feel more at peace and less worried when we strive for minimalism in our homes, routines, and lives.
Try simplifying one aspect of your life to find a new degree of tranquility. Read Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing; it will inspire you!
25. Take Care of Your Spirit
Keep in mind that you are Spirit, Soul, and Body. Ignoring someone may throw your life off balance. How do you nourish your soul? This might be anything related to you feeling inspired, which implies ‘in spirit.’
Connect with whatever makes you feel more connected to something deeper, greater, higher – or more connected to yourself. This might involve Christian meditation as well as spiritual or religious studies.
26. Be Innovative
We all want to develop, utilize our imagination, and completely express ourselves. Discover your artistic outlet. You may paint, dance, or snap pictures.
Are you not creatively creative? Pose inquiries, solve problems, or construct something.
One of my daughters enjoys construction. She is significantly happier and more confident when she brainstorms, plans, and executes her ideas.
27. Be Honest with Yourself
Self-awareness and being genuine are crucial components of self-care since they are necessary for living a happy, full, and successful life.
Pay attention to your inner voice. Determine what you need. When we are out of line with ourselves, we are more anxious, overwhelmed, and at risk for health problems.
You can only be honest to yourself after you’ve discovered your actual self. Only via your Creator can you learn about yourself. And the Creator has made Himself known via His Son, Yeshua.
28. Establish Boundaries
This is essential for successful relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. You must be clear about what you will and will not tolerate.
Determine where energy is escaping from your life. You will continue to suffer if you continue to give when you have nothing to offer or say ‘yes’ when you mean ‘no.’
Know, acknowledge, and respect your physical and emotional limitations and boundaries.
29. Get Away
While avoidance and numbness may be harmful, a little break might help you replenish your batteries.
So, guilt-free, watch that reality TV program, see the newest movie, read that book, or visit the museum. What makes you and enables you to entirely disconnect?
30. Take Care of Yourself
Be patient, kind, and understanding. You should treat yourself like you would a good friend. Speak to yourself as you would to someone you care about.
You are sufficient. You are already doing enough.
Give yourself a break, some love, and a lot of compassion.
You’re doing an excellent job; tell yourself so.
