10 Tips for Better Self-Care

Get A Good Night's Sleep. It sounds like a no-brainer, but did you know that more than 50 million Americans suffer from 80+ different sleep disorders? An additional 20-30 million have sleep problems intermittently. Sleep is an important factor in good health, better mood regulation, weight maintenance, energy level and supports a healthy immune system!

Quiet the Mind. This is a NOISY, chaotic world and there is stimulus coming at us from many directions, all demanding our attention. So many people do not take the time to simply "BE" and quiet the mind. Some have preconceived notions about the words "meditation" and "prayer". Regardless of what you call it, when you quiet the mind, it's like you're giving your mind a mini-vacation. Often during these moments inspirations come to you and most times, you feel a greater sense of peace when it's over.

There are many ways to achieve a quiet mind. Walking in nature. Staring at the ocean. Daydreaming out the window. Meditation is also a great way to quiet the mind. We fully understand that the idea of not having any thoughts or blocking thoughts is intimidating and maybe a little weird. It doesn't have to be. Check out our blog post about meditation - you'll see it's not as unapproachable as it seems.

Pamper Yourself. Pampering yourself doesn't have to cost a lot of money, nor does it mean hours spent at a spa (although...YUM!). Pampering can be tiny upgrades you give yourself. Always standing at the kitchen counter to shove down your lunch? How about set the table for one and enjoy your meal?! Have you let the polish on your toes grow out to the point where it's half-and-half? Remove the polish...better yet, polish them AGAIN. It's the little ways we treat ourselves that add up to the bigger lack-of-self-care picture.

Move Your Body. Whether you are a regular workout genius or you just like an occasional walk, moving your body regularly is an important part of taking care of yourself. Often, this is the item on the to-do list that gets removed when stuff hits the fan, but it shouldn't be. Whenever you're stressed, tired, irritated or bored, moving your body can help you do a reboot. It can be as simple as walking around the block.

In our house, we like to crank up the music and have a mini dance party. This gets your energy flowing and it's a great way to fly your freak flag! (Note: you don't have to be with others to do this - I do it alone all the time! heehee)

Just Say "No". Yep, that's right. YOU have the right and the ability to say NO. If that juju tank is empty and the stress tank has taken over, saying no is really not an option. You can not give 100% of yourself to any demand, request, task or duty when you are on empty. Period. Enough said.

Drink Lots of Water. Studies show that when people drink an adequate amount of water for their body size, their mood, focus and performance improve. It's fairly easy to make this a habit...grab and fill one of those huge hydros with water and keep it with you as you go about your day. Make it your goal to drink one or two of these every day. You'll likely find that you WANT it throughout the day.

Stay Connected. People need to feel connected to other people. Family, friends, coworkers, community - there are many people with whom you can connect. It's easy to remove yourself from connection by trolling social media or binge-watching Netflix (something we are NOT saying you don't do - just log off for enough time to connect!). Connection is a basic human need and a great way to manage your self-care is to connect!

Play. That's right - PLAY. When was the last time you swung on a swing or kicked a soccer ball? What about board games or playing cards? Jigsaw or crossword puzzles? Their are many ways to play, but only one rule...you must have FUN.

Read Something Positive. There are literally, MILLIONS of positive self-development books, articles, vlogs, podcasts and videos available to help you get grounded and onto more positive footing. Pick a book or two and download the audio. We like to listen when walking or doing household duties...talk about two-fer! Working on yourself and your life is a great way to dial into your own needs. (Stay tuned for our book recommendations in future blog posts!)

Keep a Journal. I'm not suggesting that you pour your heart and soul out on paper held within a little book with a lock and key. (Remember THOSE days??!!!) A journal can be whatever you want it to be! If you like writing your deepest thoughts in a journal - great! But here are some other ideas to put in your journal:

• List of positive aspects of your life
• Affirmations
• Dreams - what you want to be, do or have
• Funny quotes
• Things you're excited about
• Things you want to let go
• Insert your idea here

Be Kind to Yourself. One of my favorite things on TV is when Ellen ends her show with "be kind to one another". I want to add to that by telling you to be kind to yourself. When you notice that self-critic rearing its ugly head or you look in the mirror and make a gross face...stop. Just stop. Take a moment to think about the beautiful, miraculous human being which you are. NO ONE is you...just you. So be nice to you and you may even find that people around you are nicer to you too.