Self-care is a concept based on looking after your body and mind and prioritising health and well-being. Embracing self-care has a positive impact on physical and mental health and it doesn’t have to involve a major lifestyle overhaul. In this helpful guide, we’ll outline some effective strategies to nourish your body and mind.
Live by the ‘prevention is better than cure’ mantra
Prevention is better than cure is a mantra we often associate with health professionals and lifestyle gurus, but it should have meaning for all of us. The basic message is to focus on trying to prevent health issues and protect your body and mind rather than having to fix problems down the line.
Living by this motto is a brilliant way to boost your health now and in the future. Attend regular health checks, seek advice if you feel unwell or you notice abnormal or unusual symptoms and consider undergoing health assessments like those provided by Echelon Health.
It’s useful to learn more about your health and identify symptoms or warning signs as early as possible. If you have regular blood pressure checks, or you have a series of tests and they flag abnormalities, you can access treatment swiftly to improve outcomes.
Adopt an active lifestyle
Being active offers a diverse range of health benefits. We often associate working out and eating well with weight loss, but there are many other advantages of an active lifestyle on top of losing weight healthily and sustainably. Exercise lifts your mood, it’s a natural stress-buster and it reduces the risk of a host of deadly diseases, including heart disease and some forms of cancer.
There are also social benefits of playing sports and amazing opportunities to try new activities and explore different environments. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and vary activities to make working out fun. Go to the gym, plan a bike ride with friends, do a dance class or go hiking in the mountains. There are all kinds of ways to get fit.
Take time out
Over 50% of UK employees feel stressed or very stressed at work. There are many reasons why people experience stress, but often, it is linked to busy schedules and feeling like you’re constantly under pressure. If you feel stressed, or you’re always up against the clock, take time out.
Take advantage of holidays and paid leave and separate work and leisure time. Don’t be afraid to say no to overtime, evening work events or more hours or turn down social invitations if you’re already spinning too many plates.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to curl up on the sofa in front of the TV after a busy day or craving a weekend of doing nothing. You can’t be on the go 24 hours a day or be in two places at once. It’s also helpful to use hobbies to manage stress. Get creative, enjoy some quiet time with a book, go outdoors or take your mind off work or other sources of stress by going to an art, language or music class, for example.
Self-care is about taking care of your body and mind. If your health has taken a backseat, now is the time to start looking after yourself and prioritising your physical and mental well-being.
