Self-Care: How To Find A Balance
We all know that physical fitness is incredibly important for a healthy life, but it’s just as important to find a self-care routine that makes you feel good.
Self-care is defined differently for everyone, but it’s generally just a way to maintain your mental and emotional health, reduce stress, and find a way to stay happy no matter what life throws at you. For some people, self-care means practicing a hobby; for others, it’s about how to create a better work environment so that stress and anxiety are cut off at the source.
However you choose to practice self-care, it’s imperative to make sure your needs are met in a healthy way. Remember that taking time out to focus on yourself isn’t selfish; everyone needs to now and then so they can recharge and be the best versions of themselves possible.
Here are a few tips on how to balance your fitness and self-care routines.
Incorporate a Loved One
Including a loved one in your workout can help reduce stress and leave you feeling happy and fulfilled, especially if you’re able to make it quality time. Going for a walk after dinner with your spouse, spending time with the grandkids at the pool or hiking the trails at a local park, or running around in the backyard with the dog can help you stay active while allowing you to maintain that social family connection at the same time.
Create a Relaxation Regimen
Because your physical and mental health are linked, it’s important to find ways to stay relaxed even when life is throwing curveballs at you. Feeling overwhelmed or anxious is one of the biggest reasons most people pass up the chance to work out, so the more relaxed you are, the more you’ll be able to focus on your body. Creating a relaxation regimen by practicing a calming routine before bed, making your sleep more restful by investing in soft bedding and room-darkening curtains, and finding a room in your home where you can meditate to reduce stress will help you shake off the stress of the day and allow you to focus on your needs.
Did you know that Digital COMT (Digital Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy), Dr. Joe Muscolino’s continuing education video streaming subscription service for massage therapists (and all manual therapists and movement professionals) has an entire folder on Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), and six separate folders with video lessons on Manual Therapy Treatment? Digital COMT adds seven new video lessons each and every week. And nothing ever goes away! Click here for more information.
Practice a Hobby
Hobbies can be great for both physical and mental health, especially if they involve something that makes you feel satisfied or fulfilled. Nowadays, there are tons of great relaxing hobbies to choose from, so you can try several to see which ones you like best. From adult coloring books to knitting, look for ways you can take a few deep breaths while practicing something that helps you feel calm.
Get Outside
Getting out into nature can be extremely beneficial for your mental health, and there are many ways you can incorporate physical fitness into your outside time as well. Going for a hike, exploring your city on foot or by bike, and gardening can all be great ways to reduce stress and forget about the pressures of daily life for a bit. Just make sure that safety is always a priority, especially if you spend time outdoors at night or alone. Always carry a cell phone, and let someone know where you’ll be and when you’ll return.
Finding a Balance…
Finding a good balance between physical fitness and self-care can be tricky, but it should never be overwhelming. Refrain from putting stress or pressure on yourself, especially if you’re finding it difficult to juggle all your responsibilities. Remember that tomorrow is a new day, and that creating balance within your life will help many different aspects of it, from your health to your performance at work.
This post was slightly modified from a blog post article written by Dana Brown (HealthConditions.Info).
(Click here for the blog post article: 6 Simple Ways to Create A Healthy Lifestyle Today.)
(Click here for the blog post article: The Importance of Sleep.)
Did you know that Digital COMT (Digital Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy), Dr. Joe Muscolino’s continuing education video streaming subscription service for massage therapists (and all manual therapists and movement professionals) has an entire folder on Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), and six separate folders with video lessons on Manual Therapy Treatment? Digital COMT adds seven new video lessons each and every week. And nothing ever goes away! Click here for more information.
