As our personal and professional lives seem only to get busier, self-care is an ever more crucial part of being authentic and having a positive impact on those around us, without sacrificing our health.
In fact, by incorporating self-care strategies in our daily routines — and revisiting these strategies in times of elevated stress — we can strive to become our most genuine, healthy selves.
As a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse and Certified Gemstone and Diamond Therapy Practitioner, I suggest the following five simple ways to achieve a healthier self:
1. Goal-Setting, Goal Scoring
For starters, set realistic, achievable goals that not only allow you to work towards a target, that is aligned with your greater sense of purpose.
Carefully take the time you need to decide what you want to achieve professionally and personally and write down the steps you need to realize your goals.
Keep in mind: aim high yet be realistic and try not to over-schedule yourself. Most people who take this approach ultimately enjoy a tremendous sense of self-worth and accomplishment as they progress toward their goals.
Be mindful of setting goals and time frames that rely on the actions and commitment of others.
2. Focus on Your Sheep Counter
No one can argue the importance of adequate sleep and rest. Try tracking your typical sleep patterns and work to regulate your sleep behavior based on this information.
If you have difficulty sleeping, consider trying relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. You can also darken your bedroom and turn your clock away from direct eyesight. I also recommend writing down stressful thoughts in a journal to get them “out of your head.” This strategy helps you put your worries into perspective so you can switch mental gears and get the sleep your body needs to survive and thrive.
Carve out 10 minutes of your evening regimen to write down and reflect on 3 things you are grateful for that happened that day.
3. Work It, Move It, Shake It, Stretch It – Sweat Them Pores!
Exercise – and we are talking more than just yoga – is great for the human body, both physically and mentally. It not only provides a stress release and keeps your body healthy, but it also helps you release endorphins, which increase your feelings of overall well-being.
Studies show that routine, regular exercise can be an ideal long-term solution for developing resilience to stress, as well as a short-term method of blowing off steam. Additionally, research reveals that the act of sweating and exercising directly correlates to removing unhealthy toxins from the body.
4. A De-stressed You is a Happy You
Whether we like it or not, stress is a part of life. I can’t share with my clients enough about the significance of de-stressing and self-realization of how stress can negate any other healthy efforts you may be incorporating into your life.
My advice in dealing with stress: practice good coping skills and find a body energy movement approach that works best for you. Some people find yoga, meditation, Tai Chi or other types of exercise, helpful.
While balancing your time and daily obligations can be challenging, it is vital to dedicate time to connect with yourself. Whether it’s first thing in the morning when you wake up, during a quick lunch break or before you go to sleep at night, take five to 10 minutes to de-stress and meditate. Fitting this style of mental relaxation into your daily routine will free your mind and nurture a stronger relationship with your spiritual self.
Also, remember to smile. Studies show that laughter can boost the immune system, relax your body and reduce stress.
5. Get to Know Your Community
Loneliness is a killer, literally, and the importance of knowing you belong to a community that shares your values, interests, and beliefs cannot be understated. Experts say that people with strong family or social connections are typically healthier than those individuals that lack a support network.
Strive to surround yourself with good people. Make a regular habit of connecting with supportive family members and friends. Or, seek out activities where you can meet new friends who are operating at the same level you are, such as a club or class.
Socializing can keep you happier and healthier and create a positive buffer against stress. The power of good friends is amazing – they can pick you up when you’re feeling down, offer insights when you need advice, and help you have fun when you need to blow off stress.
Every moment we spend nurturing our relationships nurtures ourselves.
Finally, Remember to Value Yourself
It’s important to know that when working toward a healthier self, you must avoid keeping your emotions bottled up – it can lead to an emotional explosion or physical illness later on.
Instead, realize that it’s healthier to listen to your feelings, process them and try to better understand them to release the energy of them. Finally, always treat yourself with the utmost in kindness and respect.
Words are real. Positive, gentle and kind self-talk is an important aspect of health and wellness.
Are you ready to begin your journey to a healthier self, and learn how to spot the symptoms and triggers for stress? We can help reverse these issues in a chemical-free and holistic manner. Begin your journey with Burn Bright Today.
