Attention busy ladies!!
Does “self-care” feel like a luxury you don’t have time for? Self-care is sometimes seen as long weekends spent at the beach, a spa day, or even hours spent exercising. In reality, self-care can be ANYTHING (small or big) you do to give YOUR body attention.
Check out (and try!) these 5 self-care tips. It will take less than 10 minutes of your time, but still have a positive impact on your body. You deserve it girl!
1. Touch your toes and stretch
It’s easy to ignore the stress in our spine. But it’s a fact that when we spend long hours hunched over the computer, curled up on the couch or picking up after the kids, our posture and body take the backseat. It won’t take more than ten minutes to get out of your chair and touch your toes, but stretching will make your aching joints and body happy.
While you’re at it, stretch the rest of your body as well. Try 1-2 yoga poses, or a stretching routine. Whether it is advanced or basic, any kind of stretching will keep your body functioning smoother and may help avoid injury. Touch your toes, extend your arms and gear yourself up for whatever the day holds! You got this!
2. Massage and moisturize
You don’t have to visit a spa to enjoy a relaxing massage or experience pampering with special products.
Grab your favorite scented lotion, or even coconut oil, rub it mindfully into your arms and shoulders. Spread the lotion or oil gently and use your hands to massage over your body. You will be relaxed and energized. Plus your skin will benefit from the extra moisturizing. I can see you glowing already! Bonus self care points if you have a spouse or partner to massage you.
3. Phone a friend
It feels like there are a million ways to stay connected constantly: e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. But it’s a fact that many women feel disconnected even though they have many online friends and follow multitudes of accounts.
Everyday life can feel exhausting with your long list of responsibilities and the never ending demands on your schedule. To truly care for ourselves, we need to look for ways to nurture important relationships in our lives.
It’s easy to pick up your phone and send a text, but take ten minutes out of your day to chat with a friend or family member. You will both benefit from the conversation! A good friend is an important part of your support system. Your relationship can help you relieve stress, help you maintain a healthy mindset, and just have a person to laugh & have fun with! Cue the music…that’s what friends are for…
4. Drink two additional glasses of water today
Water is a daily necessity that many people don’t include enough of. Did you know water relieves fatigue, clears skin, detoxes your body, improves digestion and prevents cramps?
Even though it’s nearly a magical cure, it’s easy to forget to hydrate enough. Make it a goal most days to drink 2 extra servings of water. Not only will drinking more water help you hydrate, it can also give you much needed time to step away from distractions and focus on your surroundings.
Drink your water slowly and enjoy a short break from your laptop or phone (or whatever you’re working on). Not a big water fan? Add a little squeeze of fresh lemon. Bonus points: grab a jug of water and add sliced fruit/veggies/herbs (strawberries, cucumbers, mint). Then, sip on it all day. Drink up!
5. Play with your pet
Whether it’s a furry friend or a tank full of fish, scientists have seen the health benefits of pets in our lives. A pet can be a faithful companion. But did you know spending time with a pet is a proven way to lower blood pressure and increase oxytocin levels?
Don’t have a pet? Go for a walk to your local park or dog walking track, just taking in the sights of other dogs and animals has the same impact.
Self care isn’t just about facials, eating your greens and getting your hair done. It’s also about the soul food that fuels you. It’s the small things that make big impacts on your overall wellbeing. By practicing these 5 tips, you can have 10 minutes just for you. Separate yourself from the chaos and stress of your daily life.
How will you take 10 minutes out of your day just for you?
References
https://www.confidentlife.com.au/20-quick-self-care-activities-can-10-mins-less/
http://time.com/4728315/science-says-pet-good-for-mental-health/
https://thegrowthstudio.org/blog/quick-self-care-10-ways-to-practice-self-care-in-5-minutes-or-less