If you're like me and probably like most people in this day and age, there is a chance you've spent some time scrolling through article after article in search of a piece of health advice that could, potentially, change your life and give you that powerful boost you need to achieve all your goals and dreams.
Can you relate? Then you probably also know that that's a pretty unreachable ambition. There is no magic recipe for a habit that will solve all your problems, no amount of lemon water you can drink to flush out all your insecurities, and no face mask that can peel off all your worries.
At the same time, these realizations do not make self-care any less important. A very wise person, who also happens to very dear to me, once told me, "You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first." Ever since then, I've been keeping his advice close to my heart, and today, I am sharing with you what I learned from that.
But before I start listing my greatest tips, I want to stress that these things aren't supposed to be, like I said before, a quick fix. Many people expect their lives to change overnight once they begin to apply tips like these to their routines. There is no such thing as a recipe for happiness. Instead, these little habits can provide a pretty comfortable cushion for your everyday life.
1. Say no when you want to say no.
We may not realize it, but a lot of anxiety arises from the dread of some daily activities. Sometimes, or way too often, we end up saying yes to commitments to which we really, really want to say no. Whether we're talking about a social event, an outing, a trip to the store, or, in some cases, even a job, it is crucial that we know when to push through and when to back off.
You may feel hesitant, but it's important to put your mental health first sometimes. You are free to make your own choices and to deal with their consequences. Make healthy, conscious ones. It is up to you to understand the pros and cons of each situation and weigh your own interests, however. Still, I'll just say this: know yourself. Then you'll know what to do.
2. Give yourself a break.
This tip ties into the previous one, and that little piece of Socratic advice does, too. Know yourself. Yes, you may have a test to take at eight in the morning that you may not feel prepared for. But if you're also overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed to the point where you can't even think clearly, you might want to take a step back and go to sleep or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. Chances are you will feel better and, just maybe, be able to study a bit afterward or in the next morning, this time calmly.
This is just an example, but you can apply this tip to many situations. In summary, just know when to take a step back and breathe. Nothing is more important than your sanity.
3. Eat that salad. Also, eat that cookie.
My friends know that there is nothing I like more than to eat my veggies on a daily basis. They also know I enjoy a good pint of Halo Top ice cream every once in a while. (As a matter of fact, I made it one of my goals for the semester to try as many Halo Top flavors as I possibly can.)
I know you've probably been hearing this since before you can remember, but that's because it's true: Balance. Is. Everything. It is the key to wellness. Moderation can save you. Make an effort to eat as healthy as you can, but don't let your life revolve around your macros. It's OK and it's important to indulge sometimes.
4. Drink cold water.
It is no surprise that you must drink water not only to survive but also to function properly. Water is life. However, one thing that I've been doing that makes me feel AMAZING both inside and out is to drink lots of cold water. It makes me feel clean and clear in every way possible. Try it for a day, then for two, and you'll see! You'll want to keep it up.
5. Laugh it off.
I'm not saying run off into a flower field and throw your worries away. Problems are very important because they make us reflect and, consequently, act. Rough times can be beautifully beneficial.
Still, you have to know how to pick your battles. Some things are just too insignificant and not worth stressing over. That may be easier said than done in a lot of cases, but it's also a matter of practice. I promise. Next time you trip and spill your drink all over yourself, laugh! Don't let silly details ruin your day. I can guarantee you can probably find many more important things to worry about. So, why not look for humor everywhere else?
Yes, there are many more tips I could give you, but these are just a few of the ones that are most important to me on a daily basis. They work for me. Maybe give them a go, see if they work for you. They're pretty simple, anyway, and will cost you nothing.
If you get anything out of this article at all, though, let it be "give yourself a break." Be as nice to yourself as you would have someone else be to you. Extend your kindness and forgiveness to your own person because these things begin from within. You cannot give something you don't have–remember that.
