The past couple years of my life have been all about gaining knowledge, specifically about myself. When going to college- being on your own for the first time- you discover so much about who you are. More recently, I've learned that paying attention to both your physical and mental health is such an important aspect if you want to live your life in its fullest, most rewarding form. There will almost always be people in your life who are looking out for you, keeping your best interest in mind, and telling you what is right from wrong. But, at the end of the day it is up to us to decide if we want to do any of these things. We are in control of our own lives, our own wellness. This is why you need to choose to do things that will benefit you, rejuvenate you, and give you the best quality of life possible. Because at the end of the day, you will be the only person who's always there for you; no matter what. Here are 10 easy, undemanding ways to take care of yourself.

1. Eat

Unfortunately, a lot of people in today's world have a bad relationship with food. It's hard for people to find a happy medium with food because they're either being "healthy" and eating like a squirrel, or they're over stuffing themselves with greasy and fatty foods. It's really the best to fuel your body with nutritious foods such as fruits, nuts, lean meat, fish/seafood, and veggies. A common misconception is that it is hard to follow such a lifestyle or too expensive to purchase these things for a better diet. Although it may seem this way at times, it could be easy with self control and a budget. Simply educate yourself about what your body needs to run on, and try to eat those things from what your current situation offers. Looking into different, more natural diets can do your body wonders.

2. Sleep

I know it sounds funny that I would list such a normal action under "how to take care of yourself," but you wouldn't realize how much a sleep cycle really affects your day to day life. If you're feeling fatigued or sleepy, don't resist it. Sometimes you need to listen to what your body is telling you. So if you're feeling run down, go ahead and sleep. It's important to feel fully rested and energized so you can get through the day. Another great tip for sleep is to put away your devices and screens. Sitting with your laptop in bed watching Netflix or scrolling endlessly through social media right before sleeping is one of the worst things you can do. Your mind is too alert while doing these things, especially with the light coming from whatever device you're using. I would suggest giving yourself at least 15 minutes of relaxation before trying to sleep so you can drift away peacefully and get a deeper sleep.

3. Hydrate

Considering our bodies are made up of mostly water, it would only make sense to replenish that supply each and every day. Water is so good for you! It helps energize you as well as promotes regulation of body functions. Plus, there's so many ways to make it fun by adding fruits and such. Although it's much better for you to avoid pop, other carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks and things like sweet teas, there is absolutely no problem with treating yourself to it every once in a while. Just remember that some of these things can actually dehydrate you so it's best to fit in your servings of water whenever possible.

4. Exercise

Don't get discouraged, no one is asking you to run seven miles a day or anything. But, it is great for your body if you get up and get active for at least 30 minutes a day. Not all exercise has to be vigorous and exhausting. If you find something you enjoy, go ahead and do it. This could mean some beginners yoga or a walk in the park or a cycling class. Whatever it is, give your best effort and it will feel so rewarding. I promise it will open new doors for you, and you might even find that exercise is the best part of your day. Exercising promotes a sharper mind, will obviously keep you fit, and best of all will help you sleep at night. Who doesn't enjoy hitting the hay and feeling great the next morning because they were actually able to fall asleep? I know I do!

5. Stretch

It's always nice giving your body a nice stretch after waking up, after working out, or just because. Especially if your muscles have been worked or are sore, do a little something to stretch them out so they can recover(but don't work a cold muscle). If you've been sitting at work all day or haven't moved from your "How I Met Your Mother" Netflix binge simply get up, move around, and let your body do its thing. It will always feel relieving and refreshing to do so (unless you're having pain or can't physically stretch, then skip it. you'll live).

6. Shower

This also seems like a funny thing to list because it seems so logical. I'm a firm believer that hot showers can fix anything, but sometimes you just don't want to do it. However, you'll feel better when you do. Being clean will definitely make you feel better about your appearance, giving you a little more spring in your step. Also, you'll feel better about putting on a nice pair of clean clothes if you're squeaky clean. If you prefer to shower in the beginning of the day, use it as an excuse to wear something special, whether it be a cute dress or your favorite old t-shirt. If your a shower-at-night kinda person, think about how awesome it will feel to get into bed smelling great with a comfy pair of pajamas.

7. Take Your Mental Health Seriously

Don't ever dismiss what's going on in your head. You have a right to feel emotion, so let it in. Talk to someone if you need to, because you should never bottle things up; they eventually come boiling over. Do things for yourself that will serve as a pick- me-up. Go on a shopping spree, work out, call an old friend, have a bowl of ice cream. It's so easy to let the world and our lives put us off balance at times, so whatever you need to do to keep your mind straight, do it. Also, never be afraid to ask for a hug/cuddle if you need one. The people who care about you should be more than happy to accommodate.

8. Remove Negativity From Your Life

I know as well as you do that a lot of the time it's hard to be positive, especially when it seems as if the world is against you. But, positivity is such a great thing to surround yourself with and to emerge yourself in. It's almost impossible not to be positive after you get in the swing of it. Negativity is so exhausting. If you're trying to stay positive and there is someone or something in your life trying to bring that down, let it go. Of course there are certain things you might have to just put up with, but a lot of the time it's easy to remove a negative influence in your life. Do it because you deserve nothing but happiness. Because that's what you want to give to the world and the people in your life.

9. Laugh

Don't ever try to tell me that having a good, belly-aching laugh with some great people isn't one of the best experiences ever. Because I will definitely tell you you're wrong. Laughter is the best medicine. So let yourself laugh as much as possible. Let yourself get into the laughter, enjoy the moment. Be happy. Sometimes you'll need to laugh at yourself or laugh because there's nothing left to do, or because something is totally out of your control. Whatever the reason is, I'm sure you'll always feel really great after.

10. Take Time To Yourself

Sometimes you need to take a breather from life. Which is totally okay. Do it. A lot of the time we get wrapped up in social life, work, school, etc., that we forget to remember the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. Taking some time to relax, read a book, sing, or do whatever your little heart desires helps you regain a sense of self. It's awesome to be able to appreciate yourself and fall completely in love with yourself the way you are. So nurse your relationship with yourself as often as possible because it will only make it that much easier to love those around you. Understand the fact that you are capable of living a happy, healthy life all on your own. Live the life you love, love the life you live.