Everyone's heard the ole "Take care of your body; you only have one" schpleal. As cliche as it may be, it's completely true. It's actually science that "treat yo self" should be a part of your routine more often than not.
Putting "me time" on the back burner is a big part of why we all feel run-down, and taking care of yourself goes way farther than just eating right and exercising. It falls in the top 5 on the list.
Even though we are all guilty of eating like trash, eating the foods your body needs is crucial. I'm sure we can all agree after we start "dieting", during the first three days of eating clean, we feel 20 times better, even though we're dying on the inside for a donut. But, like I've said before, BALANCE and listen to your body. It's okay to eat garbage some of the time.
Drinking water is also crucial, like, we do need it to survive, ya know. That "Your body is made up of 75% water" wasn't a lie. Water helps with numerous things, such as, aiding in digestion, relieving fatigue, regulating body temperature, benefits your skin, helps mood, and what do ya know, it relieves hangovers AND bloating. (lol) Fun fact: when your body feels deprived of water, it retains it, which is why... bloating. Beat the boat-- Drink more water!
Also, a "take care of your self top 5," you guessed it-- Exercise. I know I said taking care of yourself goes farther than eating healthy and exercising, but they do count, and I'm trying to knock those out first. EXERCISE! We should all be active! No matter if you run or walk outside, go to the gym a couple days a week, play with the dog, garden, or do SOMETHING that makes you sweat and gets you moving. Something that makes walking up a flight of stairs not feel like you just ran a marathon. Exercising has a million health benefits. It reduces stress, builds muscle (hello sexy) releases endorphins-- the happy chemicals, anyone else get a runner's high? Not to mention, it boosts your self-confidence and helps you set goals for yourself.
My favorite "treat yo self" on the list is actually treating yo self. I love new things... who doesn't?! I'm in no means materialistic, but I do enjoy buying myself something nice, especially if I get a lot of use or wear out of it. I'm a money-saving Nazi, but when I do feel I get to treat myself, it's usually a new bikini or a nice piece of jewelry. It doesn't even always have to be a "thing"; indulge in a smoothie, coffee or something you don't get to treat yourself to often. Whenever I'm feeling deserving, I head right to my favorite organic spot and treat myself to some of their yummy food.
Sunscreen is good for you, but vitamin D is better. Let the sun shine on your face. Get outside, whether it be going to the beach, going for a walk or even laying out a blanket and reading a book. Breathe some fresh air. Being outside benefits the brain, because science says so. But, seriously, it can lower levels of depression and feeling stressed, and even increase brain function and creativity.
Don't forget that taking care of your body also means your mind. Read a book, doodle or do some Sudoku. Keep your mind sharp. I've recently gotten into writing, obviously. It all started as a blog. Writing helps me focus on a topic, obviously write about it and learn about it as well. Start a journal; I have a travel journal I kept for when I lived in Puerto Rico and love to go back and read what was going through my head at the time. If you're not into writing, there are so many cool apps out there for stimulating your brain. A great one to even help you learn a new language is Duolingo. It's game-based and before you know it, you're hooked and semi-bilingual.
Be mindful, be happy and stress less. These should be obvious. Stress is extremely bad for you. It weighs you down mentally, and I don't know about everyone else, but my face is a sure sign of stress. Zit city. Whew. Being mindful and focusing on the present is also important for your health. The past is in the past. Getting in-tune with ourselves through mindfulness elieviates stress and depression and helps us see in a truer light.
Always make time for yourself. Take care of your body. Laugh and laugh a lot, until your stomach hurts. Wash your face in the morning, don't smoke cigs, wear sunscreen, etc. But, seriously, so many ways to keep yourself tuned up. Listen to music, dance around, let out your frustration when you need to, GET ENOUGH SLEEP. There's always time for you to put yourself first. It's super important. You matter, and don't forget it.
