It’s easy to get caught up in the grind and forget about your well-being. Engaging in self-care will not only help manage stress, but even improve your productivity!
Check out these simple tips:
1. Eat regular meals and snacks.
I know, it seems simple, but when you’re busy, it can be easy to skip a meal. If you’re someone who forgets to eat when under pressure, try putting reminders in your phone. If appetite is low – try smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to pack in nutrition. As a liquid, smoothies empty from the stomach more rapidly and therefore, are better tolerated when appetite is low. Choose energy-dense snacks, pairing fiber and protein – ie. nuts and dried fruit or hummus and whole grain crackers.
It’s not uncommon to experience bowel irregularity or digestive discomfort during periods of stress. Eating regularly also supports optimal digestion and bowel habits.
Treat your meals/snacks as a well-deserved break. Step away from the computer and use this as an opportunity to connect with others, whether in person or by telephone.
2. Move your body. All-or-nothing thinking patterns are all too common in the nutrition and fitness worlds. Consider activity that you truly want to do – go for a walk, stretch it out on a yoga mat – you choose!
3. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule. This is so important. Not only getting enough sleep, but maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is key for managing stress and optimizing brain power.
4. Show yourself compassion. This goes for anything! While eating healthy, being active, and getting sufficient sleep may be the goal, you’re human. It can be tough sometimes to be gentle with ourselves, so a simple mantra can be helpful to practice self-compassion. Here are a couple of examples: “I am enough, just as I am.” “I am doing my best.”
5. Build a comfort toolbox. Engaging our senses helps to provide self-comfort and bring us to a more mindful state. Use essential oils, sip a hot tea, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket. All of these simple tasks can help lower stress hormones and promote relaxation.
Each day, consider at least one thing you can do to support your well-being. Break it down into bite-sized, manageable actions, and track your actions each day to keep your wellness at the forefront!