In today’s busy world, family obligations, work responsibilities, financial issues, and other pressures can leave you so spent that you don’t take care of your own personal needs. And while taking time for self-care might seem selfish, it’s actually an essential part of stress management and mental nourishment.
If you are mentally and physically exhausted, you may end up feeling burned out, resentful, and depressed. However, self-care can help renew your sense of self-worth and overall well-being. So, take time out to make yourself a priority and you’ll soon find yourself feeling more refreshed and able to handle anything life throws at you.
Create a Relaxing Environment
One of the primary ways you can reduce stress in your life is by taking time to relax. However, it’s almost impossible to relax in a messy, cluttered environment. And unfortunately, when you are stressed out, your home often becomes more and more cluttered. As the mess increases, so does the stress of knowing you’ll have to eventually clean it. Take a leaf out of Marie Kondō’s book and declutter, keeping only what brings you joy. Or grant yourself some grace and get a little help by hiring one of her consultants or – for those who find Marie’s methods too alarming – a cleaning service to deep clean your home. In Beverly Hills, the cost of a maid service to clean a house typically averages between $123 and $209. Of course, this depends on the size of your home and how much you need to be decluttered and cleaned. Whatever the cost, it’s probably worth it to lift the cleaning burden off your shoulders and allow you to create a serene, relaxing home environment.
Get Enough Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep? Unfortunately, many of us aren’t. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average adult needs seven to nine hours of quality sleep. That doesn’t include the hours that you are lying awake worrying about your problems or tossing and turning as you try to fall asleep. It means actual time asleep. Help yourself get a good night’s sleep by keeping your bedroom cool and dark. Also, avoid caffeine in the evening hours, and get enough exercise or physical activity in the daytime. Sleep allows your body and mind time to heal and also provides the time necessary to restore energy, hormone, and stress levels. With a good night’s sleep, you’ll wake up feeling less stressed, depressed, and defeated.
Say ‘No’ Without Guilt
You don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time. You don’t have to accept every invitation or obligation. When you don’t have the time or energy to do something, feel free to say “no.” And say it without any guilt. Instead of attending a party, volunteering at an event, or chauffeuring your kids and all their friends, take time to pamper yourself. Even if all your friends or family members are all out doing something together, it doesn’t mean you can’t be at home taking a bubble bath or giving yourself a facial. Synergie’s Masquerase is the perfect mask to accompany a long soak in the tub! Taking care of your skin through facials and other treatments is an important way to care for your body and help you relax.
See a Counselor if You’re Struggling
If you are struggling, don’t feel ashamed about asking for help. Reach out to friends when you need to talk, let your spouse know when you want a break, and see a professional when you deem it’s warranted. So, check your health insurance coverage to see what’s covered. Some policies are limited to what types of counselors you can see or only allow a certain number of visits each year. Medicare Part B typically provides some coverage for mental health services, including counseling and therapy with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other therapists. However, a Medicare Advantage plan may provide additional coverage. During the Open Enrollment period for Medicare from October 15 to December 7, you can change plans, so it’s a good time to make any necessary adjustments.
Many people get so caught up in life and taking care of others that they forget about taking care of themselves. A lack of self-care can lead to physical ailments, as well as mental and emotional issues. Let self-care take precedence to improve your quality of life and well-being.
Author Bio
Sheila Olson is a personal trainer with more than five years’ experience, who believes in setting small goals to achieve physical fitness and good health. She’s a keen advocate of positive thinking and mindfulness as part of her training programs. Read more of her posts at FitSheila.com.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
