As we enter the peak of summer, it’s safe to say we’re already half-way throughout the year !
For some of us that might be exciting, because we are just a little bit closer to the holidays. But if the middle of the year leaves you feeling stressed about the things you still need to get done, you’re not alone.
But before we give your productivity a boost, let’s go back to our basics for a healthy and active lifestyle so that we can reach our goals in a healthy way.
Of course, we’re talking about our self-care routines! Here are some ways we can all step up and revitalize our summer self-care routines.
To wake up early
Even if you don’t consider yourself a “morning person”, getting up early has benefits for all of us.
For starters, you create more time for yourself when you wake up early, especially if you live with other people. Having an extra moment of solitude in your day is a wonderful way to give yourself more head space, whether it’s preparing for your day, catching up on work, or just sipping your coffee a little slower.
And if you’re a commuter, waking up early can also save you time in traffic, which is a huge stressor for many of us.
Then, of course, waking up early means you have more time to exercise, which is actually the next step in our self-care routine!
Set an exercise duration
We are all aware of the benefits of exercise: endorphins for better mood and lower stress levels, not to mention maintaining a healthy weight, cardiovascular health and much more.
But if you’re struggling to accomplish your daily workout, consistency is key. Whether it’s every day or twice a week, scheduling your exercise at the same time of day can help you stick with it.
According to a study 2019the researchers found that participants who exercised multiple days a week at the same time logged more workouts and spent more time each week exercising than people whose exercise hours varied.
Set your daily intention
When you wake up in the morning, do you make a conscious effort to focus on your daily goals?
Too often, we might start our days with a drive to achieve big plans and goals, only to struggle, get distracted, and find ourselves at night with little accomplished.
If this sounds like something you’ve been through, try setting daily intentions.
Setting conscious daily intentions is one of the best ways to stay on track to achieve your goals and end your day feeling satisfied and proud of yourself. Intentions provide us with a focal point as we progress through our work, so whatever the project, your head is there.
In addition to boosting focus, setting daily intentions can also help start the day with a sense of positivity, as you focus on your aspirations and what’s to come, rather than your past, and allow yourself to focus more on the positive. aspect of life.
Your daily intention can be anything that resonates deeply with you and your future, and it should be something you can repeat throughout the day.
And while a daily intention is a very personal thing, here are some possible intentions if you’re having trouble thinking of one of your own:
Today I intend to…
-
To be present.
-
Focus on productivity.
-
I love myself.
-
Consider others.
-
Act with gratitude.
-
Discover new things.
-
Be nice to myself.
Eat a healthy breakfast
We’ve all heard it before: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. But it turns out there’s some truth to that sentiment.
As the name suggests, “breakfast” is literally the meal that breaks our fast, in other words, the period of nighttime fasting we undergo when we sleep. Eating breakfast restores your glucose intake to replenish your energy levels, while providing your body with the essential nutrients needed for a healthy day.
But even with the benefits that breakfast can provide, many people still skip it, either for lack of time or lack of appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to incorporate breakfast in a way that suits your day, whether it’s overnight oatmeal, toast with nut butter, fruit or even a healthy protein bar that you can carry.
Start keeping a diary
From illustrious artists to industry innovators, great minds have kept journals throughout the ages, recording their thoughts, experiences and feelings. And it’s no wonder mental health experts often recommend that we as individuals also keep our own journals.
And before you stray from the task, first think about what you can get out of it. Journaling has a number of benefits, including managing anxiety, tracking progress, and even boosting memory.
Besides that, remember that it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. If summarizing the day seems too tedious, you can simply write down your day in bullet points and focus on your thoughts and feelings instead.
And if writing, in general, isn’t your thing, let your visual creativity take over, and don’t hesitate to doodle! Plus, you’ll be in cahoots with the likes of Frida Kahlo and Da Vinci; much of their own journals consisted of illustrations!
Practice meditation or mindfulness
If stress is often what stands between you and your happiness, meditating or simply practicing mindfulness can be helpful.
Meditation is something anyone can do, and just a few minutes a day can help restore your sense of inner calm. Best of all, it’s free and there’s no need for fancy equipment, although there are guided meditation apps that can offer plenty of help for those who have trouble concentrating.
Whether you’re out for a walk, at your desk, or even in your kitchen making tea, meditation is something that can be done anytime, anywhere, and the benefits can include:
-
Increased awareness
-
Develop stress management skills
-
Reduced resting heart rate
-
Better focus
-
Better sleep
More water, less caffeine
As we all know by now, hydration is key to a self-care routine, and it’s something we should practice every day.
According to Harvard Medical SchoolWater is essential for a number of key functions in the body, including eliminating bacteria, digestion, transporting nutrients, cushioning joints, and regulating organ function.
So be sure to drink plenty of water before and after sleeping, and keep a glass or bottle of water nearby throughout the day.
And while you’re at it, try reaching for your glass of water more than your cup of coffee. Americans are drinking more caffeine than ever, and most of us are drinking way too much. And while a cup of coffee can provide health benefits for brain function and metabolism, it also has its downsides, such as high stress levels and potentially disrupt hormone levels.
Take away
We often find ourselves caught up in the daily grind of our careers, aspirations and goals. And while we must never lose sight of what we are working towards, it is vitally important to take care of ourselves.
Self-care is more than a weekly face mask or a tall glass of water, it’s a tool we can use to create balance in our lives. Ultimately, it’s important that we all find a self-care routine that works for you, so you can stick with it.
