If we could sum up this year in a word, it would probably be “stressful.” No matter who you are, 2020 has probably led to some major changes in your life, and there’s a good chance it’s upended your self-care routine along the way. A few weeks into working at home, and maybe you don’t change out of your pajama pants. A few months…well, you get the idea.
Although giving in to your lazy, home-bound urges might feel kind of fun and indulgent at first, it’s no way to treat yourself in the long run. Avoiding self-care measures can have a major impact on your mental and physical health. Yogaline wants to make sure everyone can live a life they’re proud of and excited for; and looking and feeling your best is a huge part of that. Here are some tips for how to take care of yourself right now:
Eat Well
Junk food cravings are a natural response to stress, but eating a poor diet can also trigger stress. This can leave you stuck in a cycle of eating nutritionally lackluster food and feeling generally gross for months. Moreover, many people are turning to food delivery and easy, low-nutrient meals in order to save time and effort while self-isolating.
However, if you take the time to make your own meals, you’ll see huge results when it comes to your mood and energy levels. In fact, food like dark berries, avocado, walnut, fatty fish, and more are known to fend off depression. When people cook with ingredients they already have at home rather than order food out, they are more connected with their food. They tend to eat fewer calories and enjoy the food they’re eating more.
One simple, effective way to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need is to make sure you’re getting some source of fat, protein, and carbohydrates in every meal. Ideally, your carbohydrates should include some kind of fruit or vegetable. When you stick with this, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the macronutrients your body needs to thrive.
Address Your Surroundings
Did you know that our moods can depend heavily on our environment? Studies have shown that the spaces where we work, play, and sleep need to have certain cues in order for our minds to achieve those tasks properly. For example, your bedroom should be free of screens and be decorated in a way that encourages you to feel calm.
If you or your family are constantly feeling stressed out or at the ends of your ropes at home, take some time to look around and see if you could do anything to improve your home’s energy. For example, you might need to tidy up or open the windows to let in fresh air. Take the time to turn your home into a positive space where you can unwind.
Get Moving
Finally, we want to emphasize the benefits of sticking with a regular exercise routine for self-care. We obviously love yoga, but anything that gets you moving and feeling good inside your body does the trick. Try to exercise for an average of 150 minutes a week, but don’t be so strict that you see less than that as a failure. After all, taking a day off and then getting back to things is better than burning out and giving up your routine completely.
Most people consider exercise a weight loss tool, and though it can help you shed unwanted pounds, it’s so much more than that. Exercise gives you a chance to connect with your body and learn what amazing things you can do. Focus on setting goals for yourself and developing new abilities, and you’ll be able to unlock the true joy of exercise.
We hope these tools help you to come up with an effective self-care routine. Whether you’re enjoying a socially-distanced outing or staying at home, you deserve to look and feel your best. Treat yourself with care and kindness, and you will reap the rewards.
Want a more effective yoga flow? Get your personalized Yogaline Mat today.
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