7 Ways To Take Better Care Of Yourself

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Living in an age of instant gratification with the world at your fingertips, it’s hard not to get lost in your schedule. You may find that you haven’t spent much time taking care of yourself. It’s probably time for you to think about prioritizing self-betterment. Here are seven easy things you can do to take better care of yourself starting now.

1. Make Time For You

Whether you are weighing the pros and cons of a gap year or thinking about going to see a movie tonight, it’s important to make time for yourself. Plan a weekend getaway or a night out with friends. Think about what you love to do and set aside time to do it. If you once loved to cross-stitch, pick it back up. If you haven’t sat down to watch your favorite show in a while, plan a night to binge-watch on Netflix. Making time for yourself is relaxing and good for your mental health.

2. Do Something Good For Others

Paying it forward doesn’t just benefit the person you help; it’s good for you as well. Don’t be bogged down by worries of true altruism. If it feels good for you and helps others, it’s a good thing. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru. Help someone carry their bags at the supermarket. Donate to a charity that matters to you. Volunteering is also a great way to positively affect your well-being.

3. Spend Time Outside

When was the last time that you went for a walk outside or went on a hike? Fresh air and spending time in nature is a great way to rejuvenate yourself. If you aren’t much of an outdoorsy person, even just having a picnic in your backyard can be a refreshing way to change up your routine and feel a bit more connected to the outside.

4. Meditate

If you are short on time, meditation is a great way to take care of your mental health. All you need is a few moments every day to quiet your mind and relieve stress. Research shows that it can enhance your emotional stability and increase your capacity to feel compassion. There are plenty of techniques online to help you learn to meditate, and the benefits last throughout the day.

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5. Eat a Healthier Diet

There is truth to the phrase “you are what you eat.” Your physical health can directly affect your mental health. Be mindful of your diet by making it as balanced and natural as possible. Overly processed foods have been proven to negatively affect you mentally. More fruits and vegetables are always a great place to start. If you aren’t a big fan of cooking but might be interested in learning, taking a cooking class once or twice a week is another great way to make time for yourself.

6. Treat Yourself With a Shopping Spree

Never underestimate the benefits of a little retail therapy. Treat yourself to a shopping spree when you’re feeling down or bored. Studies show that just buying yourself new clothes can significantly enhance your mood. Of course, you should stay within the boundaries of your financial means, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time and buy something you’ve been wanting.

7. Find Something Cute to See

This might sound a little strange, but a great way to lift your spirits quickly and easily is to look at something cute. The next time you’re feeling a little sad or overwhelmed, search the internet for puppies, kittens or virtually any animal in baby form. You’ll find it impossible not to smile. Research shows that it can even help you be more productive at work.

As you start your self-love journey, you can also think about things that you have been neglecting that might be causing you undue stress. Maybe you need to declutter your office or call a family member that you haven’t spoken to lately. When you start to care for yourself properly, you’ll notice a change throughout every aspect of your life.