By no means am I trying to come across as a broken record, but the last couple of posts I wrote regarding self-care strategies that don’t take up a tremendous amount of time piqued the interest of a lot of you. There are a few remaining tips, courtesy of webmd.com, so I shall share them with you once more.
“Fuel up, but keep it healthy and simple. Some ideas:
- Oranges. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which is good for your immune system.
- Nuts. Enjoy a small handful of walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for some omega-3 fatty acids that even out your stress hormones.
- Whole grains. A bowl of oatmeal or a piece of whole wheat toast could help your brain make more serotonin, which can improve your mood.
“Open a door for someone. Donate to a cause you believe in. Sign up for a volunteer project. Help a family member with a small task. Studies prove that when you show kindness to other people, it makes you feel good. And it can be quick to do, any day of the week.
“Reach for your toes! Take a short break to gently stretch your neck, shoulders, lower back, thighs, and hips. Try yoga moves, like downward dog, mountain pose, or cat-cow. When you stretch, it lowers stress and sends extra blood to your muscles.
“Find a friend or family member and ask for a hug. That warm squeeze will give you a lift — and could even make conflict less upsetting, according to one study. Hugging could also help your immune system, another study says.
“Practice positive self-talk. Try to reverse any negative thoughts you have. If you’re worried about a mistake you made, tell yourself, ‘Everyone messes up. I can fix it.’ Say a few upbeat mantras to yourself out loud — it can change your thinking and cut your stress.
“Jot down a few words of appreciation to someone who has helped you. You can express thanks for recent favors, birthday gifts, or long-lasting support. One study showed people who did this actually trained themselves to be more grateful,” the web page explains.
This should be the last of speedy self-care tips for a while, but I do implore you to make the most of this information and put it to good use.
ontheedgeofeverything 