4 Self-Care Practices to Improve Your Mental and Physical Health

This is a guest post by writer and self-care advocate, Brad Krause.  Brad is dedicated to helping others become their best selves through simple self-care practices.  Here are four practices you can implement today to foster better mental and physical health.

Self-care can seem impossible when life gets hectic, but it’s important to work self-care strategies into your weekly routine.  Over time, stress accumulates and can have long term affects on all aspects of your health.  Fortunately, there are plenty of self-care strategies that can help you maintain balance, improve your health, and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. 

1. Simplify Your Life

Sometimes, you need to pull back a little on your activities and learn to say no. It’s great to be involved, but committing too much will wear you down over time and make it tough to function effectively.  Everyone needs a little downtime – a period of rest and relaxation for enjoying a favorite movie, reading a book, or letting your thoughts wander for a while.  If it’s restful, then it’s valuable and should be made a priority.

2. Set Aside Time for Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to elevate your mood, keep you motivated, and improve your mental health.  A good workout activates the “feel good” endorphins in your brain and makes you want to get even more exercise. It also helps work off frustration and reduces stress, which takes a dangerous toll on both mind and body. There are different ways to approach it — you can join a gym, become part of an exercise class, work out at home (which might require home gym equipment), or practice yoga.

3. Get Some Fresh Air

Did you know that just being out in the sunshine is beneficial to your overall health?  The fresh air is good for your body, as is the vitamin D your body produces in response to natural light.  Adequate vitamin D levels have been shown to help elevate your mood, protect against depression, and reduce your chance of osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.  Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s hiking in the woods, running on the beach, working in the backyard, or taking your dog for a walk, and make time for it every week.  Sunlight during the colder months may not feel warm, but it helps foster your mental health, so bundle up and get out there!

Not sure what to do when you get outside?  There are a plethora of ideas to keep you entertained and engaged, regardless of the season.  You could take a brisk jog around the block, go for a bike ride, or get your children involved in a game of basketball.  The possibilities are endless!

4. Reflect and Meditate

Think about all the stress you deal with over the course of a week and how quickly it can pile up.  It’s important to process your thoughts and feelings in order to maintain good mental health. Making time for personal reflection and meditation is an excellent way to work through everything that’s happened during the week.  Keeping a personal journal can help you maintain an attitude of gratitude and focus on the blessings in your life.  Try adding breathing exercises, another form of meditation, to reduce stress and practice mindfulness.  Mindfulness has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression while increasing the body’s ability to relax.

Good physical and mental health are necessary for maintaining a fulfilling, well-rounded life.  If you lead a busy life, practicing good self-care takes commitment and determination.  It may not always be easy to set aside the time, but the mental, physical, and emotional benefits are well worth it!  

Call to Action: What’s one strategy you can start now to foster better self-care?  Share it in the comments.