"How Self-Care Lifts You Up and Away"

Do you care about your well-being? If so, then why do you spend so much time focusing on others rather than yourself? That can happen pretty easily if you’re quick to say to “yes” every time a colleague or friend asks you to do something rather than saving time and energy for your own needs. That’ll run you ragged in the long term as you struggle to get everything done. If you say “no” every now and again, you can focus on self-care.

That means relieving stress, taking care of your teeth, relaxing after work, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy, all of which help you stay strong — physically and mentally — for you and everyone in your life. Not sure about that? Here’s a look at those basic self-care practices and how your mind, outlook, and attitude can change for the better.

Relieving Stress

This is a great place to start, as the pressure you put on yourself is one of the greatest obstacles to feeling good. Many tout mindfulness as the way forward, with ample reason to back that up. Being in the present and letting emotions pass non-judgmentally through meditation or yoga does wonders to turn off the self-defeating chatter in your head.

Taking Care of Your Teeth

How well and how often you brush and floss your teeth can profoundly affect your mental health. Improper oral care can lead to negative emotions and put more stress on your body, including pain and muscle tension. It can even raise the risk of heart disease, in addition to dental problems. Do your mind and body a favor by making it a habit to clean your mouth daily and get regular dental checkups. A bright smile can make you feel happier and more confident.

Relaxing After Work

Sure, there are chores to do, and your dwelling would be a wreck if you didn’t tackle them. However, don’t ignore the importance of unwinding and recharging your batteries. A hobby is an excellent way to do that, as it encourages learning, discovery, and creativity while taking your mind off your problems and providing an emotional outlet.

Getting Enough Sleep

Relaxed and free of stress, you can finally drift off into dreamland when your head hits the pillow rather than tossing and turning all night. If you’re still having trouble with that, add a hot shower, a cup of herbal tea, and a good book to your evening routine. Soon, you’ll be waking up refreshed rather than dreading the day ahead.

Eating Healthy

All your efforts will be sabotaged if you gorge on fat, sugar, and salt, the three horsemen of your personal apocalypse, according to an article in the Conversation. Opt instead for balanced meals packed with the nutrients your body needs. If you’re no ace in the kitchen, find a meal delivery service that offers an exciting variety of dishes to keep you from getting bored with healthy eating. At the end of the day, you’ll feel better for it.

Now, what exactly do those five things do for you mentally?

• They Make You Calm

This was already hinted at as a result of stress relief, but it can’t be stressed enough. Without that pressure from work and family tipping you into a state of near panic, you’ll be able to make difficult decisions without breaking a sweat. People may even begin to look up to you as a natural leader, according to HubSpot.

• They Increase Energy

Part of this boost in energy comes from your new diet, which ensures optimal blood sugar levels throughout the day as well as hormonal balance. This wonderful new state of being is enhanced through finding ways to unwind and getting your 40 winks, and you’ll soon find yourself with more than enough pep to get through the day while working on your personal goes as well.

• They Boost Confidence

Remember that hobby you use to relax after work? That’s doing more for you than you think. Whether by knitting or playing the guitar, you get better as you go along. It’s an empowering reminder of your overall competence, and that stressed-out voice in your head has been silenced so it can’t tell you otherwise.

• They Give You Hope

With confidence comes positivity, pure and simple. Suddenly, those long-term goals you set for yourself and your career don’t seem that far off at all. Step by step, you can get there with the new energy and clarity that you’ve found.

It’s worth giving self-care a try, isn’t it? You’re only looking at a few lifestyle changes, but the mental progress is enormous. Now that’s something to say “yes” to.

Featuring guest writer, Brad Krause.