If you’re anything like us, you find it difficult to find the time to take care of yourself. Between the dishes, the kids, classes, work, and all the dear people in our lives, it’s easy to push that essential “me” time aside. But it can also be easy to do something nice for yourself! And what’s more, to do it on a daily basis! In order to encourage you to become MeSponsible (definition: “the act of being responsible to me, for the benefit of my health, happiness, and well-being”) we’ll be sharing daily tips of small acts you can take, everyday, for the next 20 days to treat your mind, body, and spirit just as nicely as you do everyone else.
Because while it’s good to be responsible in life, it’s necessary to be #MeSponsible!
TIP #1: READ A BOOK
Did you know that after World War, traumatized soldiers were often prescribed a course of reading? In fact, snuggling up with a good read lowers levels of unhealthy stress hormones, such as cortisol, and helps you feel more connected to the world. Not to mention the brain workout you’re getting! Lower stress levels also means healthier, clear skin, since we know by now that the mind and the skin are intimately intertwined. Stress levels and anxiety can lead to acne, eczema, hives, rosacea, etc… So pick up a book! Take the time out for yourself to de-stress and your skin will thank you for it!
TIP #2: EAT A HEALTHY DIET
You’re probably tired of hearing about the importance of eating healthy and I’m sure have heard by now of the MANY benefits that come from eating a healthy diet filled with veggies, fruits, and whole grains. While eating healthy may help you shed some pounds, it does much more than that: it makes you feel GREAT! In fact, food can change your mood. Case in point: Thanksgiving- the meal that leaves you sleepy and bloated. Healthy food does exactly that, but on the reverse- it makes you feel energized, light, and even helps you sleep better. Not to mention that a diet high in antioxidants (like those found in pomegranates and green tea) works wonder for your skin, preventing against premature aging and keeping it hydrated and clear.
New to healthy eating? Try it one day at a time, and make substitutions. For example, if you love french fries, try sweet potatoes fries baked in the oven instead. There is a healthy substitution for pretty much any food out there, and the internet is a great place to find them all. Don’t like vegetables? At all? Try a veggie and/or fruit pressed juice instead. It’s a great way to get a ton of benefits, and these days, there are restaurants all over Boulder serving the best in Cold Pressed juices. So no excuses. Eat better, feel better.
TIP #3: GET YOUR SWEAT ON!
The word Exercise never seems to define something fun. But it can be! And it is oh-so-good for you! In fact, regular exercise has been proven to: reduce stress, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression, boost self-esteem, improve sleep, increase energy levels, strengthen and build bones, improves muscle tone and strength, annnnnd make you look fit and healthy. Want an extra bonus? Regular exercise promotes healthy circulation, which is KEY for healthy, vibrant skin.
Don’t love the idea of working out at a gym? Intimated by others? Exercise can be done anywhere and in so many different ways, that it is truly an activity you can completely customize to make it FUN for YOU! Now that the weather is great and the sun is out, how about gardening or playing tennis? Dancing in your room also counts! Find a form of exercise that is fun for you, and you’ll never dread it ever again. And the bottom line is: anything that makes you sweaty will you make you feel great. So like Nike says: Just Do It.
TIP #4: TREAT YOURSELF TO A MANI/PEDI
It can be hard to be a woman sometimes. And when you think you should “look” a certain way, it is very discouraging when you feel that you don’t. But nails. Ah, nails! The lovely things on top of our fingers that when painted, make us feel pretty. It is so good to feel pretty. And getting a manicure and pedicure is a simple thing you can do for that extra boost of self-esteem! Not to mention how amazing it feels to have your feet soaked and your hands massaged… And when you feel good, you radiate that out into the world. So really, it’s as simple as: 1) Get you nails done. 2) Make the World a better place. Boom.
TIP #5: HAVE A CUPPA
A cup of tea, that is. Drinking tea has about a bizzillion health benefits, including bolstering your immune defenses and fighting off cancer, but most importantly is tea’s famous calming effect. Being MeSponsible is about more than just doing things that are good for you. It is also about taking the time out to breathe and truly be present in life. The ceremony of making a cup of tea and drinking it in a relaxing environment is just what we need after a long, stressful day. An added bonus of drinking decaff tea is that the antioxidants in tea protect our skin from the ravages of aging and the effects of pollution. A calm mind and beautiful skin? We’ll drink to that!
TIP #6: GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Those nights you stay up late and skimp on sleep takes a toll on your mind, body, and overall health. In fact, sleep deprivation is linked to cold/flu, diabetes, heart disease, mental health, obesity, and aging skin, and not sleeping enough can definitely cause all of these problems. Sleep is so crucial for our mental and physical health because our skin and entire body goes into repair mode when we sleep. This it the time when new skin cells grow and replace old ones, and when all sorts of hormonal and metabolic changes happen in the body. A lack of sleep can therefore disrupt this process. Ever heard of “Beauty Sleep?” It’s a real phenomenon! And what’s more, it’s free! Skimping on sleep will show on your skin, leading to sagging, lackluster skin, bags, dark circles and making you look older. So start setting aside 7-9 hours of sleep, daily, and your entire body, including your skin, will thank you!
TIP #7: GET ON CRAFTY MODE
On top of being an enjoyable way of “wasting” a few hours, arts and crafts can also help maintain your mental health. This is because while sometimes challenging, crafts are not mentally exhausting and are therefore a perfect way to de-stress. Crafts also aid in emotional well-being to an extent that more active sports cannot since making things by hand can bring about changes in emotions, sensory experiences, actions, behaviors, and patterns of thought. On top of it all, partaking in arts and crafts can improve your confidence, make you happier in the course of everyday life, and even help fight against depression and addiction. It’s no wonder then, that craft activities are such popular hobbies. The main benefit of partaking in crafts though, if you ask me, is how much fun they are! And what’s even better is that there is a type of craft to suit everyone’s interest, from scrapbooking to brewing beer and revamping old furniture, there is a perfect craft out there to suit your whims!
Need a little inspiration for your next craft project? Check out the 10 Best Craft Blogs to follow in 2015!
TIP #8: LET YOURSELF HAVE A TREAT
As a parent, you try to be good and keep in mind the ratio of your nos to your yesses so your kids don’t start seeing you as the villain from the latest Disney feature. But isn’t it funny how often we tell ourselves no, without regard to how it affects us? Taking the time to reward yourself is crucial to your well-being and small steps can mean big rewards, allowing you to go back to your often stressful life with a fresh attitude. Plus, if you’re not putting aside some time and money to enjoy the things you love, your energy will be off. Repeat with me: It is good to indulge here and there, and to do it without letting that post-treat guilt set in. So ease up on yourself! Say yes to that manicure, that piece of chocolate, those 10 minutes in the sun away from your desk, your favorite dessert, that long post-poned facial or massage you’ve been meaning to get, or even that sappy show you’re embarrassed to tell people you watch. Squeeze in a treat here and there, and you’ll notice a lightness in spirit and a boost to your everyday joy. That treat, my friend, will make you a better person in the long run. So go on, indulge.
TIP #9: GO FOR A WALK
“Anyone can walk. All we have to do is get on our legs, and the roads will take us everywhere.”
It’s clear the walking has a definite health benefit, but it’s not just for cardiovascular or physical health, but for psychological health as well. In fact, the more a person walks, the more immediate psychological effect that individual can expect to experience every day, like having a better mood, higher energy levels, more feelings of happiness, and higher self-esteem. Want an extra health boost? Take that walk outside and soak in a little Vitamin D (while wearing sunscreen, of course!), which can lessen the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.
TIP #10: SHOP FOR YOURSELF
Think about it- when was the last time you bought something nice for yourself? I don’t mean a new toothbrush, or something else you HAD to replace. I mean something that you buy just for the joy of knowing it is yours. Something that makes you happy, that makes you smile, that brings you positive feelings and joy. Shopping CAN actually make you happy, studies have found. In fact, treating yourself to something nice at the shops has a lasting positive impact on mood. They don’t call it retail therapy for nothing!
TIP #11: PLAY SOME TUNES
You probably remember, from your teenage years, listening to the same song over and over again for the feelings it would bring up. For me, that song was usually by the hot boyband of the time, and I would play it on repeat until eventually I fell asleep, thinking of my latest crush and how wonderful our future wedding would be (mind you, I’m 29, single, and I no longer listen to boybands). But really, all this embarrassing information is to express what you most likely already know: Music is a powerful thing. In fact, listening to music has a ton of health benefits, including: reducing stress and anxiety, helping with pain management and decreasing our feeling of pain, better memory recall, and even getting us through a tough workout. So if you’re feeling stressed, or just a little blue, play some happy tunes and soon you’ll find yourself singing along!
TIP #12: GIVE YOUR MIND A REST
It’s great to be active and cross things off your To Do list and plan ahead, but taking the time out to NOT think at all is extremely beneficial for your well being. Not thinking is an act of self-care because it forces us take a break from the constant discursive thinking that takes place in our minds during our waking hours. In fact, not thinking is restful, calming, and restorative. If you’re unsure how to practice not thinking, this article will tell you three simple ways to practice not thinking and give you some helpful tips if you’re having trouble calming your mind.
TIP #13: GO OUT FOR BREAKFAST AND SKIP COOKING FIRST THING IN THE DAY
Eating breakfast is important, but cooking first thing in the morning can sometimes feel like such a chore! So why not blow off washing dishes and cooking and dealing with other people’s breakfast requests and treat yourself to a delicious, prepared breakfast somewhere else? As you sit and wait for your food, take the time to enjoy your surroundings, to sip slowly on a cup of tea and coffee, perhaps read the news, or just check in with the special people in your life. Order something you normally wouldn’t make for yourself at home, and enjoy a little timeout for yourself before the crazy day begins.
TIP #14: SIP SOME WINE
Wine lovers rejoice! Moderate consumption of red wine (defined by the American Heart Association as 1-2 4oz glasses) is good for you! The health benefits range from a longer life span (compared to beer drinkers), lower risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure than nondrinkers, and a lower risk of getting cataracts and colon cancer. In addition to these, research shows that a moderate consumption of red wine can lead to certain psychological benefits, like a reduction in stress, feelings of anxiety, and tension. These health benefits are all great, but at the end of the day, a glass of red wine will make you feel pleasant and relaxed. So go on, let yourself enjoy that glass of Malbec without any guilt, knowing that sometimes, what’s good for you, tastes just as good too!
TIP #15: BUY YOURSELF SOME PRETTY LINGERIE
When was the last time you bought YOURSELF some pretty lingerie? If you are like the rest of us mere mortal women, you probably only reserve the special, pretty lingerie for special nights, and in wear it to please your other half. But what about buying yourself something nice and wearing it for YOUR pleasure? It seems like a somewhat novel idea, but it shouldn’t be. Part of feeling great in your skin and having confidence in who you are is appreciating what you see in the mirror. And how can you appreciate it when you’re always wearing those nude, cotton panties that cover your ass as if it were a tent? (you know the ones!) If you, like us, are embarking on this mission of self-care, you’ve noticed that a lot of it has to do with doing things for yourself.
TIP #16: CUDDLE WITH A PET
Did you know that simply brushing up against your dog or cat raises levels of the feel-good chemical Oxytocin? Aside from feeling cozy and nice, cuddling with a pet lowers stress and makes you feel positive. In fact, having a pet around and cuddling with one makes you less likely to feel anxious, alone, or depressed. We don’t think you need a reason to cuddle with your furry baby, but we’re glad to share how good it is for you! Need an extra bonus? Your pet will love the attention, too!
TIP #17: DRESS HOW YOU WANT TO FEEL
Sometimes feeling a certain way is as easy as changing your clothes. In fact, what you decide to pick out of your closet in the morning can and does affect the way you think, act, and perform. Have you ever woken up feeling blue and picked an outfit to brighten you up? Subconsciously, we attach emotions to clothes, so much so that when we use the ones that make us feel good, they become tools to boost our mood. When you feel that you look good, you feel good, and in turn, perform at a much higher level in both your personal and professional life. So dress how you want to feel! Do you want to feel pretty? Wear a skirt or a dress that makes you look pretty. Not feeling your best? Put an outfit together that makes you feel good and let the power of the clothes transform your mood.
TIP #18: TREAT YOURSELF TO A STAYCATION
Scheduling a time out for rest and relaxation is essential for mental health, but what to do when planning around busy schedules gets tough and saving for that vacation outside the state or country seems impossible? One word: STAYCATION! Plan a vacation in your own home, or a nearby city. Do all the things you would do on vacation: wake up late, treat yourself to a couple nice meals, check out local attractions like museums and parks, spend some time outside… Simply take one or two days to turn off from the mechanical nature of daily schedules and give your mind and body a vacation from all the stress of modern life.
TIP #19: WORK OUT YOUR GREEN THUMB
It’s gardening season, and what better reason to exercise your green thumb than all the culinary, health, and mental benefits it provides? Regular gardening reduces the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and various cancers. It also has been found to be the biggest risk reduction for dementia, reducing its chances by a whopping 33%! Gardening will also get your heart rate up, keep hands muscles vigorous and agile, and give you that daily dose of Vitamin D, which helps fight off colds and flus. What’s more, the dirt that accumulates underneath your fingernails consists of friendly bacteria that will relieve allergies and asthma symptoms. All this without even mentioning that the sensory experience from gardening stirs regenerative processes deep in our bodies and minds, and that the connection we feel to nature and to other living things helps us feel like a part of the web of life.
TIP #20: TRY SOMETHING NEW
Doing the same things day in and day out will lead you straight into a rut, so how about feeding your creativity and stepping out to try something new? It can be as simple as new food you’ve never tried before or a new workout class that piques your interest. When you do step out of your comfort zone, you’ll reap rewards like increased confidence (you’ll realize the potential you’ve had all along!), self-love, and the ability to see value around you. Sometimes, when you put yourself out on a limb in another area of your life, things you encounter in your everyday life like friendship and interacting with new people will all seem revived. Not to mention that trying new things might lead you to learn a new skill to add to your repertoire, so preemptively high-five yourself for all the great things you will gain when you try something new!