When was the last time you took some time out for some self-care? In this fast-paced world that we live in, it can often feel like you are always meant to be on the go. The advancement of technology hasn’t helped either. While smartphones allow us to connect with our loved ones whenever we want, they also mean that many of us are unable to switch off from work and find that time we need to look after ourselves.
However, while we all know the importance of self-care, it can be tough to understand how to begin. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of modern life but are not sure about the best way to start self-care, we have taken a closer look at some of the best tips for busy lives.
Why is self-care so important?
Self-care is not just about relaxing or treating yourself. It is about looking after your mental and physical wellbeing. Research has shown that searches for self-care have more than doubled since 2015, as an increasing number of people face feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Self-care comes in a variety of formats, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so it is all about finding the right methods that work for you. However, when you do find those techniques that work best, you will find that your stress and anxiety levels are lower and that you are better equipped to handle whatever life might throw your way.
Not focusing on taking some time out to look after yourself can be very detrimental to your physical and mental health. Not caring for your mind or body can result in you being more fatigued, emotional, and depressed. It can also result in health conditions such as arthritis worsening, resulting in increased inflammation and discomfort.
So what are the best tips if you’re always busy?
Finding the time to look after yourself can be incredibly challenging. Whether it is family life or work commitments, many of us feel like we are continuously busy. If you are struggling to find time for self-care, or you are not sure where to begin, we have taken a closer look at some of the best tips to help you:
1) Get enough sleep
One of the most important forms of self-care, and one of the easiest to do, is to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Ensuring that you are getting your eight hours of sleep a night is essential in helping your body to rest and recover, and failure to do so can result in a range of problems.
Alongside feeling more lethargic and fatigued, not getting enough sleep can also result in you feeling more emotional. Regularly not getting enough sleep can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, while it can also begin to cause major health issues. Sleep deprivation can result in high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. It can also make certain conditions worse, particularly arthritis.
2) Get active
Staying active is another very important part of self-care. If you are always on the go and your life is busy, then it can be hard to find the time to go to a gym. However, getting active does not require a lengthy workout session. In fact, getting just thirty minutes of movement in a day can help to transform your physical and mental wellbeing.
A short walk outside can help you to get the blood flowing, which can improve your fitness and heart health. However, it is also a great chance to get away from the stresses of life for a few minutes. Keep your phone on silent and focus on taking some time away from any distractions, allowing you to clear your mind as you walk.
3) Make sure you are eating right
When life is busy, it can be very easy to opt for a fast food meal or to eat something that is easy to prepare. However, these foods are not always the most nutritious, leading to obesity and a range of health issues.
Not fueling our bodies with the correct foods can also impact the energy we have throughout the day and not keep our minds working as sharply as they can. That is why another top self-care tip is to ensure that you are eating well throughout the day. Ditch those unhealthy snacks and swap them for healthier solutions. You should also try to ensure your diet incorporates plenty of fatty fish, nuts, vegetables, and fruits.
Consuming a diet full of these ingredients can help you to lose weight and boost your energy levels. It will also reduce symptoms of various conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
4) Don’t be afraid to say no
Saying no to social events that our friends and family ask us to go to can be incredibly hard, but it can also be an important part of self-care. If you feel stressed or burned out from life, adding additional social events to your calendar will only increase those feelings.
Learning to politely decline attending these events will give you the time to rest and recharge. This will also mean you are more attentive and engaging the next time you see your loved ones.
5) Spend time outside
As technology continues to take over our lives, many of us spend vast amounts of time staring into our screens, which can cause a range of issues. That is why, as part of your self-care routine, you should make sure you take time to spend a few minutes outside as often as possible.
Research has shown that there is a huge array of benefits that come from spending time outside, from boosting your immune system to improving your focus.
6) Meditate
Another fantastic tip for self-care is to meditate; this does not need to be an extensive session. Just ten minutes a day spent quietly reflecting on your day and clearing your mind can help to reduce anxiety and improve your mood.
Taking this time to decompress is very important, and can be as simple as closing your eyes for ten minutes and focusing on the rhythm of your breathing.
7) Treat yourself
Of course, sometimes self-care is about rewarding yourself. That is why you should not be afraid to pamper yourself every now and then or even spend some time on the sofa watching your favorite film. Whatever makes you feel relaxed and happy!
How JointFuel360 can help you
If you are finding the hustle and bustle of modern life is causing your arthritis to flare up and not giving you the time to focus on improving the symptoms, JointFuel360 is here to help you. Our all-natural joint supplement has been specifically formulated to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort, allowing you to enjoy improved flexibility.
Designed to promote stronger joints from within, our 100% drug-free supplement can help you to maximize your self-care and target arthritis discomfort, no matter where in the body it might be. Want to find out more? Check out our complete nutritional information here, or get in touch with our friendly team, who will be happy to help!