Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be on your to-do list of things — it’s something you should include as a normal part of your life. Every day you are exposed to stress, making you feel caged and trapped inside the vicious circle to tension and agitation. While expressing your true feelings may bring you some relief, it is not always a prudent option.
So, you pile up all that dissatisfaction inside and allow it to make you unhappy, anxious, and dejected. This is the path that most people choose to avoid conflict and judgment, but you shouldn’t worry about that at all. Keeping your mind healthy and free is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, and here is how.
Be physically active
Physical activity is not only about staying in shape and losing weight. Only 10 minutes of yoga or moderate exercise in the morning can make you feel energized and positive. Going to the gym or doing any other form of full workout at least three times of week can decrease stress and improve your self-confidence. Being physically active promotes the production of feel-good hormones, like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin that can boost your mood and lessen anxiety. If you feel uncomfortable going to the gym or classes, start exercising at home with online trainers. It’s free, you can try several until you decide which one is for you, and you can do it anytime you like.
Start a hobby
A hobby is an excellent way to dedicate time to yourself and do something that makes you fulfilled. Think about things you always wanted to learn or know how to do, like dancing, painting, or skating. If you feel uncomfortable going to classes or there is anything else preventing you to do this, join an online course. There are numerous online possibilities to take up a hobby in the online sphere, from free video tutorials to one-on-one lessons. Forget about reasons and excuses not to do something you like, and just take a leap in discovering a new side of yourself.
It’s okay to say ‘no’
Saying ‘yes’ all the time is not a solution to feel better about yourself, but rather a reason why that doesn’t happen. Before you agree to something, weigh on the pros and cons you should or shouldn’t do it. That way, you will be fair to yourself and other people involved in this decision. Moreover, learn how to say ‘no’ gracefully, like starting with something small. Also, declining to do something right away doesn’t mean you are unwilling to do it in the future, so make sure the other person knows this. Learning to say ‘no’ will make you more confident and help you better manage your free time so you can spend it is more focused on your wellbeing.
Socialize more
Spending time with people important in your life can have a huge impact on your mind and wellbeing. Thanks to modern technology, now you can have a glass of wine with a friend living in another town or country over video chat. It’s okay to spend time alone, but being surrounded by people you love is also important for keeping your mind healthy. Instead of leaving comments and likes, call them, send them a direct message, and create a party with a conference call. Fill your life with people who cherish you and you will get an instant boost of positive energy.
Find time for yourself
Sometimes even 15 minutes of having coffee under vergola on the porch are enough to recharge your batteries. No matter how hectic your schedule is, always find time to do something for yourself, like a mani-pedi appointment or a walk in the park. Delegate some of the housework to your family, put your phone on silent, or set a certain part of the weekend as your ‘me time’. This is not selfish, but rather well deserved and necessary to keep your mind healthy and enhance the quality of life.
Take a break
If you feel like you are overworked or have too much on your plate — just stop. There is no use in continuing to live this way since you will only get more frustrated and tired. See if you can get some time off work or go away for the weekend. Changing the pace to a slower one is also a good way to relieve some of the stress and take a breather. Planning is one of the most efficient ways to get some time off from your busy schedule and give yourself a break.
In the end
Keeping your mind healthy and free is not an easy task today in a world full of stress, but it’s also far from impossible. Treat yourself with ‘me time’ and start thinking about your wellbeing more. Even 15 minutes on a busy day is sometimes enough to recharge and keep the stress at bay.
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