7 Simple Self-Care Practices for Health & Happiness
The second half of 2016 was pretty life-changing for me. Even though I had a lot of wonderful experiences, people, and opportunities enter my life, the shift in AHA-ness came from within (and resulted in 20-lbs weight loss – all baby weight, heightened mindfulness, more gratitude, happiness, etc.). Yep, it all began when I started to practice little bits of self care. Self-care might sound like a selfish term, but you can’t possibly be the best you (happy, healthy, inspired, etc.) to give your love and energy to others and to the world, if you’re not hookin’ yourself up with some much deserved TLC, too. I’m definitely a work in progress, but I wanted to share with you all some of the habits and practices I’ve been incorporating into my daily routine.
7 Simple Self-Care Practices for Health & Happiness
1. Exercise gratitude – I acknowledge 10 things I’m grateful for before bed every night. Sometimes my list consists of fundamental things like, “I’m grateful for a roof over my head” and other times it’s like, “Beyond stoked my squishy avocado that’s been sitting in my fridge for 2.5 weeks wasn’t brown and stanky on the inside, and hence, Taco Tuesday-worthy.” Just let that ish flow.
2. Meditate – Mediating sounds hella easy, but it’s literally one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. I’m lazy and almost always mediate while laying down before going sleepies. It’s still incredibly difficult to calm my monkey mind, which can’t stop replaying what I ate during the day, who I saw, what I did, what I wanna do the next day, and “Hey, did I turn off the kitchen light?”. The times I do successfully meditate (still practicing to make perfect-ish), tinglies (really pretty-feeling ones) surge throughout my body including my head (I joke with my hubs that it’s like a braingasm… it’s seriously a trippy experience, and I don’t know why more people don’t talk about this (because I think it would inspire more people to do it, lol!). I’ll express this more in-depth in a future blog post, but meditation is seriously om-azing!
3. Move yo’ body – A workout high is a legit thang, y’all! Exercising gives you more energy throughout the day, helps keep stress levels down, and just feels friggin’ good (as does clean eating, so eat your greens!).
Besides, if you want to improve your muscle strength, why not exercise your body once in a while! The human body is prone to muscle injuries that may develop with time or happen all at once. Common injuries that happen include fractures.
One great example is a stress fracture. Are you wondering what is a stress fracture? This is a crack in the bone that happens over time from continually standing, running, walking, or jumping. Besides, if you are active in sports, you are more than likely to experience one.
Moving your body can help you reduce the chances of getting such physical injuries. It can also have significant impacts on your weight. Most people struggle to lose weight, and the only secret is exercising and eating right. If you can get the body of your dreams by merely moving your body, won’t that make you happy? If exercising your body becomes a habit, you can sustain your happiness in the long run.
4. Elsa-fy yo’ attitude – “Let it go.” … especially when it comes to toxic people, things, and ideas. Also, stop comparing yourself to others, because envy is the thief of joy. You do you, and try your best to filter out any negativity from outside sources as well as your inner voice.
5. Schedule “me” time – Whether it’s soaking in a bubble bath with candles and sparkling kombucha, going for a jog, getting a foot massage, watching a chick flick (or an entire TV series on Netflix in one sitting, ha!), DO IT!
6. Be of service to others – Find ways to give to others, whether you’re offering your skills, food, comfort, or simply a smile – we all have something to give that could brighten someone’s day. It’s a guaranteed way to brighten yours, too!
7. Be yourself – This one gets easier with age. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is something that can take lots of work, but once you get on that path, it’s a glorious feeling. Sure, insecurities, fears, doubts, etc. still come creeping in from time to time, but just acknowledge them, take them on or let them go, and be on your badass way. You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are love. ♥
What are some of the ways you practice self-care? xo
About Sunny (Sunny's Profile)
Longtime vegan, hardcore compassionate beauty junkie, serious cake aficionado, and lover of all things floofy and sparkly! If there's something in particular you'd like me to review, drop me a line at Sunny@VeganBeautyReview.com. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Google +.Filed in: vegan lifestyle
