It's important to take care of our bodies, and we know that, but it can be hard to stay motivated, especially when we get so busy.
Why should we practice physical self-care?
Physical self-care is the key to lasting happiness and good health. Once your body is in a stable, healthy state, your mind and spirit will start to follow suit.
Our lives are busier than ever. Struggling to find the time for self-care is a big issue. Finding a motivating and exciting idea can be a challenge, so we put together a list of simple physical activities to help you get started!
- Nature Walk
It's important to keep your body healthy and reward yourself for your hard work, which is why running or walking outside is a good outlet for both of those things. A nature walk is relaxing and will keep you grounded as well.
It's essential to take regular walks outside. It helps your physical health and your mental state. Get some fresh air, see the greenery around you, and relieve stress under the blue sky. All of these will help you stay healthy!
- Going for a Run
If you enjoy running, try to go weekly on a run outside!
You can even run with your little ones in a stroller or with your spouse before work. Try to invite friends for a little competition too!
- Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is often used as a lighter form of self-care, but it still has the potential to have a big impact on your health. As you do yoga, it's important that you also practice meditation at the same time to work on your mental and spiritual wellbeing too.
There are many great yoga videos available for all levels. You can start with a few minutes and slowly add more time as you get stronger and more flexible.
- Workout
Some people love to workout, while others don't. Perhaps it is worth trying it one time to see if you like it. Give it a try and see how you feel!
You have access to amazing instructors and videos, all for free! Check out Pinterest, YouTube, and other apps on your phone. You'll be sure to find at least one workout that excites you!
- Dance
I love the idea of dancing as a way to care for my physical needs. I'll often dance in the living room now and then or schedule a few minutes each day for a little fresh air and moving around.
Try taking some dance lessons as well! Choose from a few dance styles or take a multi-style lesson to find which you enjoy the most.
- Swim
Swimming is a fun exercise that many people enjoy, and it's great for those who can't work out in other ways. When you're in the water, your body can move more easily and painlessly than on land.
Most cities have public pools where you can relax with your friends and loved ones in the summer heat. If you live near the sea or close to a river, go there; it's even more relaxing!
- Take a Nap
As moms, we'll often spend our days constantly moving and working without taking a break. Sleep is a crucial activity because it's so easy to lose track of time and feel stuck in an unending cycle of work.
Sometimes, once you have some free time, it can be better to actually sleep rather than do a hard workout. Whenever you feel like your body needs it, try resting. Your body will thank you for it.
If you find it hard to nap during the day, there are several different things that you can do. You can go to bed earlier, sleep in for an hour or two, or simply lay on the couch and simply meditate.
- Eat
If you are a parent, you should try to eat more food, so your energy doesn't run out throughout the day. It's easy to forget to eat when trying to fit everything in, so make sure that a few meals are eaten per day.
For your self-care this week, try not to eat anything that is processed or will only be enjoyable for a short time. It can be challenging since we don't usually have much time for ourselves, but it is worth the effort. Try to find exciting healthy foods, so you are more likely to enjoy them!
- Take a New Class
Many fun classes are easy to take that have plenty of physical activity, including:
- Hip hop class
- Martial arts
- Ballroom dancing
- Tap dancing
- Zumba
- Yoga
- Swimming aerobics class
Consider joining a group of your friends in yoga classes. Conversation and laughter will give you the ability to take care of yourself while not focusing on taking care of others.
- Declutter
Decluttering your home will make it a lot more pleasant to walk in and will clear your thoughts. If clutter starts piling up everywhere in your home, you'll start to feel just as stressed out.
Give yourself a few minutes each day to declutter. You might be surprised; it often turns into a workout!
- Stretch
Stretching is another perfect physical self-care activity that is relaxing and helps our bodies feel so much better. Stretching, especially at night, often helps you go to sleep so much quicker and have a deeper sleep too!
Spend some time during your night routine stretching out the muscles in your body. This will not only make you feel better but may help improve your mobility too.
- Take a Shower
Taking a shower and feeling clean can really help with rejuvenation. Often, this is one of the first things to go when moms are busy. But, remember to take some time for yourself, where you can get in a nice, long hot shower and just relax.
These 12 self-care ideas are not too hard to do, even if you don't have much time. You can do any of them in just a few minutes every day. Try some of these the next time you get enough time for yourself; your body and mind will thank you!
I’m regularly doing 10 out of your 12 tips for self-care so you got it pretty spot on! Maybe I should give the remaining two a chance, they can’t be that bad if they’re on this list.
Thank you!