5 Ways to Mix Fitness With Self-Care for Overall Wellness

 5 Ways to Mix Fitness With Self-Care for Overall Wellness

Working on your fitness is a major first step in taking better care of your health. Self-care, however, is just as important in shaping the way you look and feel, so you have to find ways to work it into your fitness routine. Luckily, the best self-care steps are the ones you may already be taking in your everyday life. Just in case, here are five practices you should never skip.

Eating Whole, Healthy Foods

If you want to get serious about your health, then self-care should be part of every meal and snack you eat. Folding self-care into your diet will help you make better choices, and eventually will lead to you looking and feeling your best. One easy way to have healthy foods on hand, and stay on top of your portions, is to use a fresh food delivery service. With these programs, healthy meals and options are delivered right to your door. Plus, many of these services offer variety and portion control that you may not be able to achieve on your own. This means less effort for you but may also lead to more weight loss and health benefits.

If you’re trying to lose weight and take appetite suppressants, just make sure you investigate the best options for your lifestyle and diet. Certain suppressants contain extra ingredients that may not mix well with some medications or your current diet.

Releasing Tension Every Day

As our schedules get busier, we expose ourselves to more stress. Stress can take a toll on your mind, body, and soul, which means it is vital to have ways to release it. By practicing some yoga poses, like bridge or eagle, you should feel your muscles begin to relax and your mind begin to feel calmer in minutes. Even a quick child’s pose can help you center your breath and beat back any tension you feel. When you can’t get to your mat, it’s also useful to have some quick tricks to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed. A short meditation session or walk can help you tame your stress and get your day back on track.

Caring for Your Emotions

When you spend so much time working on your physical fitness, it can be easy to overlook your mental health. Mental health, however, can have just as much (if not more) control over your overall sense of wellness. If you feel depressed or anxious, you are less likely to exercise, so make sure you are taking care of your mental health. Make meditation a daily habit, even if it is only for a few minutes, and be sure you are getting enough time to relax. When a change in habit doesn’t change your feelings, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You can find therapy to fit any need or any budget, and help you take back control of your mental health.

Knowing When (and How) to Say “No”

If you think you don’t have time for self-care, you may need to rework your schedule. Packing your schedule with responsibilities will only leave you feeling more stressed, so learn some positive ways to say “no” that will not leave you feeling anxious or guilty. You should say “no” when something will cause you financial or emotional stress, or if you simply do not have the time to devote to the task. Be firm and clear, but polite, in your refusal; you should have no reason to feel bad about turning something down.

Allowing Yourself Time to Sleep

Giving up sleep, whether it’s to exercise or for anything else, is a bad move for your health. If you are trying to lose weight, sleepcan even help you achieve your goals faster. Getting seven to eight hours a night can reduce cravings, regulate your metabolism, and also help you feel fuller longer when eating. If you want to get better sleep, try to keep a regular sleep scheduleand cut down on caffeine throughout the day. You can also try creating a more comfortable bedroom, with cooler temperatures and softer bedding.

For better health, you have to focus on more than your fitness. You have to work on making self-care a priority as well, so you can create a stronger mind, body, and soul. Mixing self-care and fitness is the best way to make yourself healthier and happier.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

from Southern Patriot Fitness http://bit.ly/2S5jrul