Working out is a great way to boost your mood while keeping your body in shape - but it’s not healthy to focus on fitness alone. - By Sheila Johnson
So keep an eye on your overall self-care and not just your physical strength. Fortunately, there are plenty of great ways you can help balance your fitness routines with some excellent forms of self-care. Here's FOUR different ideas to help you spread self-care throughout the day — and beyond your time at the gym.
Change Up Your Workout Routines - Try skating? Or dancing@
Who says working out can’t be enjoyable? In fact, incorporating some fun into your fitness routine can help you stick with it. If you loved skating as a kid, try rollerblading for a fun and exciting way to get moving as an adult. Or, you can ask a friend to join your normal workout routine or sign up for a Pilates or dance class. Choosing to participate in an enjoyable activity can help you overcome any 'fear of failure' and keep you motivated. As you get more comfortable with injecting some fun into your routine, you may find new ways to improve your workouts. One great workout enhancer is a smartwatch, which can track your activity and display health stats and workout results. You may also consider accessorizing your watch with an attractive band to change up the look of your investment.
Stretch Stress Relief Beyond Exercise - mediate? Green tea?
Working out is not the only way to relieve stress. Beyond exercise, helpful ways to relieve stress may include something as simple as lighting a lavender candle or drinking some green tea. Try meditation or even guided imagery by downloading some apps for your smartphone or tablet.
Of course, it’s incredibly important to identify what’s causing you to feel stress so you can address the problem. For example, if having a lot of your plate causes you to feel overwhelmed and stressed out, then consider buying a notebook so you can write down your thoughts and create to-do lists. By addressing these stressors at the root, you can keep reducing the amount of stress you feel and practice some good self-care at the same time.
Begin Your Day On the Right Foot - think setting & changing your 'routines'!
Starting your day off on the right foot can make the rest of the day fall in step. This can be done by creating a healthy morning routine that starts before you leave the house. According to Medium.com, the best way to do this is by creating a no-think routine that allows you to save mental energy for bigger things on your schedule. Next, instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, pour yourself a glass of lemon water, as it will help kick-start your metabolism before eating breakfast. Lastly, try to focus on positive thoughts and feelings, which can help release dopamine and endorphins. Creating a simple morning routine can help you get out of bed with a more optimistic view and prepare you for whatever lies ahead.
Hang Out with Your Furry Four-Legged Friend - a woman's best friend?
Sometimes, the best self-care involves spending some quality time with your pet. Hanging out with your dog or cat — or even your pet bird or lizard — can help fight against mental health challenges, as they can encourage the act of mindfulness. Pets can also inspire their owners to spend time with others by getting them outside for walks or playtime at the local dog park. By relaxing and hanging out with your pet, you can truly increase your self-care in a fun, furry way.
Engaging in self-care practices that go beyond exercise is truly important for your overall well-being. By focusing on your mental health, as well as doing activities outside of the gym, you can make your self-care routines well-rounded, fun, and stress-free.
