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According to the American Psychological Association, stress is a new national mental health crisis in America which could have serious health consequences for individuals and imbalances in society on a collective level.  You may be feeling stressed about one or more areas of your life yourself. Consider taking up self-care –the practice of loving yourself and actively and consciously looking after your wellbeing. It can help you beat stress, stay in good mental health, and, indeed, build a better life around yourself.

With self-care at the core of Taboodoir's mission, this article will cover some of the benefits of self-care and offer suggestions on making it a part of your lifestyle.

Self-Care is your ticket to better mental health and a more wholesome life

Your body is a lot like a vehicle – it needs regular tune-up and maintenance to remain in working shape. Seeing to your body’s needs, likewise, preserves your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, it allows you to manage your stress and allay your fears – necessary things if you want to maintain good health. Stress, when you boil things down, is often triggered by feelings of unsafety – and good health makes you feel alive and counters that. Also, when you’re in good health, you are in the right space to find good work and relationships.

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You can practice self-care by making some changes to your routine

Self-care isn’t hard. We all have instincts to look after ourselves – we’re often just pushed off track by external factors, demands, and occasionally self-destructive habits. We recommend making small changes to your routine to ease yourself into the habit, and then building up over time:

Be mindful about your food: Eating junk makes you feel like junk. Follow a well-balanced diet plan that gives your body the nutrients it needs and craves.

Cut back on caffeine: Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, and one effective way to do so is by cutting back on caffeine consumption. Caffeine is known to have diuretic properties, which means it can increase urine production and lead to fluid loss from the body.

Treat yourself with kindness: Be kind to yourself. You need self-compassion as much as you need food and water.

Keep up with doctor appointments: Keeping up with regular doctor's visits is essential for maintaining good health and preventing potential medical issues from escalating. Most insurance plans cover annual check-ups, so check with your provider – whether they be through the ACA marketplace or Medicaid – to see if you’re covered.

Keep track of your accomplishments: Sterling Career Concepts notes that patting yourself on the back for everything you do for yourself (and family) is important. It gives you confidence, reassures you that your work matters, and builds up your self-esteem.

Manage your stress: Some stress may help you get things done, but obviously, too much will break you down. Manage your stress with deep breathing, conversations with people who care about you, and relaxation activities.

Exercise: A simple fitness routine – like running, swimming, walking, or yoga – boosts your blood flow, energy levels, and keeps your body in good shape. Look for ways to get in extra activity, even at the workplace, by doing things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

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Make sure your home environment contributes to your self-care

Do you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed at home? Ensuring your home busts stress lets you recharge and recuperate effectively.

Add stress-busting modifications: Modifications like more natural lighting, green plants, cleaning, decluttering, and adjusting the temperature can put your mind and body at ease at home.

Stock the fridge with healthy food: Loading up your fridge with healthy foods is a simple but effective way to eat healthier. Furthermore, it removes the temptation of indulging in snacks you know are bad for you.

Find a place for solitude or meditation: Having a quiet, private space in your home allows you to let down your guard and just be yourself. It can also be a place where you meditate.

Use your home for exercise: When you’re too busy or too tired to "go" exercise, you can exercise at home. Use the wall for stretches, the kitchen counter for a core workout, and your chair for upper-body strength through tricep dips. Be extra creative!

Take advantage of renter amenities: Renters can take advantage of the amenities at their disposal, such as fitness centers, walking or hiking trails, and spas.

Conclusion

Self-care doesn’t help just you – it benefits everyone else, too! People can learn from and be inspired by your example when they see the many benefits it has brought them. So take some time to optimize your home, exercise, meditate, eat right, and manage your stress. It’s how you can make a difference in the world, so don’t hesitate to look after yourself!