A simple life isn’t selfish. It's the only life.
Being intentional about your self-care means you are taking care of yourself, not putting others first. And I'm not talking about self-care in terms of doing a fancy spa day at home (although, of course, that's nice too). I'm talking about setting aside a bit of time daily to check in with yourself and focus on what matters most to you.
This might seem trivial, but you need to carve out time and space for yourself every single day to feel like your well-being is your priority. So, how do you start practicing self-care? Here are some tips to help you do so:
Start With Your Diet
Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising and reducing stress all have huge impact on your physical and mental health. If you don't eat well, sleep properly or exercise regularly, you risk getting sick, gaining weight and experiencing negative emotions. This is why being physically fit is one of the best ways to start practicing self-care. But, it doesn't stop there. To truly get the most out of your self-care routine, try adopting one of these three strategies.
Eat more vegetables. Vegetables are nutrient dense and they will help boost your energy and keep your immune system strong. Try adding a few raw veggies to your breakfast smoothie every morning, and add more green leafy vegetables to your lunchtime salad bowl.
Cut back on sugar. Some of us eat too much sugary food. You may have even noticed that your teeth are brighter after eating sweets and candies. This is a sign that you are breaking down sugar quickly, which means your body has enough time to process it before it gets stored as fat. Make sure you cut back on sugar as much as possible, especially at the beginning of your self-care routine.
Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are made with refined sugars, preservatives and artificial ingredients, which means they lack nutrients, which leads to sluggish metabolism. Stick to unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
Cut back on alcohol. Most people know alcohol is harmful to your health, but few people consider how detrimental it is to your self-care routine. Alcohol tends to cause drowsiness and slow your metabolism. If you find you can't function without a drink in the afternoon, maybe it's time to reevaluate your drinking habits.
STEP 2: Get A Job
Another way to prioritize your well-being is to earn an income. Not only will you have money to spend on yourself, but you'll be able to use your paycheck to cover more of your expenses. Also, you will be more likely to stick to a self-care schedule if you're working.
Many people take a "wait-and-see" approach to a side hustle, but side hustles can actually be a great tool for prioritizing your well-being. If you have a job that you love but