6 Ways to Prioritize Self-Care in Your Daily Routine

We only get one life and one body so it’s important not to forget to take good care of yourself: body, mind, and spirit. Practicing self-care helps you stay healthy, happy, and productive. Between working, household tasks, and maintaining relationships, it’s not always easy to do. Me-time often ends up at the bottom of the to-do list.

Learning how to stay fit, reduce stress, and relax are the hallmarks of proper self-care and are important components of a long and satisfying life. Here are some tips to get you started on your journey to self-care:

1. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep has a pivotal effect on your well-being both physically and emotionally. Lack of sleep often caused by stress or other distractions can lead to health issues. Prioritizing sleep is an integral part of a good self-care routine. Some good ways to do this are by staying away from caffeine and sugar just before bed since these substances tend to keep you awake. Reducing stress is also necessary. Take steps to calm your mind at the end of your day. A cup of tea, a warm bath, and reading are just some things that can help you unwind in the evening. The key is to find what works best for you.

It's also a good idea to create a relaxing, distraction-free space in your bedroom. Avoid the use of TVs, computers, cell phones, etc. in your bedroom, especially a few hours before you go to sleep. Installing room-darkening curtains can help to keep the sun from waking you up too early in the mornings as well.

2. Take Care of Your Gut

Gut health is closely tied to the overall health and well-being of our bodies. The types of foods you eat impact the bacteria that live in your stomach. When you eat poorly your gut suffers; when you eat well your gut health thrives and inflammation is reduced.

Balance the bacteria in your digestive tract by including prebiotics and probiotics in your diet, along with fiber-rich foods. It’s also important to curb your intake of sugar and artificial sweeteners (Natural sweeteners like stevia, however, are good for your digestion.) and limit smoking and alcohol intake for optimum digestive health.

3. Exercise Daily

Exercise is linked to a host of positive health benefits, including longevity. As a form of self-care, daily exercise aids in reducing stress and anxiety, increasing happiness, and improving resilience, along with weight loss. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy like walking, yoga, or tennis and establish a routine that fits into your schedule. Maybe that’s a walk during your break at work, an afternoon stroll around the neighborhood, or a game of basketball with your pals.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Food can be medicine or poison for your body. When you choose to eat healthy foods, you choose fuel that will keep your mind sharp, your weight in check, and diseases like diabetes at bay. Self-care superfoods include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, blueberries, nuts, green leafy veggies like spinach, and brassicas like broccoli and cabbage.

Cooking for yourself at home is a good way to ensure that you’re consuming the proper nutrients and calories that will benefit your body. Prepackaged or fast food is often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar, and carbohydrates, which wreak havoc on your health.

5. Spend Time Outside

Getting out in nature and self-care go hand in hand. When you spend time outside you reduce stress levels, lower your blood pressure, and reduce fatigue. The beauty of earth’s natural resources provides an excellent backdrop to get active or just relax.

6. Go on a Vacation

Rejuvenate your mind and body with a vacation. Taking a trip now and then even if it’s just a drive to the next town over or a camping trip, is an enjoyable and effective way to practice self-care. Taking a break from your normal schedule and doing something just for yourself is an ideal way to disconnect from stress, relax, and recharge.

Make self-care a priority in your wellness journey! Nurture your body and mind with beneficial habits and activities that will bring greater health, contentment, and joy into your life.

Our stevia products promote healthy lifestyles and can be a vital part of self-care. Choosing stevia to sweeten foods and beverages instead of sugar may help to reduce inflammation, aid digestion and weightloss, and promote heart health, as well as support oral health.