It’s not always easy to practice good self-care. We’re busy with work, family life, and a dozen other obligations every day. But it’s so important that you take steps to care for yourself, and that you make those steps habitual. That’s how you stay happy and healthy in the long-term.

 

Let’s take a look at five key tips for ramping up your self-care routine:

 

Get enough sleep.

Sleep has a huge effect on your physical and mental health. If you don’t get enough of it, you will suffer sooner or later. Do your best to get a full eight hours of sleep a night and try to stick to a routine with bedtime and waking time. Put away the screens at least an hour before bed, and don’t consume caffeine or sugar in the evening. Prioritizing sleep is a simple and effective way to feel better every day!

Maintain a good work/life balance.

Work-related stress is extremely common and can wreak havoc on your mental well-being in no time at all. That’s why maintaining the proper work/life balance is so essential. That means not devoting every waking second to your work and being able to step away frequently. It’s also about enjoying what you do outside of work, including spending time with loved ones and indulging in your own interests and hobbies.

Exercise.

It’s hard to overstate how good physical activity is for you. It’s beneficial physically and mentally, and it can help lower stress and anxiety and boost your mood. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your routine — even if you don’t hit the gym, take a walk on your lunch break or play a game of tennis with friends on the weekend. Every little bit helps!

Eat right.

Cook at home often. Try to make balanced, nutritious meals that serve your body, rather than work against it. Keep the processed foods and fast food to a minimum and avoid sugary drinks and excessive alcohol. Eating right is so important!

Make time for what you enjoy.

Doing something you enjoy on a regular basis is very good for you, as simple as it sounds. Whether it’s spending time with friends, playing an instrument, exploring a new hobby, traveling, reading or writing, or shopping, carving out time for your own enjoyment is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

 

Don’t Let Self-Care Slip Away

It’s not always easy to prioritize our own self-care. But it’s key for living a good life and bettering the lives of those around you. Remember: you can’t give what you don’t have!