Get Healthy with Hannah

How to treat your self the right way

It’s 2019 and we all care about getting healthy, treating our bodies right, and learning to love ourselves right? Well this is the year I have dedicated to being the best version of me in terms of physical and mental health. To help me achieve this goal I have been participating in the popular self- care movement. Self- care can be anything one does to help boost their physical, emotional, and mental health.

It is important to note that self- care is not about forcing yourself to do things that you do not enjoy even if they will ultimately make you healthier. Self-care involves doing activities that bring joy, happiness, and an overall feel good feeling to your life.

Here are a few ways to participate in self-care…

1. Create a schedule of when you are going to work out and for how long. When the new year started I knew I wanted to spend more time on my physical health. To achieve this I needed to set specific time aside to work out so it would fit in my busy schedule.
2. Give yourself a little compliment every day. I find it best to stand in front of the mirror and speak some good words upon yourself.
3. Eat foods that bring energy and life to your body. Nourishing your body also helps nourish your mind.
4. Meditate. I know meditating is not for everyone and can even be pretty intimidating to do at first. For beginners I recommend just trying to become more mindful. For example, if you are drinking your first cup of coffee or tea in the morning really savor every sip and notice all the qualities your drink has and how they make you feel.
5. Go outside. I find that if I am in nature my mood instantly gets better. I recommend at least 20 minutes a day.
6. Treat yourself. This is big for me now. I used to see treating myself as too much self indulgence. Now treating myself has become a weekly habit, whether it is taking myself to get ice cream or going to a new restaurant, it is important to show my self some love. Everyone needs to show themselves some love.
7. Spend time alone. I like to take a little break from my busy day of attending university and working in an office to allow myself to recollect. During your time alone I highly recommend taking some time to deep breathe. Just 5-10 minutes will do.
8. Write in a journal. Doing this allows you to jot down anything that is on your mind without judgement. This gives you a place to empty the contents of your mind.
9. Take a bath. Set some candles, grab your bubble bath, and relax.
10. Talk with people. Grab your phone or meet up, but spend some time talking to people who bring you love and joy.
11. Be yourself. Be kind to yourself. There is no better way to participate in self-care than being kind to your body, mind, and soul.