Self-care habits to adopt for 2019
EVERY year around this time we take time out to brainstorm resolutions that we want to aspire to achieve in the New Year. This year All Woman challenges you to be nice to yourself. This can be difficult, especially for women, because we always seem to see to the well-being of everyone but ourselves. No one is denying your superpower, but taking time out to take care of yourself can significantly improve the way that you care for those you love.
Below is a list of habits that you should continue picking up in 2019.
Stop relying on the Internet for medical advice
These days Dr Google is quite popular and people are now more reliant on it as a source of medical advice and in some cases for treatment (often herbal or home-made). You should leave this habit behind in 2019 because not only do you run the risk of misdiagnosing yourself and taking the wrong medications, but there is also the possibility that real and life-threatening conditions will go undiagnosed.
See a therapist this year
No, you don’t have to be depressed or have mental illnesses in order to make an appointment with a therapist. Your mental health, which is basically your emotional, psychological and social well-being, needs protection. Seeing a therapist will help you to not just recognise, but to capitalise on your full potential, as well as it can help you to cope with the regular stresses of life, contribute to your productivity at work, and help you to function normally in social settings.
Do your dental check-ups
Brushing your teeth daily and even flossing are not enough to take care of your teeth. You need to top this off with your annual check-up. These dental visits usually include checking your teeth and gums for issues such as cavities, plaque and tartar. In addition, your dentist will check for gum diseases and other things such as signs of oral cancer. The general recommendation is that you go for a dental check-up every six months.
Get plenty of rest
Not only should you aim to have a bedtime routine, but you also need to work on getting enough rest. Doctors recommend that you aim for seven hours of sleep each night. This way your body and mind can recover from the excessive demands that are placed on them daily.
Make time for self-care
Your physical and mental health are very important. So book a spa day, run a bubble bath, go get a massage and pedicure, read a book, and get in tune with your spiritual side, whether you want to do yoga, meditate, or set some time aside just to enjoy your own company.
Drink water, and plenty of it
Drinking water just doesn’t seem ‘serious enough’ to be on that special list of things you NEED to do for 2019, but water has many benefits for the body from hydrating the cells to flushing your kidneys, contributing to cleaner, clearer skin and even weight loss. Hydrating your body will also contribute to increased energy levels. Other liquids such as those from fruits, such as cucumbers and watermelons can also help with hydration.
Get off your bum!
With all the gadgets to fool around with and the beauty of the visuals on the smart TV, it’s easy to become so glued that you forget that you need to move. This, in addition to all the other activities that involve sitting such as your daily commute, and if you do a job that requires plenty of sitting, means that you barely work out your body. This can lead to a plethora of issues including joint pains, poor circulation and weight gain. So consider walking as often as you can, do exercises while you sit down, consider outdoor activities instead of watching TV or staying on your gadgets all day, and set fitness goals.
Eat healthier
With the convenience of fast food, it’s easy to do anything but eat healthily. Fast food items, however, when consumed often and especially in large portions, can wreak havoc on your body. So aim to not only eat balanced meals daily, but eat more meals that you cook. That way you know exactly what you are putting in your body. Choose fruits and nuts for your snacks and if it is that you are going to eat out or buy pre-packaged foods, be sure to check the labels.
Practise forgiveness
Holding grudges has the potential to hurt you more than you can imagine. When you forgive, you are doing it for yourself; it is not that what the person did is OK, but harbouring these negative thoughts get in the way of your peace of mind and only makes you bitter.
Replace your gadgets with a book
Whether it’s your phone, iPad or tablet, give it a break and replace browsing or electronic game time with a book. Not only does this stimulate your mind, but it can also help you to relax. If empowerment is what you need this year, maybe you can tick this off with a copy of Becoming by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama.
