It’s extremely important to take care of yourself – mind, body and soul. As you’ve just read that first sentence, you’re probably thinking that you know this, but do you practise this daily? Be honest, maybe not every day, which is fine, but often enough?!

Self-care is critical for any person’s happiness, health and resilience and can only transpire when nutrition, stress reduction and exercise are included in the equation. Facing reality with technology and job stress deprioritises me-time to the bottom of the list for most people. Indeed, it’s not easy.

Then, should it happen that there is time to take a break from it all, guilt sets in… it seems like there’s minimal chance to win, doesn’t it? But let’s not throw in the towel just yet! There are ways to work around these barriers; you just need to enforce them.

Take #SelfcareSundays

Sundays are meant for resting – do it! Self-care is not selfish and when you had a productive, successful week, award yourself a stress-free day. This is your first move to put you first – physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is valuable for your health, and you’ll realise how critical this is after a few months.

Exercise While Watching TV

Did you know that lifting weights twice a week can lower the risk of cardiac events like heart attack and stroke by up to 70%? Yes! Weight training increases bone density and balance too. You don’t have to make exercising your career, simply do a couple of exercises with Trojan Dumbbells while watching your favourite series.

Kick into Gear

No, not exercise gear, but into circulation gear! Hands up from the one who loves a hot shower, especially in the mornings. We encourage you to end your shower in an invigorating blast – after you’ve completed your whole shower routine, turn the water cold for 30 seconds. As your body tries to conserve heat and circulation kicks in, you’ll experience a burst of energy. There are also rumours that icy temperatures help endorphins to release, which could have an antidepressant effect.

Yogi Breathing

Practice this alternate-nostril technique for 20 minutes right now to lift your mood and improve your memory. Make an L-shape with your right thumb and first finger; take a deep breath; press the right side of your nose with your thumb to block your right nostril; exhale; inhale through your left nostril; block your left nostril and release the right; exhale; inhale. Switch sides; repeat. You can thank us later!

Energy Foods

Food is food until you think of food in energy terms. Veggies, fruits, and protein fuel our bodies with quality calories. However, the trick is not to worry about the numbers when considering an activity but rather the energy you will need. Will a rice cake be enough to power you up for a 30km+ mountain bike trail?

Create a Yay! List

Sounds like a cliché, but it works, especially if you have a dedicated journal to prompt you – find the positive in everything! Every Yay! moment should be captured, from the winter morning freshness, discovering your new favourite meal from the restaurant just around the corner, to finding unexpected money in your pocket to doing something right the first time. It doesn’t matter what it is, but if it makes you happy, make it one for the book!

We’ll be sharing more ways to take care of yourself in the future, but this is all we have time for today. If you want to share ways you are taking care of yourself, post them in the comments of our Facebook post.

Take care. Stay humble & be kind!