5 Simple Self-Care Practices That Will Make a Big Difference

Self-care is important for everyone, but it can be especially important for women. Women often have a lot on their plates, juggling work, family, and other commitments. It can be easy to neglect our own needs, but self-care is essential for our physical and mental health.

Here are my five favorite self-care tips:

1. Get enough sleep! When we are well-rested, we have more energy and focus for the day ahead. I know if I only get 5 hours of sleep, my body lets me know that I need more because I don't have the ambition to do what I need to do. It is recommended that we get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. It is not always possible due to circumstances but try your best.

2. Eat healthy foods. We need the right nutrients to keep our bodies healthy. Even if we are not on a weight loss plan or need to lose weight, it is important to get those fruits and vegetables and whole grains daily. My mother always told me when I go grocery shopping to shop the perimeter of the grocery store. That is where the healthiest foods are. Honestly, I have been having issues with weight gain and need to focus on this particular part of self-care!

3. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to reduce stress and improve your mood. I recently bought myself a yoga mat as I need to do physical therapy daily which is more or less exercise to me. Once I get to the root of whatever my pain issues are, I will be able to do more exercise and get myself back to being happier and healthier.

4. Spend time in nature. Take a walk, go on a hike, anything that can get you outdoors. Since we are in September now, here in Florida, the evenings are starting to be more comfortable and once I can walk more than 10 feet without struggle, I will be walking more outdoors. With that said, you don't necessarily need to walk, you can just sit outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.

5. Take some time for yourself! Read a book, take a long bath, or just do something you enjoy. I like to blog, create AI images, read books, watercolor paint, make jewelry, just to name a few things that I do for self-care.

Even if it is just for a few minutes, take care of YOU!

So there you have it. All of the above can make a big difference in your daily life. Try to incorporate these things into your daily routine.