Today is National Relaxation Day which has me thinking… how do you take care of yourself? Self-care is essential at every age, but after 50, I feel it is more important than ever!
So, how you give yourself the treatment you deserve, today, on National Relaxation Day, and every day? Start with my list of five essential ways to take care of you.
Eat Well
Eating well is essential to self-care. Take the time to ensure that your food provides you and your family all that you need to live a happy + healthy life.
Feed body, mind, and soul with vegetables, fruits, lean meats and perhaps whole grains. Here’s a tip: Start off each meal by eating the green stuff before the protein or carbs. When I do this, it keeps me from filling up on the main course and will even help you eat less overall when you get to the other foods on your plate since the fiber in vegetables is filling.
Read more of my healthy eating tips here.
Sleep Well
The key to resting well is getting in sync with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Go to sleep at the same time each night.
- Don’t “sleep in.” Your body will awake when it is well rested and if you need an alarm clock to wake up, you may need an earlier bedtime.
- Nap occasionally if you lose sleep but if you often feel the need for a nap, try adjusting your sleep/wake times so that every day you get enough rest.
Play Well
Playtime isn’t just for your Grands, darlings. In fact, there are many ways to “play” as an adult… you may just have to conjure up that elusive imagination of yours!
Playtime as an adult might mean learning a new skill, such as a second language, or learning a new ballroom dance! It may even mean mentoring someone who you see a lot of yourself in or simply sitting down to read that novel that’s been sitting on your bookstand. Use playtime as a way to stretch your mind, exercise your heart and enjoy the little things around you.
What new skills or hobbies have you taken up lately?
I love this article via AARP that lists 50 fun, playful things to do in the PRIME of your life.
Laugh Often
Have you ever heard someone say laughter is the best medicine? Well, it’s true!
Did you know laughter can actually decrease stress hormones and increase immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies? Actually, a good chuckle with your girlfriends over something silly might even lead to the release of endorphins, or the body’s “feel-good chemicals,” which can even temporarily relieve pain.
So the next time someone tells a joke, truly soak it in… it’s good for your health!
Here’s a funny little story about how I learned to laugh over a little-spilled gas.
Know When to Hit Pause
How Will You Take Care of You Today?
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