Prioritize Taking Care of Yourself

Many people don’t recognize how important it is to practice self-care because they have others in their lives they often put first like a busy spouse, active children, elderly parents or others who need care and attention. But having good physical and mental health is crucial because as Billy Joel sang years ago, “Do what’s good for you, or you’re not good for anybody.” 

While it’s important to be able to care for the people you love, taking care of yourself provides you with the energy and strength you need to support them.

What is wellness?

Wellness is not the absence of disease or illness, it is multidimensional and includes physical, mental, social and spiritual parts of your life. While your body needs attention to be well, it’s also important to find ways to disconnect, recharge and give attention to your mind and spirit.

When you put the care of others above yourself, it’s possible to become overcome by stress, anxiety or depression. These feelings can affect your entire body. Signs can include:

• Headaches
• Low energy
• Upset stomach 
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles
• Insomnia
• Anger and irritation
• Worry or sadness

The first step in working toward wellness is to begin by identifying how you are being affected. Then you can practice self-care and begin to heal and find balance.

Self-care practices

There are numerous ways to add self-care into your routine. Focus on those that you enjoy and find to be most beneficial to you.

Get outside at least once a day. The sun’s UV rays help your body make Vitamin D, a nutrient important for your bones, blood cells, and your immune system. Plus, studies show that being outdoors can help lower blood pressure and reduce the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Eat well. It’s been said that “you are what you eat” and choosing healthy foods can have long-lasting impacts on your physical and mental health. An inadequate diet can leave you foggy, fatigued, and slows down reaction times. Eating well-balanced meals gives your body the essential nutrients to keep a healthy weight, healthy heart and clearer mind.

Prioritize sleep. This essential function allows your body to reset. It keeps your mind focused and helps physical health by healing your heart and blood vessels. When sleep is neglected, it can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

Get moving. Take a walk, bicycle, stretch or practice yoga. Regular exercise helps relieve stress and improves memory. It may also improve your overall mood and help you sleep better.

Do something you love. Take time to read, knit, travel, take a bath, listen to music, enjoy art, tend to your garden, or get a massage. Indulge in some “me” time and focus on your needs.

Rebalance. Breathe. Heal. Recharge.

Most of us have limited time and resources, which means we are often torn between making time for the self-care we know we need, and the epic vacation we’ve been longing for. 

Thrive Souljourns are designed to blend the best travel experiences you can imagine with the health and wellness you need, allowing you to have the best of both worlds!  

Book your retreat and enjoy an experience that regenerates your body, soul, and spirit.