6 Self-Care Strategies for Good Health
Get started by prioritizing your health and well-being
Get started by prioritizing your health and well-being
Self-care isn’t selfish. In reality it’s the complete opposite — we could all benefit from putting ourselves first every once in a while.
“In order for us to be our best selves and be there for those we care about or who rely on us, it’s important for us to invest in our own well-being,” says Marni Hillinger, MD, a Scripps Clinic integrative physiatrist at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.
Getting started can be a challenge. Making time and making changes doesn’t come easy for some, but the trick is to “start low and go slow.” Small changes made over time can really make a difference.
“Little things count, and one of the ways we can succeed in taking care of ourselves is to break things down into smaller bites that seem more doable,” Dr. Hillinger says. “Maybe an hour of yoga isn’t doable, but 10 or 15 minutes is — and that counts, too. Doing something, even if it’s small, is better than nothing.”
Tips for taking better care of yourself
Here are six ways to care for yourself throughout the year:
1. Make time to meditate
Even five minutes can boost your mood and decrease stress, plus there’s no wrong way to do it, Dr. Hillinger says. It takes time to learn meditation techniques, so guided meditation apps are great for beginners. Or look into a class, such as the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program offered at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.
2. Find a fun physical activity
Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. Avoid making excuses for not exercising by incorporating some strategies to get you moving.
Regular exercise can also help prevent disease and bolster cardiovascular health. Find a form you enjoy and stick to it. According to Dr. Hillinger, the best one is the one you like to do.
3. Nourish your body — and your creativity
One of the best ways to improve your diet is by cooking at home. It’s not only fun and creative, but it also puts you in control of what you’re consuming.
Cooking with or for others, even if it’s the people you see every day, also feeds your need for socialization. And don’t forget to occasionally treat yourself to something that you really like. Just make it healthy. Remember that you can eat healthy even if you’re on a budget.
4. Keep in touch
We’re all under some degree of stress. Connecting with loved ones, even via video or phone, can help bring it under control if it is becoming a problem.
“Have a conversation with someone who loves you or you feel close to,” Dr. Hillinger says. “Even those little interactions can make us feel less lonely.”
5. Stick to a sleep schedule
No one thing is going to work for everybody, but in general, keeping a routine like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can be helpful. A ritual, something you do every night before bed, helps set the stage for a good night’s sleep. A nightly cup of tea, a bath, reading, playing with your child, listening to a podcast – any of these may eventually signal to the body that it’s time to wind down.
6. Get outside
Take in some of the sunshine San Diego is famous for (with sunscreen, of course). Enjoying the fresh air can help shift your perspective.
You can run, walk, hike, cycle or swim outdoors. Not only will you get the benefits of exercise, spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mood.