Celebrate National Self-Care Awareness Month
Happy September!
Did you know that September is National Self-Care Awareness Month? I love how it coincides with "back to school'. This time of year always feels like the start of something new and I think most of us try to get back into the routine of life after an indulgent summer.
What is self-care? To me, it is any activity that brings some semblance of peace. There are so many stressors that we deal with on a regular basis. We need to find ways that bring us back to a place of feeling centered or balanced. Stress is normal. Being stuck there is not! Regular self-care can help!
Self-care is very individualized and doesn't have to be anything expensive or time-consuming. Some simple ideas are:
1. Exercise
The ACSM recommends moderate-intensity aerobic activity for 30 minutes, 5 times/week for healthy individuals ages 18-65. Activities that improve or maintain strength and endurance should be done at least twice a week.
2. Breathe
There is nothing more present than focusing on each inhale and exhale.(hello, mindfulness). Several minutes of quiet breathing/day can really help decrease the sensitivity of your nervous system. Find a comfortable spot, inhale letting your ribcage expand 360 degrees, feel your belly rise as a result, and as you exhale everything softens back toward the center. Repeat!
3. Hydration
Mild dehydration is a common cause for midafternoon fatigue, feeling cranky, and headaches. There is a lot of different information out there about how much water you should drink. It depends on activity level, climate, pregnancy/breastfeeding, weight etc. One rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces. You might have to tweak that based on the factors mentioned. Play with it and see what works for you!
The self-care possibilities are endless. These are just a few that you can add pretty easily. Give them a try and see how you feel. Invest sometime in yourself.