Self-Care Practices: Nourishing Mind, Body, and Soul

The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself- Diane Von Furstenberg

Life brings a lot of challenges as the day passes by and we tend to forget how to take care of our body, mind and soul. This is where Self-care plays an important role in improving our lifestyle choices.

Caring for yourself is not a selfish habit but a conscious act one takes to promote their physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. By practising self-care one can enhance their overall health. It also helps in managing the anxiety, stress so that one can have a holistic approach towards a life filled with positivity and productivity.

Here are some of the tips to prioritize your self-care and pamper yourself at utmost priority. You can also download The Wellness Corner app or navigate to The Wellness TV and find some great videos and posts for mind, body and soul.

Happier Mind- Your Mental Health is a priority

Focus on the changes that you wish to see in yourself, and visualize the steps which will be taken to make that change happen within you.

Start by keeping a Self-Care journal or To-do list, in which you can write one-step every day based on your choice of interest and activity.

Also, commit each day to work on making this happen, or at least to set a plan in motion.

Here are effective ways to nourish your mind-

1. Practice Mindfulness

Paying attention to the current moment and being aware of your thoughts without being judgemental about them helps you get rid of toxic feelings.

-When you eat, appreciate each bite you have

-Listen to your favorite song

-Be mindful of your body and breathe while walking and exercising.

-Enjoy little moments with your loved ones


2. Get your blood pumping through exercise

Regular exercising keeps your mind healthy, and active. It helps to relieve stress, improves memory and boosts your overall mood.

-Use the stairs instead of the elevators.

-Stretch your body and practice yoga asanas daily.

-Join workout sessions on The Wellness Corner and get a workout plan curated from a fitness expert based on your requirements/goals.

-Dance it out


3. Nourish your body and brain with balanced nutrition

Your brain is the control center of the body. Nutrition has a significant impact on your mind, so make sure you get all the nutrients your brain needs. Consult a dietitian to help you include nutritious food that would work the best for you.

-Add fatty fish/oily fish to your diet

-Include food rich in Vitamin E like hazelnuts & almonds

-Eat whole grains


4. Socialize and stay positively connected to yourself

Making a positive connection with people around can add to happiness. Appreciate the people you care for and try to stay connected with them.

-Talk with a purpose

-Smile and listen to others carefully

-Ask follow up questions


 5. Cultivate gratitude every day

Gratitude is not just to be thankful for the good moments but also appreciating the little things that helped you get through difficult times. Practicing gratitude gives you mental peace.
-Each morning, take a few minutes to think of 5 things you are grateful for.

-Send a gratitude note to someone who made you smile recently

-Write 3 good things that happened in your day before sleeping

You may also like: A practical guide to stop comparing yourself to others

Healthier Body-Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live

Choose three new recipes to try, making sure Salad is among them. You can include salads for any meal of the day.

Sip warm water throughout the day. Alternatively, you can prepare ginger tea by adding a few slices of fresh ginger to hot water. Sip it throughout the day. Check out the benefits of early morning water therapy

Spend 30 minutes of your day by doing some exercises like yoga, walking, running, cycling etc.

Additional Tips to Nourish Your Body

1. Discourage yourself from believing that you ‘can leave parts of you behind.’
2. Start your day with nutritious food. Reduce sugar cravings.
3. Make a note of your workout minutes. Track it easily via The Wellness Corner app.
4. Compliment yourself for practicing self-compassion.
5. Don't push your body beyond limits. Take it easy.
6. Find connections in specific body postures or yoga to let go of the negativity.

Vibrant Spirit

Set up a time and space to meditate and do your breathwork for at least 5 minutes. and note down meditation time in your self-care Journal. Gradually increase the time by a few minutes each day throughout the week.

Notice how you feel, jot down a few words after you meditate to remind yourself of any insights or observations in your journal.

Additional Tips to Nourish Your Soul-

1. Take a walk in nature.
2. Spend time with your loved ones.
3. Read books or watch videos that inspire you to be a better person.
4. Learn something new.
5. Take break from technology, practice digital detox.

Conclusion

Following these steps, you will be able to understand which area of your life needs your immediate attention and prioritize your health and wellbeing by practising self-care every day. As time passes in our life, our needs are likely to change too.