In this busy world, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. As time goes by, you might begin to feel less than or a little down, or even unimportant. Take hold of the reigns of your life today by doing one or all of the things on this list to help feel better about the great person you are so you can feel even better.
Change Your Body
If you look in the mirror and see something that you would like to change, it is time to empower yourself. While you should always know that your body is beautiful as it is, it is also okay to do something different. Consider breast augmentation, for example. Living with a size too small for your liking or wanting a change after time has passed are good reasons for enhancing your body.
Try Something New
Sometimes, all you need to feel better about yourself is to get out of a rut. After a while, doing the same thing every day becomes wearing and monotonous. If you have ever wanted to take a sushi-making class or learn how to maintain your own car, now is the time. The options are endless. Try anything from a new language course to salsa dancing. You will be amazed at the pride you feel when you have finished.
Get Together With a Friend
There is something special about connecting with a good friend. It improves your overall well-being and gives you a sense of belonging, which is important. Reach out to one of your favorite people and make a concrete date to meet in person. Find a place where you can talk and enjoy one another’s company. At the end of your time together, make a plan to do it again soon – and mean it.
Have a Spa Day
Whether you are a spa devotee or a first-timer, taking care of yourself equates to feeling better about who you are. Give an at-home spa day a try by lighting a few candles, putting on a calming playlist, applying a clarifying mask, and then settling in for a nice soak in the tub. Alternatively, treat yourself to a day at a local spa where professionals will cater to your needs and make you feel relaxed and wonderful. It is so nice to have options.
Start an Exercise Regimen
Another way to change your body is by maintaining it through physical exercise. No matter what your age or stage in life, everyone can benefit from a fitness regimen. Luckily, options are abundant. Everything from trendy classes to at-home streaming options and established gyms to home gyms or an old-fashioned run are available. Try something new until you find a good fit, and then switch it up when you begin to tire of the routine.
Watch this short video for a quick and easy guided workout to get you started on your fitness journey.
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Talk to a Professional
Life is hectic, and things do not always go as they should. Relationships end, jobs are stressful, and at times families are fraught with drama. Remember that you never have to go it alone. When you need some help, reach out to a mental health professional so you can work through whatever issue you are dealing with. They are also there for check-ins and to talk even when things are ok. Sometimes, a mental health check-up is just what you need to stay balanced and on course.
Eat Well
Eating healthy foods is an essential tactic for feeling better about your body and mind. Food is fuel, as they say. What you choose to eat directly affects your energy levels, too. Make it a priority to seek out healthy ingredients that taste good so you can stay the course and continue eating better. That being said, it is just fine to enjoy your favorite foods too, but be intentional about creating balance in your diet.
Improve Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is confidence and how you feel about your ability to do things well. Having positive self-esteem is important. Occasionally, you may need to give yourself a pep talk in the mirror while getting ready in the morning. Repeat affirmations of kindness and care while brushing your teeth. Do not fall into toxic positivity, however, as being down on yourself every once in a while is normal. Give yourself love and know that you are good at what you do.
Practice Mindfulness
The concept of mindfulness is easy to understand but can be hard to put into practice. If you are always on and simply cannot function without constantly checking your phone for the latest thing, it is time to implement a mindfulness practice into your routine. At its core, mindfulness means being present in the moment. Shut out the noise and silence your phone. Find a comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing cycles. Ignore to-do lists and work projects. Focus on how your body feels in that moment and begin to relax.
Help Others
The benefits of helping someone else go beyond the efforts you put forth to make another’s life better. You get a boost, too. When you take your time and use your strengths to provide a service to someone else, you feel good about yourself because your efforts activate the part of the brain that releases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These feel-good chemicals will leave you feeling satisfied and happy about what you have done for others and boost your mood in the process. Basically, by making an impact on someone else’s life, you are making a positive one on your own.
Photo: Andre Furtado
There is always something you can do or try to feel better about yourself. You deserve to take good care of the wonderful person you are; whether you are having a tough time at this moment in your life or things are going great, you should always set aside time to practice self-care. Remember, you are worth it.