We often neglect our self-care in the hustle and bustle of our busy days, sacrificing our own wellbeing.
I know I did for many years.
As a result we often have a feeling of having no energy, wishing we wouldn’t have to get out of bed in the morning.
We somehow make it through the day, but then instead of doing the “hard” thing in going to the gym or cooking a healthy meal, we make ourselves comfortable on the couch and dive elbow deep in a bag of our favorite chips while scrolling on social media.
There’s nothing wrong with that - sometimes we all need a day like that.
But if that’s your daily routine, you are in a rut my friend, and chances are the next day you will wake up with low energy again, struggle through your day, and crack open a beer.
If that’s where you’re at, no problem.
I have been there too.
Forgive yourself, make a plan, and start off fresh the next day.
For the most part we should be prioritizing our self-care in one form or another.
So in this article I wanted to share three simple, old fashioned, yet extremely helpful self-care practices that make a huge difference in my life.
Most days I wake up early, feeling energetic and productive.
Here are my essentials for self-care:
Sleep
This one is more or less self explanatory, and I think most people can relate.
Good sleep, wake up feeling fresh and energetic.
Bad sleep, wake up feeling tired and in a bad mood.
I usually go to bed around 10pm, and wake up between 6 and 7.
I don’t need an alarm clock.
You can find your own rhythm but make sure you get between 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
How to get good quality sleep is a topic for another article but you can start by getting enough quantity.
Exercise
I consider myself lucky to love sports.
I’m one of those guys who likes going to the gym, and loves going out for a run.
Of course there are days when I don’t want to do it, but even on those days and especially on those days I at least go out for a brisk walk.
We humans are made to move, not sit at a desk for long periods of time.
It has many physiological benefits, which again, is a topic for another article.
Exercising also allows you to clear your head and disconnect from other things like work, boosting your mental health.
Healthy Meals
Who else loves McDonald’s?
It tastes so good, and you get a full belly fast for a good price.
My favorite, a double cheeseburger meal with fries and a drink has around 1200 kcal.
To burn it off I have to run for an hour and a half, or walk for three and a half hours.
With the amounts of sugar and fats, it shouldn’t be in your daily or even weekly routine.
I go about once a month, but when I do, it’s planned, I go all out, and enjoy without regrets.
On most days you will benefit from eating healthy - again something to cover in another article.
You will feel better physically and mentally.
You can make a home-made delicious chicken burrito containing 600 kcal with very good macronutrient contents.
And you’ll feel so much better.
End Note
Those are the old fashioned, almost boring self-care routines, yet they make a huge difference.
It is almost like a cycle.
Sleep well → exercise → eat healthy → sleep well again.
And in the time between you do your work and whatever else you have to or want to do.
Let me know what you think.
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