Prioritise Self-Care

Person A

Do you always feel tired, stressed out, have poor appetite, or have trouble sleeping at night? Do you fall sick more often than others? Have you been neglecting your needs to take care of your health and well-being? Or perhaps are you struggling to keep a balance in your life between your family and career that is causing you to have a burnout? These are possible signs that your body is signalling you and you should not neglect it.
If you can relate to them, perhaps it is time to figure out what is the root cause for these health issues so you can take proactive steps to change for a healthier you.

Person B

Do you feel that you have your life put together? Do you feel passionate and energised daily? Do you give yourself a short break to do what you enjoy, for example, playing sports, watching a movie or hanging out with loved ones? Do you feel your boundaries are respected? Overall, you feel fulfilled and positive about life.

If that is you, good job! Your well-being is being taken care of.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Who do you identify with more, the former or the latter? In reality, most of us might identify with person A more. Not to worry, it is still not too late to change your lifestyle and perception of deciding to prioritise your health and well-being.

Here are some ways you can start to take good care of yourself:

#1 Maintain Good Work-Life Harmony

Don’t forget, work is not your everything. Of course, you do your best at work but also make sure to strike a balance between your career and personal time. A balanced lifestyle means setting boundaries and making time for family, friends, hobbies and relaxation.

Having a good balance is crucial as it can have a profound impact on your physical health, mental well-being, relationships and overall quality of life. In fact, maintaining a balanced lifestyle can promote good physical health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It also boosts the immune system, leading to better resistance against illnesses. A balanced lifestyle is important for this very reason. Your goal should be able to manage all of these aspects well, then you can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.  

#2 Nourish and Thrive

Did you kick off the year with a strong mindset to prioritise healthy eating, only to find yourself slipping off track recently? It happens. Maintaining a nutritious diet can be tough, but think from a different perspective and view it as a journey, not a sprint. Ultimately, your focus should be on nourishing your body and enjoying the process.

Eating well doesn’t mean dieting or depriving ourselves of the food we love. In fact, sticking to a strict diet tends to do more harm than good. Maintaining a healthy relationship with food is crucial which means permitting yourself to eat the foods that make you feel good physically and mentally. You can still eat your ice creams or nasi lemak but all in moderation. Food doesn’t just provide our body with energy and nutrients but nourishes our souls and boosts emotional well-being.

Here are the 5 foods to boost your happy hormones and enhance your quality of life.

• Chocolate – releases serotonin and endorphins, as well as improves blood flow to the heart and brain, improving concentration due to antioxidants.
• Banana – contains tryptophan, vital for the production of serotonin and melatonin to regulate sleep and mood.
• Pumpkin seeds – provide magnesium, promoting relaxation and stress reduction for better sleep.
• Tea – either green or black – contains L-Theanine known for calming effects on the mind.
• Mackerel – a good source of protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and regulate your mood.

Furthermore, with busy schedules in the bustling city, people are usually exposed to high levels of free radicals that lead to oxidative stress in the body. This can create an imbalance in the body that potentially damages DNA cells, accelerates ageing, and contributes to unwanted diseases like high blood pressure, cancer and more. To combat these issues, consume a powerful antioxidant supplement, specially made from french pine bark extract to neutralise excess free radicals throughout the body as well as provide a boost of energy and vitality.

Moreover, modern-day lifestyles coupled with unhealthy diets can lead to fatty liver disease. Take liver tonic with herbs such as turmeric, sanchi, hawthorn fruit, oriental waterplantain rhizome and more to promote blood circulation and reverse fatty liver.

#3 Have Adequate Rest

Did you know that we spend one-third of our lives sleeping[1]? Sleep is just as important as food and water to us and is the most fundamental part of rest. Sleep doesn’t just reenergise us to prepare for the next day but it also helps the body to carry out important functions. It allows the body to repair cells and releases molecules like hormones and proteins for overall well-being. Besides that, it also allows the brain to store new information and get rid of toxic waste. Some side effects of sleep deprivation include poor memory, trouble focusing, weakened immunity and mood changes[2]. If these side effects take over your lives, it can affect your productivity level and cognitive functions during the day. With that being said, make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night to reap the benefits of having good sleep.

On the other hand, be mindful to recover after experiencing stress or after a hectic schedule. When your body is exposed to stress for a prolonged period, it becomes harmful to the body[3]. This is because your brain is constantly signalling your body when you’re in a tense situation, causing many stress hormones to your body. If this continues, your digestive system, memory retention and immune system may go haywire. Reduced stress levels are associated with increased life expectancy[4].

Therefore, recovery from stress shouldn’t be neglected as well.

# 4 Allocate ‘Me’ Time

What is ‘me time’? It is a conscious effort to take time out to recharge your batteries, whether it’s from work, family or social interaction and solely focus on doing something you enjoy[5]. Depending on individuals, it could be as simple as having a bath, putting a sheet mask at home to wind down at night or spending 30 minutes brisk walking at the park. If you are feeling adventurous, book a vacation and explore the world.

Ask yourself when was the last time you took a break to rest or do something that you truly enjoyed. These little actions might seem insignificant but they are crucial to reduce stress, foster self-improvement and ensure your wellbeing. Foregoing “me time” can lead to burnout, exhaustion and even frequent illnesses. Moreover, pursuing personal hobbies outside of work is important for personal growth and fulfilment[6].

Remember, self-care is not being selfish but prioritising what values to you for a better and healthier life.

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-sleep

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-sleep#takeaway

[3] https://openup.com/self-guided-care/blog/six-tips-for-helping-your-body-recover-from-too-much-stress/

[4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-habits-linked-to-a-long-life

[5] https://www.directionpsychology.com/article/the-importance-of-me-time/

[6] https://medium.com/@mehaktanwar29/what-is-a-balanced-lifestyle-and-why-is-it-important-a9898aac2879#:~:text=A%20balanced%20lifestyle%20means%20setting,stress%2C%20and%20enhance%20overall%20happiness.