Find More ‘You’ Time Developing a Self-Care Routine
Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self-care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be
difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self-care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life.
Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure.
M o r e !
Do you get enough exercise? If so, you’re in the minority. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only 15.3% of men and 10.8% of women over 65 met exercise guidelines in 2020. Insufficient activity threatens your health, and April, which is Move More Month, helps remind Americans of all ages to get the exercise they need. Physical activity does more than help keep our weight in check. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Further, a large body of research demonstrates that exercise benefits our mental health by producing endorphins, which help fight stress, depression, and anxiety. The benefits only multiply in our retirement years. Muscle- strengthening exercise helps us maintain bone density and improve balance. As a result, those who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer a fall that can significantly hinder their quality of life. Many struggle to maintain social connections as they age, and group fitness can reduce isolation. Sufficient exercise even promotes better sleep! So, how much exercise does the average person need? The CDC recommends that adults conduct moderate-intensity aerobic 2 floridaestateplanning.com Increased Activity Benefits Your Health
activity for at least 150 minutes weekly. They further urge muscle- training exercises at least two days per week. CDC data shows that more adults meet the recommendations for aerobic activity than muscle-strengthening exercise. If those guidelines sound daunting, it’s okay to start small. Those who already perform aerobic exercise will benefit from beginning to incorporate muscle training into their routine through pushups, situps, or light weights. Inactive individuals often start with activities that make them feel comfortable, like walking, biking, or swimming. Remember that some physical activity is better than none. Poor health or limited mobility prevents many adults from moving as much as they should later in life. But many people with medical conditions or disabilities can still find ways to get their bodies moving. No matter your current health and fitness level, speak with your physician about forms of exercise that will work well with your capabilities. You might also consider consulting a physical therapist for assistance in developing a safe activity plan. Moving more is one of the best ways to protect and improve your health. Don’t miss out on its life-changing benefits!
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