It’s a new year, and you know what that means! New clothes, new haircuts, new workout regimes and new tips on how to take care of yourself better this coming year. Whether you consider yourself a self-care guru or are new to the trend of being mindful of your mental, physical, and emotional health, learning how to care for yourself is a skill that requires you to take some time to think about what works best for you. 

Oftentimes, people can think self-care is all about being selfish with your time, energy and resources. In many instances, people think self-care includes massive spending, binge-eating, participating in activities that provide instant gratification, going on lavish vacations, overindulging in alcohol or illicit substances and excessive media consumption like nonstop social media scrolling or watching television. Because of these stigmas, many have refrained from taking care of themselves because of the fear of falling into one of these activities. However, experts say that self-care is more about adopting healthy lifestyle habits that can be maintained long-term. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. Small actions like sleeping regularly, eating right and building friendships can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. 

This coming year should be one to remember; one where you can feel and become a healthier individual with goals and aspirations that can be met. Are you interested in learning a few easy self-care tips to implement into your routine? Here are just a few of our favorites. 

Get Your Workout On

It might feel obvious, but getting just 30 minutes of exercise every day can boost your mood and improve your health significantly. While it may be hard to believe, exercising can improve your brain’s concentration, sleep, heart health, and kidneys as well as decrease stress and depression symptoms. While you may not be able to do certain activities, you can always find a way to get your body moving. This year, take more walks, swim an extra lap or even try to lift a little more weight than normal – you will be surprised how this tip will dramatically change your life. 

Cook Healthy Meals at Home

Maybe you’re not a chef but cooking meals at home is a great self-care activity because of the creativity and concentration it requires. Not to mention, the money it saves you! Convenience food is typically high in chemical additives, hormones, sugar, salt, unhealthy fat, and calories, all of which can adversely affect your brain, outlook and physical health. It can leave you feeling tired, bloated, and irritable and exacerbate symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. It’s even a fact that restaurants often serve portions greater than the average person’s needs, sometimes as much as two to three times larger than the recommended dietary guidelines. When you prepare your own meals, you have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes. By cooking for yourself, you can ensure that you and your family eat fresh, wholesome meals boosting your energy, stabilizing your weight and mood, and improving your sleep and resilience to stress. Want some quick and easy recipes? Check these out. 

Go To Bed – Sooner than Later

Winding down to go to bed takes discipline. Experts across the spectrum agree that making sleep a priority does wonders for your physical and mental health. Even though it’s hard to stick to a schedule, or put down your device right before bed, going to bed sooner rather than later will work wonders for you. Instead of planning out the next day or finding something to do, figure out a routine to make you go to bed at a reasonable time that works with your workout schedule, working hours, or even your family’s lifestyle. Taking care of your sleep can be a huge breakthrough for your self-care if you prioritize it. 

Be Diligent About Seeing Your Doctor and Dentist

Now more than ever, it’s important to stay healthy; that means keeping up with preventive care and addressing any symptoms or conditions that may have come up over the past few months. When you see your doctor and dentist regularly (yearly or bi-annually), you can continue to communicate your medical needs and address any existing or new problems or conditions. Even if you’re feeling great, you should still continue to see your doctor at least once a year for preventive care like reviewing any medicines you’re taking and being screened for early signs of conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or even cavities which can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. 

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is not something easy but it can come naturally when you intentionally seek to do it. According to Psychology Today, gratitude is more like a spontaneous feeling that can increase with practice. It takes a conscientious effort to “count your blessings” every day. Studies even show that people who deliberately cultivate gratitude have stronger relationships with friends, family, coworkers, animals, nature and life in general; allowing them to increase their lifespan and decrease health risks like stress, blood pressure and depression. Simply taking some time to reflect and pause can directly affect your health for the better. 

This year, make your health a top priority. At ACU Online, we have staff members ready to help you manage your wellness, holistically. Talk with our Student Wellness Manager today and gain insight into how ACU Online can help you reach your academic and personal goals this new year.