International Self Care Day is recognized on July 24 as a symbol of the importance of self care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s an opportunity to reflect on all we do to keep our minds and bodies healthy and happy throughout the year.
In the spirit of the occasion, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite self-care tips:
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Good foods make good bodies. Being aware of what you are eating and making an effort to incorporate healthy, nutrient-rich choices should be a priority. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, try adding one or more of these top ten superfoods to your diet.
Get a good night’s sleep.
We all know sleep is important, and most of us wish we could get more of it. Sleep plays a key role in everything from immune function to metabolism to memory. Adding a melatonin supplement to your routine can help to increase the total sleep time for people suffering from sleep restriction or an altered sleep schedule.
Non-smoking section, please.
The dangers of smoking include an increased risk of heart and lung diseases, certain cancers, fertility problems and premature death. If you haven’t quit yet, it’s time. For more information on how to break free from smoking and enjoy a healthier life, visit this website.
Support your healthy diet with vitamins and supplements.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to get everything we need to achieve our strongest, healthiest bodies form our diets alone. Fortunately, there are vitamins and supplements available. From a complete multi vitamin for general coverage to a high quality vitamin D to support bone health when the sun isn’t shining, there are plenty of ways we can support our diets to maximize our health.
Minimize sun exposure.
While some sun is beneficial for both our vitamin D levels and our moods, too much sun causes far more harm than good. Painful burns, wrinkles, age spots, and even cancer are some of the ways the sun’s harmful UV light can damage the skin. Taking care to protect your skin by staying out of the sun during peak sunlight hours, applying sunscreen and wearing a hat and sunglasses will go a long way towards enjoying healthier, younger looking skin as you age.
Incorporating exercise for a stronger, healthier body.
The couch will be there when you get back, so do yourself a favour by getting up and moving your body on a daily basis. Setting aside just 30 minutes a day to exercise can pay off with a wide range of dividends: weight control, lower cholesterol, a better mood, more energy and better sleeping habits are just some of the benefits. For tips and guidelines on becoming more active, check out the Canada Food Guide recommendations.
Take time to enjoy friends and family.
There’s more to good health than just diet and exercise. Having a supportive network of friends and family in your life is an important means of reducing stress and increasing your overall happiness. If you find your circle of friends dwindling as you age, consider some of these tips for boosting it back up.
