Get Your Green Fix: 5 Plant Subscription Services That Will Light Up Your Home in 2023!
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Horti
Calling all plant newbies and green thumbs alike! Horti's monthly plant subscription box is the ultimate plant care bootcamp, designed to take you from novice to pro in no time. With options for month-to-month, 6-month, or 12-month subscriptions, and categories like "newbie," "pet-friendly," and "Horti's pick," you'll have everything you need to cultivate healthy habits and watch your plants flourish. And the best part? Shipping is totally on the house for those 6 and 12-month subscriptions, no matter where you live in the nation!
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The Sill
The Sill has got your back with a plant collection that'll make your green dreams come true. Need something low-maintenance, pet-friendly, or that can thrive in low light? No problem! They've got hundreds of trendy potted plants to choose from, like the adorable Hoya heart succulent or the Insta-famous Monstera. It's like having your very own personal plant stylist! So why settle for a boring home when you can turn it into a lush jungle oasis with The Sill's plant subscription service?
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Greendigs
Attention all budding botanists! Get ready to start your green journey with Greendigs, your one-stop-shop for all things plants. With a squad of plant-obsessed experts, you'll have access to hundreds of houseplants, succulents, and herbs that are begging to be part of your home jungle. And the best part? Each plant comes with a chic ceramic pot and a starter kit of plant food to ensure your little green buddy is set up for success right out of the gate.
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Bloombox Club
Are you ready to take the plunge into parenthood? Plant parenthood, that is! With Bloombox Club's subscription service, you'll get a fresh new plant each month in a range of sizes to build your very own indoor jungle. It's like having a green thumb fairy godmother! And that's not all, because with every plant delivery, you'll also score a chic ceramic pot or basket, a handy care card, and their monthly Plants & Wellness course booklet to keep you on top of your game. Oh, and did I mention the sweet voucher to spend on plants when you sign up for annual, bi-annual, or quarterly plans?
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Knock! Knock!
Knock, knock! Who's there? It's your very own personal flower fairy, delivering seasonally perfect blooms straight to your door! With Knock! Knock!, you'll get two expertly arranged plant beauties every spring, summer, and fall, all at their optimal growing stage and ready to thrive with minimal effort. It's like having your own garden genie, making your front porch the envy of the whole neighborhood with a hassle-free seasonal refresh. So why settle for a boring porch when you can Knock! Knock! and have a blooming good time?
Foam Rolling 101: Everything You Need to Know
Foam rolling is a form of self-massage that helps you recover from strenuous exercise and keeps your tissues mobile and healthy. The technique involves applying pressure to your muscles and fascia, the connective tissue that supports your organs, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. By breaking up adhesions in your fascia, foam rolling can promote myofascial release and improve your range of motion.
Foam rolling before a workout can warm up your muscles and prevent potential injuries, while rolling afterwards can help reduce muscle soreness and promote recovery. Spending at least one minute on each muscle group, rolling briskly up and down the muscle while adding some joint movement, and taking your time to find sore spots can improve the effectiveness of the technique. Focus on rolling your calves, quadriceps, hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, and upper back to maximize the benefits.
Here are some of the benefits of foam rolling:
Here are some of the benefits of foam rolling:
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Improved Range of Motion
By increasing your joints' potential to move in any direction or distance, foam rolling can help you achieve your full range of motion, especially when combined with stretching.
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Reduced Post-Workout Muscle Soreness
Foam rolling for 10 to 15 minutes after exercise can help reduce muscle pain, which is important not only for your comfort but also for your performance and training intensity.
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Faster Recovery
Foam rolling brings nutrient-rich blood to your muscles, which can boost healing and recovery post-exercise. Studies have shown that foam rolling significantly improves tenderness and performance recovery.
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Better Preparation for Activity
By increasing blood flow to the muscles you are rolling, foam rolling can prepare your body for activity and reduce the risk of potential injuries.
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Better Performance
Foam rolling during pre-exercise warm-up may be associated with a small improvement in sprint performance, particularly in elite athletes. Foam rolling after exercise has also been shown to improve strength and power performance.
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Better Flexibility
Foam rolling during warm-up can improve flexibility, which is important for athletes to improve muscle performance and decrease the risk of injury. Studies suggest that pre-workout foam rolling can potentially improve short-term flexibility.
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Affordability
Foam rollers are relatively cheap, ranging from $10 to $35 and up, depending on the size and type of material. Substituting foam rolling for some of your massage sessions can save you money.
While foam rolling every day is generally safe for most people, avoid overdoing it. If you feel abnormally sore and tender the next day, you may have gone too far. Try using less pressure next time or foam rolling for less time. If you have a current injury or muscle tear, avoid foam rolling unless you are cleared to do so. If you feel any sharp or persistent pain, stop rolling and consult with your healthcare provider.
I started working out with Chloe Ting and this is my honest review
Okay, so let's face it, we've all tried every at-home workout in the book. Body weight exercises, virtual pilates, Pelotons (so many Pelotons), you name it. But there's one YouTube trainer that's been making a lot of noise lately: Chloe Ting. People are raving about her challenging routines, with sweaty post-workout selfies and all. Of course, I had to see what all the fuss was about and try it for myself.
I started with a short ab workout, which seemed simple enough at first, but boy was I wrong. It was tough! Then I moved onto Ting's body weight arm workouts and cardio circuits, which were equally sneaky in their difficulty. Even my partner, who's used to weight training and long runs, found them challenging. So who exactly is Chloe Ting and how did she get so famous?
Who is Chloe?
Well, Ting is a 30-something trainer from Australia who started posting workouts on TikTok and went viral. She now has over 22 million subscribers on YouTube, which is insane! Her workout challenges promise dramatic results in just one or two weeks, and people are absolutely loving it. It's important to note, though, that Ting isn't a certified professional fitness trainer, so it's best to seek advice from a licensed professional for your specific fitness needs.
Chloe’s Workouts
But let me tell you, Ting's workouts are worth a shot. As someone who's been doing mainly cardio and light dumbbell training, it was refreshing to try workouts that didn't require any equipment. I also appreciated that her more intense workouts offered low-impact alternatives for movements, which is great for those prone to injury or just getting back into a regular workout routine. And let's not forget that her workouts are free, accessible, and often modifiable depending on your skill level. No gym membership required!
So, if you're curious about Chloe Ting's workouts, start with a quick ab workout (which has over 300 million views for a reason) before moving on to her full-body circuits. And with her focus areas ranging from arms to legs to full body, there's something for everyone. Just remember to listen to your body and seek professional advice if needed.
9 Practical Tips for Getting Your Sleep Schedule Back on Track
Do you ever find yourself wishing you could go back to those days when your parents would force you to take a nap? As we grow up, life gets more stressful, and it can be challenging to get a good night's sleep. In fact, according to the CDC, many adults don't get enough sleep.
If you can relate to this, don't worry; you're not alone. I've been there, too. That's why I decided to reach out to sleep experts who helped me understand how to improve my sleep schedule and get a better night's sleep. Trust me; their advice has made a significant difference.
So if you're struggling with getting enough rest, keep reading. I'll share with you their best tips and tricks to achieve the sleep you deserve. Get ready for the best slumber you've had in ages!
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Bed time scrolling? Bad idea!
We all know the struggle of trying to fall asleep while being glued to our phones. But did you know that scrolling your phone at bedtime is actually a bad habit? It's not just the excess blue light that's harmful, it's also the fact that it stimulates your brain and produces cortisol, the stress hormone. And that's not exactly what you want when you're trying to unwind.
Even though it's tough, we should try to avoid using our phones before bedtime. It's easy to get addicted to the endless feed of social media, and before you know it, you've lost track of time. But, if you're having trouble breaking the habit, there's a solution. Both iPhone and Android now have a sleep or bedtime mode. This tool is designed to help you resist the urge to scroll and set your phone aside. Give it a try and see if it helps you get the restful sleep you deserve.
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Transform Your Bedroom into a Relaxing Sleep Haven
One of the easiest things you can do is to make your bedroom a sanctuary for sleep. That means no work, no phone, and no distractions allowed in your bedroom.
If you live in a small space, like a studio apartment, it can be challenging to separate your workspace from your bedroom, but it's worth it. Experts suggest creating a designated workspace that's away from your bed to help train your brain that your bed is only for sleeping and relaxing.
Your bedroom should be a comfortable and relaxing place with soft and breathable bedding. It's called stimulus control in sleep science, where your brain associates your bedroom with relaxation and tranquility instead of stimulation. So, make sure your bedroom is quiet, cool, and dark for optimal sleeping conditions.
Trust me, making your bedroom a sleep sanctuary can make a huge difference in your sleep quality and help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
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The Power of Consistency
If you're looking to improve your sleep schedule and quality of sleep, consistency is key. That means trying to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. I found that sticking to a consistent sleep schedule helped me fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed. It's important to stick to the same schedule even on weekends and not try to "catch up" on lost sleep by sleeping in too late or going to bed too early the next night. Trust me, your body will thank you for the consistency.
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Say Goodbye to Alcohol and Caffeine
Let me share something with you that has helped me improve my sleep. I used to drink coffee all day long, and sometimes even in the evening. But, after doing some research, I learned that caffeine can stay in your system for up to 8 hours! So, I made a conscious effort to limit my caffeine intake to before noon. As for alcohol, I try not to drink it too close to bedtime, usually at least three hours before. It's not always easy, especially when I'm out with friends, but I've noticed that it really does make a difference in how well I sleep at night. So, if you're struggling with sleep, you might want to give it a try too!
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Get that running shoes on!
We all know that feeling after a good workout - sweaty, exhausted, and accomplished. But did you know that it can actually help you sleep better? It's true! When you exercise, your body releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that can help you relax and fall asleep faster. Plus, research has shown that people who exercise regularly tend to have better quality sleep. So next time you're struggling to snooze, try incorporating a workout into your daily routine and see if it makes a difference.
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Establishing Your Rhythm with Zeitgebers
Have you heard of the term "Zeitgeber"? It sounds complicated, but it's just a fancy word for external cues that can help regulate your body's internal clock. Things like sunlight, meal timing, exercise, and social activities can all impact your circadian rhythm.
For instance, if you want to become a morning person, try to get sunlight as early as possible in the day. And if you're more of a night owl, it may be better to exercise and consume energy in the evening. But remember, it's important to find a routine that works for you and isn't too overwhelming. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to become a morning person if it doesn't feel natural. Take it slow and steady, and set achievable goals.
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Bye Bye Social Jet Lag
Establishing healthy habits and routines can be challenging, especially for those with busy schedules. One common culprit of irregular sleep patterns is going out on the weekends and then having to wake up early for work on Monday morning. This is what sleep experts refer to as "social jetlag." There are two main solutions to this problem. Firstly, try to avoid staying out too late on the weekends. But if you must stay out, one hack to reduce the impact of social jetlag is to make Friday night your late night so that your body has more time to adjust to an earlier wake-up time later in the weekend.
However, if you cannot reduce your busy lifestyle at the moment, that's perfectly fine too. You can still focus on other methods to improve your sleep schedule in the meantime. The important thing is to keep trying and making small changes towards better sleep habits
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Calm Your Mind
Taking some time to wind down before bed is essential for a good night's sleep. I have found that practicing meditation or mindfulness can be helpful in calming the mind and body, and it can improve my overall sleep quality. It's amazing how bringing a sense of calmness to your mind and soul can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
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Not Sure? See a Doctor!
If you're still struggling with sleep issues, it might be time to seek help from a sleep specialist or doctor. Everyone's sleep needs are unique, so a professional can help identify the underlying problem and come up with a personalized plan to improve your sleep.
The 7 Best Foam Rollers of 2023
Achieving physical fitness involves more than just getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat. Building strength is an integral part of maintaining a healthy body, and proper post-workout recovery is equally vital. Without proper care and attention to your body's needs, your efforts to improve your strength and speed may be hindered.
Consequently, I delved into hours of research on the most effective foam rollers available, meticulously evaluating each product's design, material, size, weight capacity, and ease of use. In addition, I examined additional features such as color and sought expert recommendations from a physical therapist to ensure I provided you with the best options available.
After considering a plethora of foam rollers and engaging the counsel of a professional physical therapist, I arrived at the best in show.
My Top Picks
I have curated a list of the top foam rollers to aid in reducing muscle soreness and alleviating pain. Please peruse the following options to help you recover from your workouts with ease.
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Bala The Hourglass Roller
Bala has garnered a reputation for offering functional fitness accessories with an alluring aesthetic, and its latest offering, the Hourglass, is a prime example of the brand's commitment to both form and function. The Hourglass foam roller boasts a carefully thought-out design that is both lightweight and dense, featuring unique contouring and a cinched middle.
Despite its slightly larger dimensions, measuring at 19 inches in length and 5 inches in diameter, the Hourglass foam roller is a versatile tool that can be utilized for an array of workout recovery techniques, such as breaking up tight muscles, facilitating stretching, and incorporating into yoga flows for heightened flexibility. Moreover, its chic color options only add to its allure, making it a stylish addition to any fitness enthusiast's collection.
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This sophisticated foam roller is equipped with advanced technology, featuring a ripple-textured surface and a vibration function that delivers optimal pressure for a full-body massage experience, all while emitting a soft, subtle purr. The device seamlessly integrates with the Therabody app via Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for a personalized and tailored regimen.
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321 Strong Deep Tissue Massager
This roller from 321 Strong is a dream come true for those who seek deep-tissue massages. Its extra-firm texture and unique three-dimensional gridded surface simulate the pressure exerted by human fingers, thumbs, and palms. As a result, it effectively targets all your stiff muscles, without causing excessive pain or discomfort during use.
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Lululemon Double Roller
The Double Roller from Lululemon boasts a dual-purpose configuration that is both versatile and adaptable. With its hollow exterior, it allows for rolling out the hips, arms, and legs. In addition, the sculpted inner cylinder can be extracted to enable the massaging of those hard-to-reach areas throughout the back. Furthermore, both the hollow and sculpted components can be combined to offer a denser massaging experience.
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Brazyn Morph Foam Roller
A wonderful choice for those who frequently travel, the Brazyn Morph is a collapsible roller that boasts exceptional portability. Measuring at 15 inches in length and 5.5 inches in diameter, it maintains a slim profile of under 2 inches when collapsed, and weighs a mere one and a half pounds, rendering it almost unnoticeable in your luggage. Impressively, despite its convenient size and weight, it can support up to 350 pounds, making it a practical option for individuals of varying body types.
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Hyperice Vyper Go Massage Roller
Resembling a sleek Bluetooth speaker, the Vyper Go packs a powerful punch as a state-of-the-art foam roller. Using vibration therapy, this self-massager effectively eases tension and releases stiffness throughout your body. Its compact size of just 11 x 4 inches, along with a rechargeable battery, makes it ideal for on-the-go use, even earning TSA approval for carry-on luggage. Though it's one of the pricier options on the market, its innovative, tech-forward design is well worth the investment, in our estimation.
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Acumobility Ultimate Back Roller
With its distinctive wheel shape and textured surface, the Acumobility Roller is undoubtedly the optimal choice for targeting the muscles in your neck, shoulders, upper and lower back. This roller efficiently penetrates all the nooks and crannies along your spine and shoulder blades, leaving your muscles feeling rejuvenated. Although it weighs 3.4 pounds, which is on the heavier end for a foam roller, it can withstand an impressive weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, making it a durable and sturdy option.
8 Benefits of Ice Baths You Might Not Know
Brrr! You might think jumping into a freezing cold bath sounds like torture, but did you know that it can actually benefit your health? That's right, an ice bath (also known as cold water immersion therapy) has some surprising benefits you might not know about.
Here are 8 chilly reasons to give it a try:
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Soothe Your Inflammation Blues Feeling swollen and achy?
Dip into an ice bath! It can help reduce inflammation by slowing down blood flow to the area. Say goodbye to puffiness and pain!
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Recover Like a Champ Pushed yourself too hard at the gym?
An ice bath can help speed up muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and soreness. Get back to beast mode in no time!
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Wake Up, Buttercup Feeling groggy in the morning?
Jump into an ice bath to wake up your senses! The cold water stimulates your body's sympathetic nervous system, which releases hormones that give you a jolt of energy and make you feel more alert.
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Chill Out and Relax Stressed out?
Take a dip in an ice bath! It triggers the release of endorphins, which help you feel more relaxed and less anxious. The cold shock might even help you forget about your worries for a little while.
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Boost Your Immune System
Fend off those pesky germs with regular ice baths! They help increase the number of white blood cells in your body, which fight off infections and keep you healthy.
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Snooze Like a Baby Having trouble sleeping?
An ice bath before bed can help improve the quality of your sleep. It reduces inflammation and soreness, making it easier to drift off into dreamland. Plus, the release of endorphins will have you feeling extra cozy.
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Burn Baby Burn
Get your metabolism revving with an ice bath! The cold water forces your body to burn more calories to maintain its core temperature. Who knew being cold could be so hot?
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Circulation Station
Ice baths help improve circulation by constricting and then dilating blood vessels. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your body more efficiently. Keep your heart and blood vessels healthy with a refreshing dip!
So there you have it, folks! Don't be afraid to take the plunge into an ice bath - your body (and mind) will thank you!
How I trained myself to wake up earlier
I've always been fascinated by the idea of being a morning person. The thought of having some alone time, watching the sunrise, and enjoying a hot cup of coffee without the constant interruption of notifications, phone calls, and emails sounds like heaven. But let's be real, waking up early is no easy feat, especially before 7 a.m. And for someone like me, who despises the sound of a traditional alarm, the struggle was real.
So I did what any busy New Yorker would do, turned to YouTube for some early-morning routine inspiration. After watching countless videos and tweaking the advice to fit my lifestyle, I finally made progress in becoming a morning person.
Here are some of the things that worked for me (and some that didn't):
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Get Your Snooze On: Establish a Rockin' Bedtime Routine and Stick to It!
First and foremost, creating a strict bedtime routine and sticking to it was key. No phone in bed, reading before sleep, and charging my phone across the room made all the difference. When I started to stray from this routine, my sleep suffered, and my wake-ups were more difficult.
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Wake Up and Smell the Sunshine: Make Getting Out of Bed More Exciting!
Next, I made getting out of bed more appealing. I placed my fluffiest robe and slippers near my bed, and I started thinking about my morning cup of coffee before even going to sleep. It made getting out of bed in the chilly winter mornings a bit easier.
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Brighten Up Your Mornings: Let Lights Be Your Wake-Up Fairy!
Using lights to wake me up was also a game-changer. My Casper Glow Lights have a gentle alarm function that gradually illuminates the room, making the wake-up process feel natural and gentle.
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Get Your Morning Mojo Flowing with These "Pillars" of Productivity!
I set "pillars" in my morning schedule, which helped me focus on why I wanted to wake up early in the first place. My pillars include exercise, personal writing, and getting ready for the day. Creating time for myself every morning has been a game-changer in every aspect of my life. Even on the days when I don’t wake up as early as I’d like, having structure in my mornings has been crucial.
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The Write Way to Start Your Day: Take Morning Notes
Whether I managed to get up at 5 a.m. or not, I trained myself to take notes each and every morning (usually along with my daily journaling or to-do list writing). I writ about what worked, what didn’t, and the reasons I slept in or stayed up late. This helps me stay honest about the things that aren't working (mindlessly scrolling on my phone) and what are (morning workouts feel SO good). It makes it that much easier to prioritize waking up early.
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Spark Your Interest
In the past, my attempts to cultivate an early rising habit were often accompanied by a feeling of failure, which created a negative experience. This time, however, I decided to approach the process with a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn how to wake up early naturally. This shift in perspective made the experience positive and enjoyable, rather than a harsh and rigid routine. This change was instrumental in helping me develop a love for waking up early.
Nowadays, I manage to wake up early about half the week. The more consistently I follow the steps I've outlined above, the easier it is to stick to the routine. When I'm less consistent, it can be a bit more challenging, but I know exactly what I need to do to get back on track. I also recognize that even if I don't wake up at 5 a.m. every day, it doesn't mean that I am any less successful.
Unlocking Secret Perks of Being Nice to Yourself: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Love Done Right!
Hey there, my fellow human! Do you ever feel like you're just not enough? Like you're constantly failing, and no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to make it work? Well, have no fear, because I'm here to tell you that being kind to yourself is the answer to most of your problems! Yes, you heard me right – by treating yourself with love and respect, you can reach your full potential and achieve greatness!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But if I'm kind to myself, won't I just become lazy and unmotivated? Won't I just spend all day lounging around in a bubble bath, sipping wine and eating chocolate?" Well, my dear friend, I'm here to tell you that being kind to yourself is not about indulging in excess – it's about taking care of yourself physically and emotionally so that you can be the best version of yourself.
So, how do you start being kind to yourself? Here are some tips to get you on the right path:
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Manage your mind
Sit down and take an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. Figure out what you need to work on in terms of self-improvement. Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Do you have obsessive circular thoughts? Do you have trouble focusing on your work? If you find these things too overwhelming to address on your own, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. If cost is an issue, keep in mind that there are low-fee clinics available that can help. You can also look into self-help books, websites, and social media, but make sure that you're getting advice from a credible source, ideally someone who is licensed and experienced in psychology.
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Change your self-talk
The way we talk to ourselves has a huge influence on how we feel. If you come from a home that was verbally or emotionally abusive, you might have internalized that voice and speak to yourself in the same mean or cruel way. This only perpetuates a negative cycle and makes you feel worse. Negative self-talk is when we speak to ourselves in ways that are cruel, mean, critical, or catastrophizing. For example, we might decide that because a date went poorly, no one will ever love us. Or if we put on a couple of pounds, we might decide that our body is unattractive. Or if we get a bad grade on a test, we might think that we are going to be a failure forever. When we take a negative experience and turn it into a character defect, a harbinger of our future, or a sign of imminent failure, we deny ourselves the ability to learn from it. When we can be neutral and take in the information, we can utilize it to better ourselves and grow.
To change your negative self-talk, try taking a piece of paper and put a line down the middle. On the left-hand side, write down some of the things that you typically say to yourself when you're engaging in negative self-talk. On the right-hand side, write down five responses to the negative comments. Try to imagine what you would tell a friend or a child who you were caring for. Try to make the responses in the present tense and do not use negative words like “not.” For example, if your negative comment is, “No one is ever going to love me.” On the right side of the page you might write things like, “I am lovable” or, “I trust the universe to provide me with a loving partner.” Sometimes you have to fake it until you make it. You may not always believe all of the positive statements in the beginning, but you need them in order to rewire your brain.
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Failure is an Opportunity!
Failing at something can feel like a punch in the gut, but it's essential for growth. If you don't risk failure, you won't have the opportunity to learn and improve. Think of it like a game of darts: each missed shot gives you information on how to adjust your aim. In life, each failure is a chance to adjust your strategy and try again. Don't take failure personally or spend too much time fearing it. Instead, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this experience?" and "How can I use this to make me better?"
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Gratitude is the Way to Go!
Gratitude is the opposite of depression, and practicing it can work wonders for your physical and emotional health. According to studies, people who practice gratitude develop a stronger immune system, experience fewer aches and pains, have lower blood pressure, and sleep better. They also report more positive emotions, increased optimism, feeling more alert and awake, feeling less lonely and isolated, and more forgiving. So, practice gratitude by using gratitude journals or other gratitude practices and reap the benefits!
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Stop Diagnosing Yourself!
It's the latest trend to diagnose ourselves and talk about our emotional unwellness. But, when our negative attributes become our identity, we are more likely to hold onto them and less likely to change them. So, instead of talking about all the negative traits you see in yourself or how much you don't like yourself, try talking about positive things going on in your life. Work on constructing a different self-identity that is based on your strengths, not your weaknesses. And, if you're struggling with something, talk about it and get the support you need from a professional.
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Surround Yourself with the Right People!
Get rid of people in your life who are critical, make you feel bad about yourself, or are hurtful or abusive toward you. Actively work to surround yourself with people who are loving, trustworthy, and make you feel good. It's great to have friends around you who call you out on your crap because they care about you and want to see you improve yourself. But, get rid of the ones who just enjoy picking on you.
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Do What You Love!
Make the time to do things that you love to do. Participating in hobbies, creative endeavors, and passion projects fuels us. Part of being kind to yourself is carving out time to do things that you love.
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Self-Care is Not Selfish!
Practicing self-care is necessary for longevity and well-being, and it's not selfish. A study of medical students found that those who practiced self-care were less stressed and reported a better quality of life, both physically and emotionally. So, make time for activities that put emotional gasoline into the tank. These activities can include anything that helps you destress and relax, such as bubble baths, mani/pedis, lighting candles, playing soothing music, or getting a massage.
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Practice Lifestyle Self-Care!
Therapeutic lifestyle interventions, which are activities you can do on your own, are important for self-care. The six pillars of lifestyle medicine are nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connection, and avoiding risky substances. Make sure you have access to healthy, nutritious food, and regularly engage in physical activity. Utilize stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, and get the recommended amount of sleep. Positive social connections can improve health on every level, both physical and emotional, so stay connected. And, avoid risky substances that can harm your health.