Self-care has become a bit of a buzz phrase in the last few years, but that doesn\u2019t mean it shouldn\u2019t be valued as a critical part of life. And with all the time we\u2019ve had to spend with ourselves in the last year, it\u2019s more important than ever to take care of our mental health.<\/p>\n
Ahead, ten ways to keep your self-love game strong in any circumstance.<\/p>\n
Understand that self-love looks different for everyone Don\u2019t get discouraged if you try something and it doesn\u2019t work for you. The key is figuring out what makes you feel empowered, charged up, and ready to take on life.<\/p>\n Get on a good sleep schedule Sleep needs are unique, so find your \u201csweet spot\u201d and try to stick to it as regularly as possible.<\/p>\n Keep an eye on your nutrition According to Harvard Health Publishing<\/a>, \u201cStudies have compared \u2018traditional\u2019 diets, like the Mediterranean diet<\/a> and the traditional Japanese diet, to a typical \u2018Western\u2019 diet and have shown that the risk of depression is 25% to 35% lower in those who eat a traditional diet.\u201d<\/p>\n When we think of self-care, it can be super tempting to fall into a comfort food rut. For a lot of us, that means processed, sugary, or fat-heavy dishes — but that can actually make you feel worse<\/em> in the long run. Make sure you\u2019re enjoying a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods to get the most mental bang for your buck.<\/p>\n Nourish yourself Cooking for yourself is one of the easiest ways to do this. You don\u2019t have to be a world-class chef, either. There are a ton of simple (tasty!) recipes<\/a> you can whip up in a snap.<\/p>\n Clean up your space Take care of the tasks you’ve been putting off Have an errand you\u2019ve been putting off forever because you just don\u2019t feel like it<\/em>? Accomplish it, and see what happens.<\/p>\n Watch or read something funny Move your body What constitutes \u201cmoderate-intensity\u201d depends on your current fitness level. For people who are only modestly engaged in physical activity, this could mean a 30-minute walk. For those more accustomed to exercise, try something new! Perhaps a brisk jog or mobility challenge<\/a>?<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The first step in maintaining strong mental and emotional health is realizing that the most effective method for you may differ completely from ours, your best friend, or that super cute Instagram influencer who seems to have it all together.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/strong>We know —\u00a0boring. B<\/em>ut science says<\/a> balanced sleep is maybe one of the most important ways we can take care of ourselves. The operative word here is balanced<\/em>. Those of us prone to falling into a sleep-all-day mode when we\u2019re not feeling our best may jump for joy at the thought that sleep can help improve mental health, but oversleeping can cause its own issues as well<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Much like sleep, proper nutrition is integral to keeping your body and mind moving throughout the day.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The simple act of putting in the effort on your own behalf is super powerful for your mental health. Anything you can do that tells your mind, \u201cI am here, doing work for your benefit\u201d can increase your mental strength and relaxation.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Your environment can have an immense impact on your mental health. You may not feel like doing chores when you\u2019re trying to enjoy “me time”, but studies show clutter can actually cause psychological strain<\/a>. We\u2019re not saying clean the house instead of reaching for that face mask; definitely reach for the face mask. Just consider doing a few dishes first! Your brain will thank you.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>When we think of setting goals, we often think big\u00a0<\/em>(like career, family, relationships big) but setting small goals and fulfilling them literally primes our brains with the self-efficacy<\/a> needed to tackle those big goals.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Sometimes you just need a little something to snap you out of your head. Comedy is perfect for this. Regular laughter doesn\u2019t just improve your state of mind — it can also have long-term physical benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>No, we\u2019re not suggesting you go to a gym or do a deathly 60-minute HIIT workout. Just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per day will maintain your physical health and improve your mental condition.<\/p>\n