What is Physical Self Care?
Let’s start by defining this type of self care.
Physical self care is about catering to our physical body and its health. Some ways to practice this form of self care involve eating and sleeping well, getting some exercise, drinking plenty of water, and taking care of any ailments.
Here are some simple, specific things you can start doing today to build a physical self care practice.
How to Start Practicing Physical Self Care
#1. Get more (and better!) sleep.
Ah, sleep. Most of us don’t get enough of it! In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, adults should be getting an average of 7-9 hours per night. And it goes without saying that quality sleep can make a big difference in how you feel during the day.
#2. Opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods.
You know the cycle: you’re tired, so you crave carbs and sugar, then eat carbs and sugar, then feel more tired. And the cycle repeats.
Eating healthier, nutrient-rich foods, on the other hand, can give your body the fuel it needs to perform. This means more energy and mental focus to tackle the day.
I’m not a nutritionist, so I’d recommend reading up on the latest research and thinking when it comes to healthy eating. From health bloggers to local nutritionists, to books – the options are endless.
#3. Get moving.
If you’re not a big fan of exercise, you may be rolling your eyes or questioning what working out has to do with self care.
But including some movement into your day can reap numerous benefits and is a critical part of taking care of your physical body.
If you want to get into a workout routine, my posts The Best Workout Motivation: 5 Ways to Get Moving and Lazy Girl Workout Hacks: How to Make Exercise More Bearable are a good place to start.
#4. Drink lots of water.
Keeping yourself hydrated is an easy, quick, (and free!) way to take care of your body. Don’t love drinking water? Here are some ways to make it more bearable:
Add fruit to create your own “spa water”! Lemon, lime, and orange slices are great options, as are cucumber slices.
Drink out of a cute cup! This great option from Contigo has been my go-to. I like how it has a straw, prevents condensation, and has a lid to prevent spills.
Keep tabs. If you’re competitive with yourself or just like crossing things off a list (guilty!) keep track for how many glasses you’re drinking during the day to help motivate you. I actually sell hydrate tracker stickers in my Etsy shop and they’ve been hugely popular! You can shop the collection here.
#5. Listen to your body.
The final way to practice self care is to listen to your body. This means resting when it feels tired, taking it slow when it needs to, and overall, not pushing yourself when you’re not 100%.
Too often, we feel a need to be at peak productivity and performance regardless of the signs our body is telling us. Physical self care is about being intentional in how we take care of our bodies, which means listening to them and giving them what they need.
There you have it – 5 simple ways to practice physical self care. Do you have any additional tips? Share them below!
