September is Self Care Month

September 27, 2024

Before the month slips away, it's a great time to practice prioritizing some “me time” because September is Self Care Month! Self care is important for your mental health, and also your physical health. By taking time do things for yourself, you may find it also helps you sleep better because you are relaxed and in a better state of mind at night. A win-win! Check out some easy to implement suggestions below to have you feeling revitalized and refreshed.

1. Practice your breathing exercises: There are calming benefits to slowing down and being aware of our breath. Any intentional, slowed breathing will reduce stress and ultimately leave you feeling better and more relaxed.
2. Take a moment for exercise: It doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. Take a walk with the dog or your family, meet up with a friend to play tennis or pickleball, challenge your kid to a game of HORSE. Whatever the activity is, moving will help you feel better and has been shown to help you fall asleep faster and easier at night.
3. Make a healthy meal: Instead of another night at the drive through, pick up ingredients to help you fuel your body in a healthier way. Healthier doesn’t have to mean more complicated…grab some foods to make your favorite salad, or make your burger at home so you can control the ingredients. Fueling your body in a healthy way will have you feeling better and sleeping better. This cookbook is full of healthy recipes with less than 7 ingredients!
4. Stay hydrated: Studies have shown being properly hydrated makes you better in just about every way…less food cravings, better mental state, and even clearer skin. Make your water more interesting by adding in fresh fruit, herbs, or a low sugar electrolyte powder.
5. Take a bath: A hot bath an hour before bedtime lowers stress to help you sleep better. Do double duty by adding in some bath salts high in magnesium, which has been shown to aid in sleep quality and quantity. You can even add in some essential oils to create a spa like feel!
6. Get some sunlight: It has been proven that sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, has benefits that last all day. Your mental state will improve, and it also is beneficial for your circadian rhythm, which will help you fall asleep at night.

Try one or all of these tips this weekend to celebrate Self Care Month, and see what makes you feel the best…and keep doing it after the calendar switches to October!

---

Also in Blog