3 ways to look after yourself well

Looking after yourself and prioritising time to invest in your overall wellbeing is sound advice especially during these times of uncertainty and high anxiety. Focusing on self-care by managing stress levels and boosting your immune system will have a very positive impact on your physical and mental health.

Here are 3 ways you can boost your overall wellbeing…

1. Slow down and relax

Relaxation is one of the best ways to recharge and it is also one of the most important ways to ensure that you are pacing yourself and maintaining a healthy balance. Focusing on the moment and appreciating the experience, rather than being somewhere else, will heighten your enjoyment of whatever activity you are involved in. Focusing on all your senses will help you to appreciate much more of what is going on around you, which in turn can have a very relaxing effect. Being around nature and green spaces can also be energising and lift your mood, which will ultimately help you to be more productive.

2. Boost your immune system

No matter who you are or where you live, the very fact that you are alive depends on you eating and keeping hydrated. A delicious meal and a drink can be one of the most satisfying sensory experiences and can also be responsible for some of our greatest health problems.
You are essentially what you eat. Each human being is made up of water, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins. Every single molecule comes from the food you eat and the water you drink. Eating the highest quality food in the right quantities helps you to achieve your highest potential for health, vitality and freedom from disease

Following good-health guidelines is the best way to keep your immune system strong and healthy. Get started by building these 10 healthy habits into your life.

1. Wash your hands frequently.
2. Eat a healthy balanced diet.
3. Exercise and relax regularly.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
5. Reduce refined sugar.
6. Don’t smoke.
7. Moderate alcohol consumption.
8. Make sure you get adequate sleep.
9. Manage and reduce stress levels.
10. Think positively and be kind.

3. Take time out and switch off

For the sake of your mental health it is worth bearing in mind that there is a great deal of information in circulation – some of it is very valuable and important, some of it is fake and toxic. This can have a detrimental impact on your wellbeing. Don’t believe every story you read, and always fact-check against a reliable and well-evidenced source.
It is also important to balance your intake of daily news and for every negative thing you hear or read, make sure that you actively seek out some positive stories that will uplift you.

Various studies into neurological and emotional wellbeing highlight the need to take breaks. Scanning social media is not a break for your brain because your mind will think it is still working. When you relax, you really need to switch off and avoid directing your thoughts toward any task at all. Downtime is healthy for the mind, body and soul.

In summary

Making your own personal wellbeing your number one priority has nothing to do with being selfish. No one needs to feel guilty or ashamed about this. It is the most responsible way to live your life and you have a duty to look after yourself and invest in self-care.