If we learned anything over the past year, it’s that we all want to take better care of ourselves and embrace the special moments. Whether it’s by working out or, if that’s just not working out, taking time to veg out and clear our minds, we’ve all been gifted some unexpected time to make some changes. Maybe you found a new hobby, unplugged a little more, or just took the time to stop and smell the roses – whatever helped you become your new you is worthy of a round of applause.
We are consistently reminded to slow down and take better care of ourselves; that “you only live once” and you must “seize the day!” And it’s true, somewhere along the way we all got so busy that maybe we weren’t taking the time to focus on the right things, like self-care.
Self-Care is Joyful Wellness
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.” — Abraham Maslow
Self-care isn’t limited to just one thing, and it’s certainly different for everyone. It could be putting down your phone at the end of the night to read a book, taking a walk in the woods, eating healthier, or saying “Yes, I am going to have that slice of cake.” Sometimes it boils down to allowing yourself the gift of simple enjoyments.
Self-Care is Mindful Wellness
Our minds are the engines that power so much of who we are. Just the smallest changes can affect how we feel, act, and perform in our daily lives. Taking time to focus on our mind’s needs is not time wasted, but time invested in you. Some ways you can practice mental wellness are:
- Doing activities that keep your mind sharp, like puzzles, crosswords, or learning a new subject or skill.
- Taking time to clear your mind with meditation or simply closing your eyes and allowing your senses to reset.
- Allowing yourself time during the day to set your work aside.
Self-Care is Physical Wellness
Like our minds, our bodies are our physical presence in the world. They allow us to perform the work we do, the activities we love, and in return, they need to be loved back. Taking time to care for your physical wellness can be done without much thought, simply by:
- Getting plenty of sleep. Setting a routine to eat dinner at the same time, to unplug from electronics at the same time, and go to bed at the same time every day can make a remarkable impact.
- Making sure you’re fueling your body properly. Cut out those midday fast-food runs, shake those late-night cravings, and add in foods and beverages like Orangina that lift your spirits to help you on your journey to wellness.
Self-Care is Social Wellness
We are social creatures. We depend on the love, friendship, and connection that we have with each other. Taking time to nurture these relationships will also help you connect greater with yourself.
- Schedule times to call home. Whether its parents, siblings, grandparents or aunts and uncles, making time to hear the voices of those you care about will help you to feel supported.
- Connect with friends, colleagues, and co-workers. Everyone is on their own path in life, but oftentimes we find ourselves on similar paths to the people around us. Check-in on your people, which lets them know how you’re doing, too.
Self-Care is Spiritual Wellness
Take time for what you believe in – for what gives you a deeper sense of meaning, understanding, or connection with the universe.
- Take a walk through your neighborhood, the local park, a trail through the woods, or up a mountain. We all have different surroundings, but there’s always that certain place that allows us the ability to reflect.
Self-Care is Emotional Wellness
Our emotions are a complex web that affect everything about us each day. Like a GPS frantically giving us directions, it can be difficult to stay on one course without a few detours.
- Find activities that help you acknowledge and express your feelings on a regular basis.
- Communicate with those around you. Respectful discussion is generally a healthier practice for everyone than to bottle things up.
- Take time to breathe. Like so many other factors of our wellness, slowing down and making better choices that benefit our long-term health will be the most rewarding.
Finding the right habits is the key to self-care. Food and drink are often essential to connecting with others (even virtually) and an important part of creating special experiences and memories. The joy of food and flavor creates fulfillment and happiness for us all. Adding a sparkling beverage like Orangina on your journey to wellness can lift your spirits any time of the day. Cheers to your wellness!