Make time for yourself

It can be hard to find the time to take care of yourself, but it’s essential that you do. Here are a few simple ideas for looking out for yourself:

Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?”
Too often we don’t stop to ask that question because we prioritize others’ needs. It’s important to prioritize yourself and what you need. Be honest with your answer, and help yourself get what you need. It’s not selfish — it’s essential.

Increase your movement.
Up your exercise by establishing a daily routine such as going for a walk after dinner. Do you need alone time? Hit the bricks all by yourself. Do you crave some family time? Take the whole crew along. Just get yourself moving however you can.

Get more rest.
Have you heard of “revenge bedtime procrastination?” It’s the act of sacrificing sleep for leisure time — like late-night binging on “Schitt’s Creek” for the third time. Your short-term gain is a little bit of entertainment, but the long-term effect is insufficient sleep and all the problems that accompany it: brain fog, forgetfulness, moodiness. Go to bed earlier so you can recharge your body and your mind.

Stay hydrated.
This is the low-hanging fruit of self-care. Drinking enough water is important for your physical and mental health — aim for eight glasses of water a day (64 ounces) at a minimum. Studies have shown that drinking more water affects mood and cognitive function. A study published in the journal Appetite found that women who drank too little water were more likely to experience tension, confusion and lower mood.

However you can, make time to nurture yourself, because you matter a great deal to a whole lot of people.