Looking for some self-care ideas to help you love yourself right now? With proper self-care you can boost your mental strength, adapt to stressful circumstances and make better decisions. It turns out that looking after yourself is the best investment you can make. 4 Self Care Ideas For A Happier Life, According To Science
If you’re looking for a reason to treat yourself, look no further. Self-care can help undo a stressful week, a tense convo, and just get you ready to bring your A-game. Self-care to the rescue!
1.
Open the window
As often as you can, go outside or let the fresh air in. Swapping the comfort of your home for the outdoors will improve your mental and physical health. Try to go into more green spaces, even if you have to take your workout outside for a bit, this is the ultimate act of self-care.
Why it works: Research suggests that being in more green spaces benefits the brain in a similar way to regular meditation. It can also make you feel more invigorated and alive. Working out outside will decrease tension, anger, and depression! 4 Self Care Ideas For A Happier Life, According To Science
2.
Get a hit of oxytocin
Whenever you can, try to focus on the little things. Regular gratitude journaling can help you focus on all the good things, increasing happy thoughts and positive connections in your brain, which will make you mentally strong, healthier, help you sleep better and more. In fact, science says gratitude is the number one measurable change that makes an actual difference to people’s lives. There’s no reason not to start! 4 Self Care Idea
Why it works: Gratitude has so many benefits including decreasing cortisol levels and perhaps increasing oxytocin, the bonding hormone involved in relationships that make us feel happy. Studies have also shown that those who practice regular gratitude are overall healthier, have stronger relationships and spend less time at the doctors. 4 Self Care Ideas For A Happier Life, According To Science
3.
Pick the right scents
Aromatherapy is important. You’ve probably picked out just the right scents for your home, and yes, de-stressing candles are essential. However, if you want to give yourself the ultimate act of self-care, take a deep breath of some aromatherapy oils that benefit you. For focus try peppermint oil, to improve your concentration and cognitive function it’s got to be lavender (which might be the opposite of what you thought). If breathing deep in a calm environment sounds like one of the better self-care ideas, this is definitely for you!
Why it works: We know that breathing techniques can help us relax. But what we breathe might be just as important as how we breathe. A study in 1990 showed that smelling peppermint essential oil enhanced alertness, focus, and concentration. Lavender increases concentration and some scents even help protect against flu! Find the research here. 4 Self Care Ideas For A Happier Life, According To Science
4.
Learn to manage your stress
Stress is really bad for your health. If you’re trying to take care of yourself, you need to learn to deal with stressors better. The more stressed you think you are, the worse it is for your heart. You can use a journal like the Stress Less journal to cope with stress better and limit the effects on your body. This is one of the self-care ideas that everyone can get behind.
Why it works: The Stress Less journal contains CBT techniques that help you deal with stressors and re-wire your own brain. You can learn to self-soothe and deal with unhelpful thoughts. You can’t eliminate stress, but by learning to limit its effects on your brain and body, you can lessen the chances of heart problems and high blood pressure.
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