It sure can be easy for many of us to forget to take personal time for ourselves with all that we do for work and for our families and friends. Yet the truth of the matter is that when we do not take the time to recharge our batteries, we set ourselves up to ultimately run out of steam and perhaps disappoint those around us. Not to mention the damage that not taking proper care of ourselves can do to our health.
Even if you have a very hectic schedule like many of us have today, you need to make finding time to nurture the health of your mind and spirit a priority. Unquestionably providing your body with healthy nutrition, staying fit, and getting a proper amount of sleep nightly are important factors in your overall health. However, the importance of nurturing your mind and spirit, and the serious impact not doing so can have on your health is undeniable. There have been many scientific studies conducted with findings to support the many possible benefits that can result from engaging in activities that nourish the mind and spirit.
You do not need a lot of time daily for providing your mind and spirit with the nourishment needed for optimal health. Twenty minutes a day will do. Whenever you can give yourself more than 20 minutes for self-care, take advantage of it. Not only can you give your mind and spirit a recharge in less than a half hour there are many activities you can do to refresh both at the same time. Sometimes you can even get in some refreshing of body muscles as well like through soaking in a warm tub of scented oils and bath salts.
Here are some other ideas for renewing your energy and revitalizing your mind and spirit in simple ways that do not require much time when you have little of it to spare.
•Listen to soothing music.
• Light a scented candle and allow yourself to be still and quiet for however long you can be.
•Learn deep breathing techniques for relaxing and de-stressing your body, mind, and spirit.
•Meditate. There are many books and tapes to teach you how to do this.
•Pray and strengthen your faith and connection with a higher power, or make connections with nature, people, and the world around you to fortify your sense of belonging and purpose.
•Place a cool cloth over your eyes and lay back while quieting your mind.
•Purchase a sound machine so that you can relax by listening to different sounds of nature.
•Take a leisurely walk through a botanical garden, a meadow filled with flowers in bloom, or along the beach.
•Let yourself be a kid again for a few minutes without thinking about your responsibilities as an adult. Laugh and act silly. Go to the zoo. Buy yourself some cotton candy or an elephant ear. Head to the movies and watch a children’s movie or comedy.
•Read inspirational books before starting your day and listen to inspirational tapes while commuting.
•Take an afternoon nap in a backyard hammock, or stretched out on the sofa.
•Give yourself the time and permission to pursue a hobby that you have been putting off.
Do not neglect giving care and the nutriment that your mind and spirit needs for health, fulfillment, and greater glad living. Taking time for yourself daily is not selfish, it will help you to be there for others in all the ways that you want to be.
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