Self-care. It’s a simple concept, but one that many people fail to recognize as attainable. What is it? Simply stated, self-care is any action that you take to help you feel and look your very best. Fortunately, taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you have to neglect your budget or responsibilities. And if you’re a senior or a caretaker, the things you do to care for yourself now may be the most important actions you ever take.
Food and Self-Care
You have to eat, and you know that. But what you may not realize is that you eat to do more than simply sustain life. The foods you put into your body can have a significant effect on your health, both physical and mental.
There are some foods, including turkey breast, berries, bananas, and avocados, that are good for your heart but can also stave off depression. And when you eat the right foods, you can also improve your strength, which is especially important for seniors. Recipe Geek explains inexpensive items like eggs, nuts, and full-fat yogurt are packed with protein, which is crucial for muscle mass, tone, and development.
Down time
After a healthy meal, you can take your self-care efforts even further by indulging in a bit of relaxation. A quick trip to Target, whether in person or online, can help you find soothing bath products to help you wind down at the end of a long day. Bath bombs, epsom salt, and body lotions are affordable investments that can help you connect with your mind and body.
If you’re on Social Security or have lost your job due to the coronavirus pandemic, you might feel guilty about splurging on these and other self-care implements. Don’t be afraid to look for Target promo codes and other deals that will keep your finances from feeling an impact. And if you are really on a shoestring budget, even your local dollar store will have soaps, body washes, and even face masks that will help you feel like you’re in a spa.
Well being, naturally
One of the quickest ways to improve your mood and health, especially if you’ve spent more time at home the last two months than not, is to get out and go for a walk. Nowhere in the country has closed the outside off, and taking a stroll through nature is quite simply good for your mind, body, and soul. Science Daily recently published a study from the University of East Anglia that underscores this notion and cites that time in green space lessens your risk of premature death and high blood pressure.
Going outside does mandate some safety precautions, however, particularly if you’re an older adult with mobility issues. You’ll need to condition your body to activity, which means you need to stretch and, if necessary, use a cane or walking stick. Make sure to wear well-fitting shoes and slather yourself up with both sunscreen and bug spray.
Other ways to be your best
If you’re still looking for ways to treat yourself right without blowing your budget, consider these ideas:
- Wake up 20 minutes early each morning and enjoy your coffee at sunrise
- Put on your makeup and do your hair every morning
- Wear clean, comfortable clothing
- Spend some time on the phone or video chatting with friends and family
- Start a new hobby, such as drawing, reading, or birdwatching
Self-care doesn’t look like expensive massages and trips to the beach. While it certainly can be these things, now is the time to focus on DIY self-care measures so that you can keep yourself safe and healthy until the virus is under control. Aim for budget-friendly solutions, and enjoy!
