While a bubble bath or expensive facial appointment can be great for self-care, they aren’t the only ways to prioritize wellness. Wellness is defined in many different ways. You don’t need to stick to a cookie-cutter version of wellness in order to feel better. There are many options for you to choose from to create a nurturing self-care regimen for yourself.
Here are six things you may have overlooked in your wellness routine.
1. Acquire a Silky Accessory
One of the most overlooked features of a good wellness routine is tactile in nature. In particular, the benefits of silk are greater than you might imagine. To start with, you can enjoy greater sleep quality by using silk pillowcases. They’re hypoallergenic, they prevent hair breakage, and they resist mildew and mold. Silk eye masks can also prevent facial creases from heavy sleeping.
While bedding is a great way to add silk to your life, you can also go for something wearable. There are numerous forms your new silk acquisition might take, like silk pajamas or a nightgown. These will add an element of luxury to your wellness routine and leave you feeling indulged and well-rested.
2. Seek Inspiration
You’ll feel the most restored when you take care of your mind as well as your body. Especially during downtime, you can find ways to nurture your creative impulse. You can do this by making sure your wellness routine contains a little inspiration.
Inspiration can come to you in many forms. You might feel inspired by daydreaming in a warm bathtub. You may also want to seek inspiration using something more concrete, like a vision board or scrapbook. There are even online inspiration boards if you’d rather use your computer or smartphone. Some people prefer to employ meditation, allowing inspiration to occur unconsciously. Whatever method you choose, be sure to add some reflective time to your wellness routine.
3. Incorporate Stretching
Some people focus on their skin, nails, or hair as barometers of wellness. But it’s important to strengthen other aspects of your body, too. Along with eating right and drinking plenty of water, a large part of wellness involves keeping your body limber. Even if you can’t take the time out of your day to do yoga, there are other options. You can still find ways to stretch while sitting on the couch, working, or watching TV.
For your first stretch, try a bear hug. Simply wrap your arms around your chest, reaching your hands as far around your back as possible. Next, do some neck stretches, tilting your head from side to side. Your back and shoulders should be straight to accentuate the stretch.
You can also try a seated forward bend by sitting with your legs out in front of you, perpendicular to your upper body. Then, bend forward to get your torso as close as you can to your feet. Any one of these easy exercises can do wonders for your wellness.
4. Drink a Glass of Red Wine
You can enjoy a libation as part of your wellness routine, especially one that provides additional health benefits. In particular, red wine can be the perfect accompaniment to a night of self-care. But wine isn’t just about relaxing — much less getting inebriated. It can be a healthy addition to your diet if consumed in moderation. For one thing, wine is extremely rich in antioxidants. Known for delaying cell damage, these natural substances are great for your general wellness.
Darker grape varietals such as Merlot, Malbec, and Shiraz contain antioxidants like resveratrol and the anti-inflammatory catechin. These two powerful antioxidants are the main reason why moderate wine drinking is considered beneficial for health. Resveratrol is concentrated in grape skins and can help regulate blood glucose levels. Catechin, while found at higher levels in tea, is also contained in red wine. This antioxidant is known for aiding weight loss and contributing to improved heart health.
5. Embrace a Hobby
Another facet of a wellness routine is finding a satisfying hobby. While plopping down in front of Netflix nightly might seem relaxing, the extra screen time probably isn’t doing you any favors. In contrast, a hobby can help you unwind while giving you a mood-boosting sense of accomplishment. An hour of knitting every night will both relax you and demonstrate visible progress. When you don your first completed sweater, you’ll be bursting with pride.
You’ll feel even better if your hobby is one that can be used to help others. Perhaps you’ll use your knitting skills to craft healing shawls for cancer patients. Quilters can create coverlets that give children in foster care something precious of their own. Such activities can trigger a sensation known as a “helper’s high,” caused by endorphins. When you couple your hobby with altruism, you’ll be increasing your own wellness and the larger world’s.
6. Take a Short Walk
The benefits of exercise can’t be understated. Doing some form of physical activity improves your body and mind. So why not add it to your wellness routine?
Yoga is a popular way to care for your body. It stretches your muscles, relieves joint inflammation, and provides inner peace. But there are other ways to exercise, especially if yoga is too difficult to manage. Yoga classes take time, energy, and materials like a yoga mat. To avoid extra costs but still get your fill of exercise, try walking instead.
Long walks can be therapeutic and calming. But even if you don’t have time for long treks, you can always find a few moments to stretch your legs. A stroll around your backyard or neighborhood can be a great way to kick off a day of self-care. Researchers at Cambridge University say that even a 20-minute walk each day can add years to your life.
Self-care is of the utmost importance. And taking care of yourself, especially during stressful times, should be a priority. No matter what your wellness routine consists of, it can always be improved. So put on your silk PJs, pour yourself some red wine, and enjoy your new wellness routine!