INSPIRATION:
Wellbeing
Treat yourself: Eight healthy ideas to do something good for yourself
Treat yourself:
8 healthy ideas to do something good for yourself
The famous Mark Twain once said: "The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not do." That he was wrong and that it doesn't have to be that way is shown by the following eight healthy tips. They can be easily and simply integrated into your daily life, are therefore easy to implement, and do you lasting good.
A fulfilled life begins with health – this was found by 70% of respondents in a 2019 survey conducted by the market research institute GfK. Health encompasses not only physical fitness and intactness but also mind and soul. It is important to view the body as a whole and to nurture not only physical but also mental health. Selfcare is the motto here: Doing something good for yourself is the first step towards a healthy lifestyle.
This does not necessarily require a radical reversal of your life rhythm or style. What is important is not to overwhelm yourself and to stay within the areas where you feel comfortable. Otherwise, frustration quickly sets in when things don't work out – which is the opposite of "doing good".
Idea 1: Skin Care – Skin Care is Self Care
When you feel good about yourself, you radiate that too – you receive positive feedback and feel more satisfied. So do what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful: an extensive peel for face and body or a nourishing mask gives your skin a fresh boost. A pretty nail polish for fingers and toes adds color to your look. Or treat yourself to a thorough hairdresser appointment including a head massage, hair treatment, and eyebrow plucking – an hour of pampering just for you!
Idea 2: Think positive
Actually easier than you think: Take five minutes every evening and think of three nice things or events that made you smile during the past day – even if it's the tiniest little thing. This creates many positive thoughts! You can also write the things down, so you can enjoy them even longer.
Idea 3: Sleep well
It is no secret that healthy and sufficient sleep is important: too little and poor sleep negatively affect mood and performance. But all too often, the mind and thoughts do not come to rest despite a tiring day. Therefore, it helps to maximally support the brain in relaxing. Reduce visual stimuli: turn off your phone, no TV, no internet – instead, read a book. Or listen to your favorite podcast or an audiobook. Especially practical for this: the timer function on smartphones, which can also be set to "stop playback."
It also helps to get rid of "baggage" before going to bed: write down your tasks for the next day, so you have them out of your head. Try to resolve disputes – unresolved conflicts disturb peace and sleep.
Idea 4: Sing Yourself Healthy
Do you like to sing in the shower, in the car, or even during your morning routine? Very good! Singing is extremely healthy – just ten to fifteen minutes get your circulation going. In addition, our body receives more oxygen through the special breathing. This boosts metabolism, stabilizes blood pressure, promotes blood flow to organs and the brain, and increases concentration. Singing also strengthens the immune system and protects against colds: the body produces more immunoglobulin A, which forms a protective barrier against pathogens on the mucous membranes. And the fact that the body’s own happiness hormones are released completes the miraculous effect – singing makes you happy and is good for your body all around.
Idea 5: Go out into nature
This way, you kill two birds with one stone: A trip into nature lowers your blood pressure, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and decreases your levels of anxiety and depression. Going into nature also means getting exercise in the fresh air – and it doesn't have to be a jog, a walk will do. If you also leave your phone in your pocket, you give your brain a little time to breathe.
Special advantage: The body replenishes its vitamin D levels through the UV radiation of the sun – otherwise, this only works through dietary supplements. However, vitamin D plays an important key role in bone mineralization and metabolic processes. So close your eyes, tilt your head back, and enjoy!
Idea 6: Try something new
Humans are naturally explorers, as is easily seen in small children. Why not try something new again as an adult? For example, simply wander aimlessly through your own neighborhood and walk down streets you've never been on before. Take a different route home from work for a change. Learn a new language, perhaps of a country you've always wanted to visit? With the help of various apps, this is relatively easy today.
Or you try out a new recipe – with a food that you haven't considered before or that you have always prepared the same way. Many old, very healthy vegetables are currently experiencing a renaissance, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, or heirloom potatoes. They all contain important nutrients and vitamins. And there are a variety of delicious recipes that reinvent these vegetables.
Find your balance
Every person is different – but what we all have in common is this: we need a way to relieve stress. So find out what helps you best. Yoga, Pilates, DIY projects, or simply Sudoku – the important thing is that it brings you joy, distracts you, and makes you feel comfortable. Only when you find your own way to unwind will you benefit from it in the long run – and then it will do you a lot of good!
