The Best Tips to Take Care of Yourself From Head to Toe by Stephanie Haywood

If you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to find time to care for yourself. However, looking after your health is essential to feeling your best. Fortunately, there are plenty of small ways to incorporate healthy habits into daily life.

Connect With Others

Social isolation can take a mental and emotional toll. With so many people working remotely, there are fewer daily opportunities to connect with others. However, technology makes it easy to communicate with coworkers and reach out to loved ones. If you're missing a sense of community, you can find it by putting yourself out there:

Volunteer at an animal shelter

Take an exercise class

Participate in local events

Create a Relaxing Space at Home

Your home should be a comforting space, especially if you have a stressful job. The following are great ways to create a relaxing atmosphere:

Declutter, organize, and clean

Light scented candles or incense

Let in natural light

Get houseplants

Incorporate Physical Activity Into Your Daily Life

Physical activity is crucial for good health, but research shows that 77% of people in the U.S. don't exercise enough. Understandably, many people find it difficult to set aside time for a workout. Instead, try to make small changes that naturally introduce exercise into your routine:

Go into the restaurant instead of using the drive-thru

Take the stairs

Stand at your desk

Stretch while watching TV

Set Healthy Boundaries

If you say yes to everything, you'll be spread too thin. Instead, set and maintain boundaries that support your mental health. Remember to stand your ground and be clear about your needs. Some people may try to make you feel guilty for setting boundaries, but you should never feel bad about taking care of yourself. 

Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Getting a good night's sleep is crucial to physical and mental health. However, some common habits can lead to poor sleep, even if you get the full eight hours. To improve your sleep hygiene, try out these tricks:

Turn off screens at least half an hour before bedtime

Turn on the AC

Go to bed at the same time each night

Cook Nutritious Meals

Your body needs nutrients to feel its best. To stay fit, plan meals with these tips in mind:

Limit your salt consumption

Choose low-fat proteins

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

If you want a diet that will help you lose weight or meet fitness goals, you can talk to a fitness expert.

Use Sunscreen

As your largest organ, your skin deserves as much attention as your muscles. One way to keep your skin young and healthy is to wear sunscreen daily. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes cancer, so protect yourself wherever you go outside.

You should also have a skincare routine. Cleansing and moisturizing twice a day removes dirt while ensuring your skin doesn't get too dry. If you wear makeup, always remove it before going to bed, as sleeping with it on can cause premature aging.

Brush and Floss

Taking care of your teeth will save you a lot of headaches later on. To keep your pearly whites healthy, follow these tips:

Visit the dentist every six months

Brush twice a day and floss once

Skip acidic and sugary drinks

Your health is an investment; it takes time and effort, but the result is a happier life. If you've been neglecting your head-to-toe health, don't worry — it's never too late to develop good habits.