Self-care tips for busy people

Self-care can help improve our mental and physical health—that much we know. But did you know that it can also help lower your risk of illness?

Self-care is doing the things that help you manage stress and anxiety, and cope with your daily tasks, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It can be as simple as taking a walk, listening to music, eating well, meditating or having a conversation with a friend.

The problem for many is that they’re too busy to pause and actually think of the things that can ease their stress. Don’t worry—here are some self-care tips just for you, busy people!

1. Incorporate self-care into your daily routine.

Moms are some of the busiest people on earth. Every minute of the day is either occupied by work, children or the home. And we can all learn from their technique! They’re masters at creating a routine for the family that you just do without even being conscious about it.

So don’t forget to insert a few minutes of self-care into your own routine. Get your family involved. Tell them about it so they learn to respect your alone time.

2. Get physical.

Exercise outdoors. Get your blood pumping to feel more energized. According to experts, to maintain energy balance you must put energy out—meaning you need to get more active and burn calories. In a study, experts found that “getting a 30-minute dose of nature can lower your pulse and blood pressure” and that being outdoors “enhances our desire to seek and enhance social connections,” which in turn prevent feelings of loneliness and depression.

3. Get enough sleep.

No matter how much you deny it, excessive consumption of social media content keeps you awake at night. How many times a week do you stay up late scrolling through Instagram or Facebook? Sleep deprivation is linked to health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, stroke and depression. Make “getting a good night’s sleep” a priority by sticking to a bedtime schedule. If you still can’t, despite your best efforts to create a conducive setting for sleep, consult a doctor.

4. Focus on positivity and gratitude.

Banish negative thoughts and stop ruminating. The latter can often lead to paralyzing thoughts about something you could have done or should have done, especially when it comes to romantic relationships that have ended. Stop thinking about things that are in the past and focus on your present. Focus on the positive things in your life and practice gratitude. According to Mayo Clinic, “gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain, and risk of disease.”

5. Stay connected with the people you love.

Reach out to them. Family and friends can help you feel less lonely and make you want to participate in activities. Say yes to their invitations to get together, to walk together, to share a meal or just hang out. They can offer support and help that you may need.

6. Eat healthy.

A balanced diet can improve your energy level and help you focus. Eat plenty of vegetables, nutritious food, and drinks regularly. Consume the recommended number of calories—not too much and not too little. Also, limit your caffeinated drinks.

7. Seek peace of mind.

According to a survey, family matters, work and money are the top things that people worry about. We’ll never know what tomorrow brings, but there are some things we can prepare for. Being prepared just makes you less anxious and stressed about the future.

Make sure you have a financial plan—an emergency or back-up you can turn to should anything untoward happen like an accident or critical illness. More importantly, make sure you have health and life insurance. FWD Life Insurance has plans that you can purchase within minutes on its online shop. One product that gives you all around coverage is the 3-in-1 Protection Insurance bundle, which provides you with life, accident and critical illness protection. Or talk to an FWD financial advisor to determine what suits your needs.

8. Pamper yourself.

Book a massage. Read a book. Take a weekend trip. Buy a new lipstick or nail polish. Sleep in. Listen to music. Treat yourself to an expensive meal. Buy yourself flowers. The point of pampering yourself is to feel good. Whatever it takes, do what makes you happy and just relax. You deserve it.

FWD is here to help!

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• Online self-serve tools (e.g., mood trackers, journaling, emotional health assessments and more)
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