Doing good for the world starts by focusing somewhere you may not even think to look—It starts by focusing on yourself. Let’s think about this for a minute. The world of do-gooders is full of people so focused on helping others that they often forget to take care of themselves. That’s the perfect recipe for burnout, which in turn ends up helping no one at all. Check out these tips to focus on yourself so that you can keep spreading positivity and light by feeling well rested and ready to give it your all.
Meditate
Calming your mind is not an easy task. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re living in the 21st century where there’s an app for that, whatever you’re looking for. Hop on your smartphone and download a meditation app to help guide your journey. Soothing voices will walk you through exactly how to get started with meditation.
The best part is that meditating doesn’t have to be a lengthy commitment. Even 5–10 minutes daily can offer ample health benefits. Studies have shown that meditation can help reduce stress, help control anxiety, lengthen attention spans and improve overall mental health.
Make Time for Yourself
Ask yourself: What’s one small thing you can do to make yourself happy today? It doesn’t have to be a big gesture. Here are a few examples of ways to focus on yourself:
- Read a book you’ve been putting off.
- Take a hot bath.
- Go for a walk around the neighborhood.
- Meditate (see above!).
- Call a friend you haven’t seen in awhile.
People say that mental health isn’t all about bath bombs and face masks, which is true. However, sometimes you simply need to treat yourself. If a face mask or a bath bomb will help you destress and relax, then by all means, go for it.
Put Your Physical Health First
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. When one is out of sync, the other can suffer as well. This works both ways. When your physical health suffers, your mental health can suffer. Likewise, when your mental health is down, you may not have the capacity to work on your physical health. Here are a few simple ways to help ensure your mental and physical health stay in sync.
- Try to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Eight is even better.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Set a goal and stick to it!
- Eat your vegetables (as many as you want!). Be sure to add some greens to each meal.
These are all things you’ve heard hundreds of times over the years and yet they’re still no easy feat. Start small and set tiny goals. If drinking water is your most neglected area, start by increasing your water intake by a small amount. Then the next week, add a little more. Before you know it, you’ll be up to drinking your recommended amount of water per day.
Giving back to the world starts with you. How will you focus on your mental health this week? Use these reminders to take small steps toward putting yourself first. Who knows—what starts as a small habit could turn into a huge life change for the better.
