Explore health-backed suggestions to take care of yourself this month (and beyond).
In case you needed the reminder: Self-care isn’t selfish. That’s the energy we’re bringing into National Self-Care Awareness Month this September.
Self-Care September is a time to take care of your physical + mental health. And as we welcome a new season (hello, fall), now is the perfect time to introduce new wellness practices into your routine.
These six self-care habits can make a big difference in your overall health:
Prioritize your well-being
It’s easy to fall into a pattern of taking care of everyone butyourself. Self-care begins with prioritizing your own well-being (read: the health of your mind, body, and spirit).
Here are a few ways to integrate self-care into your everyday routine.
Prioritizing your well-being is essential for a fulfilling and balanced life. Here are some steps and tips to help you prioritize your well-being:
Self-Care
Allocate time for self-care activities like exercise, relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
Ensure you get enough sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Healthy Diet
Eat a nutritious and balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.
Exercise Regularly
Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, whether it’s through gym workouts, outdoor activities, or home exercises.
Mental Health
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress and anxiety.
Consider seeking professional help if you’re dealing with mental health challenges. Therapy and counseling can be immensely beneficial.
Manage Stress
Identify stressors in your life and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage them effectively.
Practice time management and prioritize tasks to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
Work-Life Balance
Set boundaries between work and personal life to ensure you have time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Social Connections
Nurture and maintain relationships with friends and family members, as social connections contribute to overall well-being.
Engage in activities or join groups that align with your interests to meet new people and build a supportive network.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Engage in lifelong learning by pursuing hobbies, taking courses, or reading books to stimulate your mind and enhance personal growth.
Financial Health
Manage your finances responsibly, create a budget, and save for the future to reduce financial stress and improve overall well-being.
Regular Health Check-ups
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your physical health and address any concerns promptly.
Spend Time Outdoors
Enjoy nature and spend time outdoors to benefit from fresh air, sunlight, and the calming effects of nature.
Practice Gratitude and Positivity
Cultivate a grateful mindset by acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life.
Get active
Exercise can help strengthen your body, boost your mood, and clear your mind. And, there are plenty of local ways to get moving — whether you want to get active indoors or prefer to workout outdoors.
Take a mental health day
If you’ve been feeling stressed + unmotivated, this is your sign to take a mental health day. Sometimes a day of rest filled with your favorite local self-care activities is all you need to recharge your battery.
Express gratitude
Research shows that the mind and body are connected in more ways than one.
Try this: Approach your day with an attitude of gratitude. Write down three things you’re grateful for in the morning before starting your day.
Try a new hobby
Spark joy by finding a new hobby that interests you. Need some inspo? Check out this list for adult cooking classes, sports leagues, and more around Chattanooga.
Create a cozy space
Your home is like your personal self-care sanctuary — craft your space to be clean, cozy, and comfortable.
Pro tip: Check out our very own Six & Main store to set the vibe with candles, mugs, snuggly sweatshirts, and more.
Looking for more self-care tips? Here are 15 more ways to embrace Self-Care September.
