Self-Care Versus Health Care

Do you wake up excited about what you can accomplish or what you can do to give back to your community? There are many things in life that are out of your control, but your ability to focus on yourself and the things that are within your control can help improve both your physical and mental health. While people are living longer lives, and medical improvements have been made to decrease mortality rates, evidence suggests older individuals are not living better, healthier lives. Regardless of your age, self-care practices can promote healthier lifestyles and can help you to keep your health-care costs down.

Honor Your Body

Your body is unique. Practice complimenting your body for all it can do. Avoid negative thoughts and try not to compare yourself to others. Practice habits that make you feel good and are good for your health. Your body will tell you when it is tired and when it hungry— simply listen to your body. Your relationships suffer when self-care is lacking. Honor your body so that you are able to serve others.  

Eat Well and Move Your Body

Be mindful of what you feed your body and strive for balance. Eating only when you are hungry and limiting sugar and refined carbs are healthy eating habits. Pay attention to your gut which plays a role in your mood and immune system functions. Prebiotic foods help nurture the healthy bacteria in your gut and help introduce new healthy bacteria into your system. Move your body—this can improve circulation, flush toxins, regulate your hormones, improve digestion, and reduce stress. Regular movement benefits both your mind and your body.  

Get Adequate Sleep

The amount of sleep your body experiences affects your immune system, your heart function, and your mood. What’s more, enough sleep improves memory. Sleep is often overlooked, but it is an important component to keep your body healthy, prevent disease, and make you better able to cope with an illness or disability. Practice being consistent—a regular sleep schedule, a relaxing atmosphere, and limiting caffeine in the hours before sleep can all help improve sleep quality.

Live Within Your Means

Financial responsibility is as important to your financial well-being as it is to your health. Increased levels of financial stress can wreak havoc on overall health. Symptoms include loss of sleep, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, increased medical costs associated with financial stress can lead to higher medical expenses and worsen money problems. Establish good money habits—create a budget to track your spending and control your money. Seek ways to reduce expenses and increase savings.

Live With a Purpose

Self-care involves behaviors that promote good health and bring happiness to you. Establishing good physical, nutritional, sleep, and financial habits can help you live a longer, healthier life. Work toward your purpose with intention daily, but avoid perfection. Taking time to do things that will help you live well is pivotal to taking control of your health in the present as well as the future.