The term “self-care” is getting a lot of attention these days. Unfortunately, some people believe practising self-care means you need to spend a lot of money or pamper yourself with everything from luxurious vacations to expensive knick-knacks.
That isn’t the case.
The basis of self-care should be anything that is meant to improve your overall well-being. The best part? You can choose to focus on certain areas that will end up improving your health, in general. There are self-care practices for your mental health, like journaling and meditation. Things like exercising and cooking healthy meals can boost your physical health. But, there are also everyday care routines that can benefit both your mind and body.
For example, taking better care of your hair, skin, and eyes can have long-term benefits, while ignoring those areas can cause problems.
So, what can you do to practice self-care when it comes to your hair, skin, and eyes?
Nourish Your Hair
While most people focus on the style and colour of their hair, it’s also important to look at the overall health of your locks. Your hair can be used as a “health detector” in more ways than one. For example, a dry and itchy scalp could mean you aren’t getting enough healthy fats in your diet. Thinning hair might mean you aren’t getting enough protein. If you’re losing your hair or find that it’s shedding more than usual, it’s not because of any of the common myths about the condition. Instead, it could be due to stress or other underlying mental health conditions.
You can “heal” your hair from the inside out by eating a healthy diet, staying completely hydrated, and taking supplements that will nourish your roots and give your locks the vitamins they need.
It’s also important to manage your mental health, too. If you think your hair is shedding because of stress, finding ways to reduce your stress levels should be a priority. Remember, your hair is only one indicator. There could be other things going on in your body because of too much stress or anxiety. Thankfully, eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all forms of self-care that can ease your stress levels.
Even taking care of your hair on the outside can be a spa-like self-care experience. Don’t be afraid to splurge once in a while on some natural products meant to hydrate and strengthen your locks.
Establish a Skincare Routine
Your skin can also be a good indicator of your overall health. Skin problems are often the first sign of serious illnesses, like diabetes and lung cancer. But, your skin can also indicate whether you’re properly hydrated, whether your body is getting the right nutrients, or even if you’re feeling stressed.
Dull-looking skin, for example, can be caused by dehydration or other lifestyle changes.
One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy is to establish a daily routine. Like hair, it’s important to nourish your skin from the inside out by keeping your body hydrated and properly nourished. From there, you can take the time to care for your skin each day by:
- Washing it and using a cleanser
- Moisturizing
- Protecting it from the sun
- Getting enough sleep
These healthy habits will keep your skin looking brighter and tighter, and you’ll feel more pampered. Don’t be surprised when people start to compliment your “glow”. It’s amazing what a few simple changes can do to the look and texture of your skin, and it won’t take long to notice those differences.
Protect Your Eyes
Most of us take our visual health for granted. But, when you have a problem with your eyes, it’s impossible to ignore. Taking care of your eyes and protecting them now can help your vision to stay stronger throughout your life. Thankfully, managing your eye health is a simple way to practice self-care each day, with just a few small habitual changes. Some of the best tips for taking care of your eyes include:
- Taking contacts out before you get water on your face
- Protecting your eyes from the sun
- Seeing an eye doctor every two years
- Taking care of your eyelids with a warm compress each day
Exercising and eating a balanced diet can also improve your eye health, and are great forms of self-care. There are even exercises you can do to strengthen your eyes, especially if you stare at a screen all day.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or go to extremes to cross things off of your self-care checklist. Start with the basics of your hair, skin, and eye health. By focusing on these areas, you’ll improve more of your overall health than you might realize now, and you’ll also be motivated to improve other wellness aspects of your life. It won’t take long for your self-care practices to become daily habits, and you’ll look forward to those moments of rejuvenation, relaxation, and reward.
