When you hear the term “self-care,” what comes to mind? Self-care involves making a conscious effort to look after your body and mind. Its advantages include lowered anxiety and enhanced mental and physical wellness. So how can you incorporate self-care into your workouts?
Including a self-care component in your workout doesn’t always come naturally because it’s simple to push ourselves extremely hard or become competitive with the person sitting next to us in a class. You can start by using the following advice:
REMEMBER TO WARM UP AND COOL DOWN
These fundamentals enable you to mentally get ready for and recuperate from your workout, as well as prevent injury. Rushing through your fitness regimen makes you feel like you’re just going through the motions and you want to get the full rewards of your workout. Hydrate yourself prior to, during, and after your workout.
EVERY SINGLE DEEP BREATHE MATTERS
Focus on connecting with your breathing during your workout to acquire the most oxygen possible. Inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven, and then let out eight breaths. Your breathing will become slower as a result, which will soothe you. Even when you’re attempting to sleep or are having a difficult time falling asleep, it might be helpful. To lessen anxiety or aid in sleep, this breathing technique is used. The technique, according to some proponents, aids with rapid-eye movement sleep.
RELATE TO YOUR BODY
Pay close attention to the body’s sensations and how you feel while exercising. Do you have any more energy? Are you in any pain right now? Do you need to slow down? Stretching after exercise is essential, and you should try to fit extra stretching into your routine if you can. It’s an excellent technique to gauge how your muscles are recovering and feeling.
CORNERSTONE
What could be more infuriating than someone using their phone or social media while working out? You’re not fully focused on the task at hand and why you’re there too if you allow yourself to get distracted by your phone. You’ll get far more mileage out of your workouts if you set out undisturbed time for them.
“Letting their mind be completely present or focus on their activity specially during their workout is the most crucial self-care move one can perform. You must establish a rule prohibiting monitoring social media, responding to texts, or responding to emails while working out. If you can go away and really like working out, your life is wonderful.
CHANGE YOUR INNER CRITIC INTO BEST SELF HELP COACH
For almost everyone, this is one of the most difficult tasks to complete, especially if you’re recovering from an injury or pursuing a demanding weight-loss or fitness goal. Exercise is vital to good health, and whether you choose to push through a challenging circuit or slow down, your inner critic must always be encouraging. When you’re feeling weak or depressed, don’t be hard on yourself.
IMPLEMENT GUIDED MEDITATION
Meditating each day is one of the finest strategies to improve your mindset. There are a tonne of apps and guided meditation on youtube available that can assist your mind divert from worrying, negative thoughts, and they are effective. I personally love doing guided meditation by Shri Shri Ravishankar ji. Daily meditation both gives your mind a much-needed respite from the daily bombardment and helps you practise positive self-talk.
JOURNAL WRITING
Journaling is the practice of writing down your innermost feelings, ideas, insights, and more. It can be typed, written, or illustrated. Both paper and a computer can be used. It’s an easy, inexpensive method of enhancing your mental well-being.
SOUL AND MENTAL NOURISHMENT:
Raw plant-based foods and healthy fats can energise you and improve your mood. “The body and mind require nourishment to thrive, just like a tree needs water, soil, and sunlight.”
“Self-care is about what helps fill your cup before you help others,” says a lifestyle coach, “and when we care about ourselves a little more, our lives and overall health start to change.”
WATCH OUT FOR THE “WHY”.
According to the senior lead teacher, it’s important to consider your motivation for working out, your goals, and how it will make you feel. Since I’m not particularly good with numbers, I use this to keep track of my progress and spur myself on.
WEAR YOUR FAVOURITE GEAR
Feel good by looking good! To be at your best at the gym, dress in your favourite athletic attire. “I am mindful of what I wear. Although it may sound absurd, I find that when I look well and am dressed appropriately for exercise, I work out more effectively. I will be sidetracked during practice if my clothing is uncomfortable or overly thin.
