When you're feeling run down, the last thing you want to do is add more everyday stress to your plate. But self-care can be a great way to take a break and recharge without adding any extra work.
However, finding the time and energy to take care of yourself can feel impossible when you're already feeling drained. So we've put together a few tips to help you ease into a self-care routine that works for you.
Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is a great way to boost your energy and mood. But when you're feeling exhausted, working out can be daunting.
Regular exercise has been shown in a 2008 study to help relieve tiredness. For six weeks, 36 inactive young people were divided into two groups and did either low- or moderate-intensity activity. Both groups' energy levels rose over the course of the study.
Start small by taking a walk around the block or doing some gentle yoga stretches. You can also try working out in short, 10-minute bursts throughout the day. As you feel more energized, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Talk to Friends and Family
Talking to friends and family can be a great way to boost your mood and get some social support when you're feeling exhausted. With their help, you can brainstorm ways to manage your exhaustion and make time for self-care.
Don't forget to ask for help when you need it. Delegate or outsource tasks draining your energy so you can focus on taking care of yourself.
Do Things You Enjoy
Everyone out there deserves a break, even if it's just for a few minutes. When you have free time, use it to do things that make you happy and help you relax.
Reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature are all great ways for stress reduction. Taking a break to do something you enjoy can help you come back to your responsibilities feeling refreshed and ready to tackle them.
Gifts Are Also a Nice Way to Show Yourself Some Love
In our daily life, we put so much focus on giving love to others that we often forget to show ourselves some love. This can be a great reminder that you are important and deserving of care.
Treating yourself to a new book, taking yourself out to lunch, or getting a massage are all great ways to show yourself some love.
Eat a Balanced & Healthy Diet
What you eat can also affect how exhausted you feel. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will give you the sustained energy you need to get through the day.
On the other hand, foods high in sugar can give you a quick energy boost followed by a crash. To avoid this, limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks.
Drink More Water
Dehydration can make fatigue worse. When you're feeling exhausted, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drink at least eight glasses a day (or more if you're sweating heavily!).
It's Time to Listen to Your Body and Promote Your Health
Your body is telling you something when you feel exhausted all the time. By making some simple lifestyle changes and implementing a few self-care practices, you can start to get your energy levels back up.