It’s called self-care, duh

Story by Gina Dignacco

We’ve all heard of “self-care” but what does that actually look like?

Self-care to me simply means setting aside time for myself and focusing on how I feel before, during, and after that time. Self-care can look different for everyone. Some people might want to grab a drink with a girlfriend, spend time with their hubby, or go for a solo walk around the block listening to T-Swift. It really depends on your day, week, month, or maybe even your year! (cheesy friends’ reference). Here are some “gifts” of self-care you can give yourself.

Movement

We find movement in many forms. Movement is proven to reduce stress, improve your mood, and helps keep you in great shape. Some ideas for incorporating movement into your self-care routine include…

Going for a long stroll anywhere you’d like. Can you feel those endorphins?

Head outside for a run but don’t forget your headphones!

Do a quick at-home workout Strength, HIIT, yoga, cardio

Dance! Turn on the hits of your fav decade and…let loose.

Stair Run: Run up and down any staircase nearby for 2 minutes straight, 3 times through for a quick burn.

And to help make movement possible, I suggest a few apps to download:

-Asics Studio

-Tone it up

-Kira Stokes Fit

Relaxation & Reflecting

Self-care doesn’t have to be about movement and bettering your body.  Self care can come in the form of something soothing and helping you to find your calm. Some ways I’ve been able to do this include:

Journaling: Get any and all feelings and thoughts out on paper. This can automatically calm you down.

Meditating: Be still, take deep breaths, and focus on the way your body feels while tuning into all senses.

Silence is Golden: Tune out the world for a minute, and just be with yourself and your thoughts. Take time to be alone!

Get social

Although we are currently all in self isolation, socializing has become so virtual and often times like a huge burden on ourselves.  When things go back to normal, try this!

Bitch ’n Stitch: Grab your girls and knit, while you bitch (nicely) about life!

Happy Hour: Set aside time to be with friends, eat, drink, and enjoy their company and chat about anything and everything.

Exercise: Find your workout buddy! Having a workout partner makes exercising fun and keeps you motivated.

Self-care, as cliché as it may be, could really be the difference maker to an all-around healthy lifestyle. 

“The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.”

~ Diane Von Furstenberg

XOXO, GINA

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