Why You Should Prioritise Self-Care?

We are always told how important self-care is, but sometimes life gets a little busy and our priorities aren’t always to put ourselves first. 

At Macro Mixes we believe that health comes from the inside so here are a few of our tips that we believe everyone should try work into their daily routines in order to be the best YOU.

1. Set Technology Boundaries 

This is difficult as for a lot of us. Our first instinct is to immediately go on our phones when we wake up and before we go to bed. Mindless scrolling happens more often than you may think it does.

*Try* to set yourself boundaries. Here are some that we like to practice:

• Don’t go on your phone for the first 30 minutes after waking up and the last hour before you go to bed. It really helps to leave your phone in another room!  
• Try to limit your screen time with app limits. This can often be done in your phone settings.
• Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ at night.

2. Try to take 10 minutes to sit in the sun each day

Did you know that sunshine literally makes you happier? Making sure we get enough vitamin D (AKA the sunshine vitamin) is so important.

Sunshine can help boost our serotonin levels which gives us more energy throughout our day as well as keeping us calm and positive. Vitamin D also helps boost our immune systems which is an added bonus!

3. Take Weekly Time Off Where You Are Accountable To No One 

Having complete alone time is an important part of our self-development. It allows us to get to know ourselves and center our thoughts. When we are constantly surrounded by others we may let our own priorities take the backseat.

You are important. Take time to put yourself first.

4. Fuel Your Body Well

It is important to fill our bodies will all the nutrients that make us healthy but also to enjoy what we are eating. Make sure you are fuelling your body with foods that not only make you feel good and healthy but also happy.

Find a healthy balance of things that make you physically and mentally satisfied too. 

5. Exercise Regularly

Now this one is important. Not only is moving our bodies important for our physical health but our mental health too.

Exercise can feel like a real chore sometimes, we know. That’s why it’s important to not only move your body but to find something you truly enjoy. Whether that’s a slow walk, a yoga class, an intense gym session or dance class.

Find what you like and what your body enjoys doing.

6. Journal

Journaling about your day can help with your mental clarity. It helps us keep our thoughts organised as well helping us visualise our goals. The best part is that it allows us to relieve our stress while being able to self-reflect. 

7. Learn to say NO

It’s okay to say ‘No’.

Having the ability to say ‘No’ is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health. We live in a time where we think we have to be able to do it all, all the time. When the truth is that’s how you meet your friend ‘burn out’.

Set boundaries for yourself and say ‘No’ when your mental capacity has been reached – after all you are a priority too.

8. Breathe Deeply 

When you start to feel overwhelmed at some point in the day, take 10 seconds.

Close your eyes and take some deep breaths. You’ll be surprised how relaxed it makes you feel – it will help you re-center your focus. 

9. Be KIND to yourself

It easy to slip into a habit of being harder on yourself than you are to others. Next time you find yourself in this position think, “Would I say this to someone I care about?”.  If not, why say it to yourself? There is a difference between self-discipline and self-destruction. 

Health is not only physical but mental too so always remember to look after yourself so that you can thrive!

Written By: Claudia Schoeman