Balanced Physical Self-Care
Through the years, our culture has continually experimented with a plethora of ways to keep people active and physically healthy. From ice yoga to pickleball, zumba to ping-pong, and kickboxing to simply walking, there is truly something for everybody.
However, physical self-care is much more than participating in invigorating activities that work your muscles and elevate your heart rate. While this aspect can be important, these activities don’t have to be strenuous, and they need complementary practices to keep the body fully balanced. This is why physical self-care also includes areas like nourishment, relaxation, sleep, and stretching, which prevent pain, relax the body, and aid in flexibility and overall health.
What are your go-to physical self care practices? How do you nurture your body in ways that feel deeply nourishing, restorative, relaxing, and invigorating? If you need some inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of ways to get started.
Nourishment
There is much stigma around diet, as it has been a hot topic for many years. The most important part of a good diet may be a self-loving mind (don’t forget it!). Our suggestion is to consider eating a variety of fruits and veggies everyday, and drink plenty of clean water.
Another less obvious form of nourishment is skincare. Use skincare that moisturizes and protects your largest organ: your skin.
Relaxation and Restoration
Relaxation can be just as beneficial as exercise. Restore your body with a soak in an epsom salt bath, take a 20-minute nap, or attend a yin yoga and sound bath session. Take a calm nature walk, sit by a body of water, do a progressive relaxation practice, or cuddle with a partner, your child, a pet, or a friend.
Invigoration
Some of the easiest ways to get active are going for a bike ride or walk. If you want to try something new, consider attending a dance class (there are so many—line dancing, tap dancing, hip hop), trying a new sport (maybe this list sparks some inspiration?), or renovating your house!
Whatever you choose, choose to take good care of you. Remember that physical self-care is about fostering strength, comfort, and calm in your body to help it carry you happily through life.
