Blog post written by Sheila Olson from FitSheila.com

Practicing self-care can improve your energy and motivation, help your body recover more quickly from exercise, and enhance your fitness results. Note down some of these tips to work into your routine so you can make self-care a priority in your life.

Dedicate Time for Relaxation

Relaxation is just as important as physical activity, as long as you find a good balance between the two. Engaging in calming activities can reduce your body’s fight-or-flight response to stress, lower blood pressure and provide long-term benefits to your heart. Practicing mindfulness and deep-breathing exercises are perfect for this, so set up a special place in your home for meditation. Activities including knitting, gardening, reading, and getting creative with adult coloring books are great activities to add to your relaxation regimen. You should also dedicate proper time for sleep and set up your bedroom to enhance sleep quality. Mama Natural recommends keeping your bedroom dark, cool and quiet to help your brain slip into sleep more easily. If your mattress has seen better days and you tend to wake up groggy or achy, look into buying a new one to ensure better rest and the ability to wake up feeling refreshed. You may also want to invest in a white noise machine, good pillows, and dimmable lights for the evening.

Do What You Love

In addition to relaxing, hobbies can be just as effective in reducing stress as exercising. Think about what brings you joy and make time for it each day. If you need help brainstorming ideas, a few suggestions include playing games, drawing, and going to the movies. You can even get creative with hobbies. For example, if you love music and frequently listen to Spotify, think about picking up an instrument instead. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming; learning to play can actually be very enjoyable. Just do some research on whichever instrument you decide to go with. If you’re curious about the saxophone, for example, there are online guides to help you decide which one to buy.

Try to Stay Positive

Keeping a positive mindset is one of the most important parts of a fitness routine. But, this can be difficult to maintain when you are not seeing the results you want. Focus on how your body feels during and after your workout, rather than how it looks. Engage in positive self-talk by making statements such as “I have more energy” or “I feel healthier.” This can help you build confidence and give you the rewarding feeling to establish exercise as a regular habit. For a boost in motivation, think about what you can do rather than what you can’t: Maybe you can run farther than you used to, do more pushups than before, or feel stronger in your yoga poses.

Pay Close Attention to Your Nutrition

Eating healthy isn’t as simple as packing as many vegetables into your diet as possible. When you have a demanding fitness routine, you need to focus on meeting your nutritional needs so you stay energized and motivated all day. Healthline emphasizes the importance of a protein-rich breakfast for fueling your muscles. Whole-grain bread with peanut butter, eggs, or yogurt with chopped nuts are all excellent options. Pack protein into your snacks and meals for the rest of the day, reaching for various meats, fish and legumes. Also, eat colorful fruits and veggies since these are rich in natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The healthy fats in avocados, nuts, and salmon support brain function to keep you feeling great mentally as well.

Switch Up Your Exercise Routine

In every fitness routine, you’re bound to reach a plateau where you find your workout is becoming less and less effective. Plus, sticking to the exact same routine for weeks on end is a great way to bore yourself into quitting. Consider changing a couple of different exercises in your routine every few weeks, swapping movements that target different muscle groups to keep challenging your body in new ways. Remember to increase the weight you’re lifting once you can do 12 reps in good form. If you run, aim for shorter distances with greater intensity rather than running farther. Incorporating yoga into your fitness routine is another excellent way to keep things feeling fresh and improve your workout results while caring for your body.

Although participating in physical activity is one of the best ways to care for yourself, focusing on other aspects of self-care will help you sustain and enjoy your fitness lifestyle more easily. When you take the time to listen to your body, you can improve your internal motivation and avoid debilitating burnout. Treat your body well and it will happily to do what you ask of it!

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