8 Ways to Care for Your Mind and Body

One time I had a dream that my face turn into mush and my body started to fall apart. It's funny because recently I had been so worried about my skin.

My skin had become so dry and patchy. I knew it could be due to my reduced water intake.

Neglecting your body and health is like leaving the house with no pants. It's just something that we need to do for optimal health.

When we take care of our bodies, it shows on the inside and outside.

Try to create a routine where you can nourish your body and mind to transform into your best self.

You'll start to think more clearly and have way more energy throughout the day.

Here are some ways you can get started:

The Food and Drug administration lists 6 essential nutrients our body needs to function on a daily basis.

Those 6 nutrients are: calcium, sodium, iron, saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sugars. You can find more information here or visit their website.

You have to eat the nutrients your body needs in order to function properly. You've probably heard this time and time again, but it goes a long way.

Try to stick to a plant-based diet as often as you can, since it is more natural and most plant-based foods have grown from the Earth.

Drinking more water will also keep you hydrated and feeling more energized throughout the day.

If you don't like the taste, try add delicious fruit for a little flavor boost.

Every once in a while our bodies get can get pretty tense and our hair may get a little out of control.

If you have ever had this experience, you know that it can make or break your mood for the day.

Take some time to yourself and invest in a simple facial, pedicure, manicure, or body massage.

Most spas are not limited to these three services and may offer more ways to enhance your relaxation experience.

Some spas even offer hair services where you can get a good wash and style.

If you are the frugal type, have a spa day at home where you can do your own pedicure and manicure.

Light some candles and take a bath with some oils or relaxing bath salts.

There are many ways to find relaxation, but keep in mind it is vital to show more love for yourself.

Reading has endless benefits for the mind. Reading allows you to be successful in many ways and helps to create different outlooks on life.

For many, reading stimulates the brain, educates, relieves stress, and a whole lot more.

The best thing about reading is that you don't have to pay a dime to do it.

Take a trip to the library to find hundreds of books on just about anything your heart desires.

Visit the thrift store to find a huge collection of different books for cheap and build your own little library at home!

Listening to music can be one of the best ways to stimulate the mind as well.

Music can serve multiple purposes, whether you're listening to music to relax or to get up and dance the night away.

Many find that music provides a type of therapy, especially if you're experiencing hard times or stress.

There are many apps to download music on various devices, so music is never hard to find.

Take the time out to find some tunes you love and listen to them every time you need a pick-me-up.

Every now and then, a visit to the doctor's office is needed to be sure we are in excellent health.

Going to the doctor's office is only one part of maintaining good health.

Don't forget about the dentist and optometrist as well to keep your overall health in check.

In order to avoid diseases and illnesses down the line, it is best that you get in the habit of taking care of yourself by keeping your doctor's visits up to date.

Also, if you find that you are having a hard time coping with everyday life and experiences, it is best to get your mental health evaluated by a talking to a certified professional.

Do you want to get rid of the beer gut, once and for all? Well, exercising on a daily basis will do the trick.

In many ways exercising relaxes the mind and melts away stress almost instantly.

When you exercise you'll be keeping your bones strong and preventing many diseases and illnesses that can attack the body.

There are a million different ways to start an exercise routine.

You don't have to be a body builder or a yoga master, but you do have to put in increased effort each time for good results.

If you think you don't have time to exercise try doing things where you can get some physical activity.

For instance, instead of driving your car to work, try to ride a bike instead. That way you'll have no excuse not to exercise on a daily basis.

When you inspire yourself, you are opening yourself up new possibilities and different ways to approach life.

Finding inspiration may also help to eliminate stress and worry. Most of the time, people who find inspiration are more happy and have a positive outlook on most situations.

One way you might choose to inspire yourself is through reading or discovering new quotes.

Visit your local library to find a huge collection of material dedicated to providing inspiration.

Write down and reflect on your thoughts daily, to potentially find what inspires you.

You can also find inspiration by traveling to new places often.

Sleep is essential for many reasons and proves to be one of the best ways to take care of your mind and body.

Without sleep, you'll have a difficult time focusing and staying alert throughout the day.

Sleep is also important, since you need it in order to lower your risk for certain diseases and illnesses.

Getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night is the best way to recharge your mind and body in order to prepare for the day ahead.

Oftentimes, our busy lives won't allow us to get this much sleep. So if you can, try breaking up your sleep time to ensure that you are getting enough hours in.

You can also take a few 15 minute naps during the day to recharge your brain whenever you feel drained.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you decide to do to take care of your mind and body is totally up to you.

This is just a short list, but there are hundred of ways to dedicate time to taking care of yourself.

It is never too late to develop a routine, even if you don't know where to start.

Realize that what you put into your mind and body will reflect itself on the inside and out.

Try to keep a healthy routine and surround yourself with postivity and inspiration.

Our bodies are ours to keep forever, and it's only up to us to feed it with greatness.

• https://www.fda.gov/downloads/food/resourcesforyou/healthcareprofessionals/ucm507495.pdf
• http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/benefits-of-reading/