There is such a big misconception about self-care and doing things for yourself. Self-care, by no means, means that you are self-centered or selfish. It is simply taking care of yourself so your mind and body can be healthy, and you are able to live a happy and healthy life. Self-care in young adults is even more important as you are starting to develop and transition to life on your own.
Young adults are more stressed, anxious and unhappy as ever. While there are a bunch of different causes, the lack of self-care in young adults is a big reason why these numbers are so high and continuing to grow.
Self-care in young adults is a great way to cope with daily stressful situations and become content with yourself and your life.
What is Self-Care
Self-care is everything you purposely do for your mental, physical and emotion health and well-being. Being aware that you engage in self-care is a big part getting on the benefits. You have to deliberately know that you are take time out of the day to focus just on yourself and your well-being.
Self-care looks different on everyone. It could be simply taking 10 minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee or going for a walk in the morning to start your day. Whatever you like to do that makes you feel good.
Self-care for young adults mean that despite your crazy life, you are making time for yourself.
Why is it Important
Self-care is so important because it helps you maintain a healthy relationship with yourself. If you are not happy yourself, you will never be able to portray that happiness to someone else.
When you are at your happiest, your will natural draw in people with your same goals and same energy. You can not give what you don’t have. Your happiness and health comes before anything else.
As a young adult, you are dealing with so many important factors that determine how your life will go.
- Figuring out what your like and what you want to do
- Maintain relationships and social dynamics
- Financial independence
- Entering the work force
- Changes in identity and self-maturity
- So much more!
All of these things get overwhelming and hard to deal with. Self-care helps to balance all these things and allow your mind and body to work at it’s peak performance.
Want to get in control of your happiness and health but don’t know where to start? Luckily, there are a bunch of self-care tips just wanting for you to explore.
Next post in the Wellness Series: Learning to Love Yourself through Self-Change: Why it Works
Self-Care Tip for Young Adults
1. Figure out the things that matter to you.
This may seem like a simple task, but identifying the things that matter most to your will help you prioritize your time and efforts. This means asking yourself hard questions.
- Who do you enjoy spending your time with?
- What in your life may be holding you back from achieving your goals?
- What matters most to you?
- Who do you look up to and what you do they that inspires you?
- Where do you see yourself in the future and what plan can lead you there?
Once you really take the time to note the important things that keep you going and thriving, it is easier to focus on those things. You can then add and subtract things from your life as you see fit. Self-care in young adults is about figuring out what you enjoy and doing those things.
2. Try something new
When you life gets to repetitive or you don’t have something that you get excited about, trying something new is a great way to engage in self-care.
There are a ton of different activities and hobbies in the world that you have yet to explore. Try a new fitness class or join a new community group. Facebook groups are a great way to connect with people that share similar interests.
Something new will create excitement in your life.
3. Focus on your physical health
Physical health is a big part of self-care for young adults. This stage in your life is a great time to develop healthy habits and find a fitness regimen that works for your life.
Body image and positivity is important to your health. If you don’t feel good about yourself, it is difficult to feel confident and happy about your life.
Exercise is proven to boost energy, improve mood and sleep, decrease health risks such as stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, depression and much more.
It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. You can do whatever form of exercise you enjoy. It could mean going for a walk, performing yoga, strength training, and much more.
4. Fuel your body with healthy food options
Nutrition and diet is another super important component of self-care. Food is meant to fuel your body and give it all the nutrition is needs to work. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with give you the energy to work at peak performance and feel good throughout the day.
Nutritious food options are what truly make your body feel the best. Although pizza and brownies may seem pleasurable, it is not self-care and won’t make your body feel good when consumed all the time.
Incorporating nutritious foods into your diet will promote a healthy gut and fuel body.
5. Stop focusing on other people
You when spend all your energy on other people, you lose that energy that you could have been focusing on yourself. Water your own grass.
You can’t control what other people do and obsessing over it will only hold you back from thriving in your own life. It is natural for humans to compare ourselves to others, but it is also important to remember that you are your own individual.
Instead, focus on your own successes, your own desires, and our own life.
“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.” – Parker Palmer
“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.” – Kristi Ling
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