Connect with nature
Another way to take care of yourself is to connect with nature. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of your daily life, and taking time to relax and unwind in nature can help you unwind. Connecting with nature can be as simple as taking a walk outside or sitting outside while enjoying the natural sounds and textures around you. You can also connect with nature by trying a technique called grounding, also known as grounding.
Grounding is a « therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that electrically ‘ground’ you or reconnect you to the ground, » says Healthline. Although under-researched, the source says some research suggests grounding may benefit cardiovascular health, may reduce muscle damage and soreness after exercise, and may improve mood.
So how do you do it? The source says you can practice grounding by walking barefoot outdoors, skin-to-earth contact while lying on the ground, or you can immerse your body in water, such as in the lake or ocean. .
Recite affirmations
Reciting affirmations is the practice of positive thinking. While that might sound like a bunch of nonsense, Healthline says they might work, but they have limitations. In general, affirmations are an effective tool for changing your mindset, but they’re not necessarily a magical method of healing or « instant success, » the source explains.
Regularly repeating affirmative statements can help encourage your brain to take them as facts. « When you truly believe you can do something, your actions often follow, » the source explains. To get the most benefits, Healthline recommends practicing self-affirmation for 3-5 minutes at least twice a day and trying to repeat the affirmation 10 times. Your affirmations can be whatever you want them to be, but here are some examples:
- « I’m confident. »
- « I am happy and healthy. »
- « I’m happy and grateful to be _. »
- « I can _. »
