Hey, hey, STRONG friend! Happy Fri-yay!
How are you today?! I'm doing well, can't complain. I'm poppin in with some self-care things that you can do for yourself!
Valentine's Day is this weekend, and in its honor, I thought it would be fun to share a list of things you can do to pamper yoself!
When you do any of these things with intention and purpose, they will help you feel better in mind, body, and soul.
And you definitely deserve that!
10 Ways to Love Your Body Today (& Every Day):
1. Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine:
Being outdoors helps you relax, lightens your mood, boosts your vitamin D, and even helps with healing. Even better: find a park or other tree-filled area, and spend at least 15 minutes enjoying nature.
If it's cold out, STRONG, friend, just bundle on up and at least get out there for a little bit. You'll be glad you did!
2. Read a book:
Let us count the ways reading a book is good for you: it strengthens your brain and prevents cognitive decline, builds empathy, improves your vocabulary, reduces stress, fights depression, and helps you sleep better.
Plus, it's linked to a longer lifespan! If you need a book idea, check out Matthew Kelly, The Rhythm of Life: Living Everyday with Passion & Purpose. It's so good that I am gonna reread it!
I've been reading 1 personal development book and one fiction or non-development book at a time. I love reading autobiographies and books like Harry Potter.
I have a habit of reading multiple books and never finishing any of them, lol. This year, I am really working on what I mentioned above - 2 at a time. It has helped because I've finished one of my books in 1 month!
3. Get your workout in:
You already know why! It helps lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It lifts your mood, helps reduce depression and stress, and is great for your brain.
Plus, it strengthens your bones and muscles, and can keep you feeling active and strong. It helps you sleep better; it's also linked with a better sex life, and it boosts your chances of living longer.
4. Put your hand on your heart and tell yourself, "I love you!"
Seriously, try this. Put your hand on the left side of your chest and feel your heart beating. It's working so hard to keep you strong and alive.
Take a moment to feel gratitude for that. Then tell yourself, "I love you!" (Do it even if it feels weird.)
5. Make time for a 10-minute mobility or stretch session:
Stretching helps you feel better in so many different ways: it improves your circulation, activates the part of your body's nervous system that helps control rest & relaxation, and triggers the release of feel-good endorphins.
Check out a some mobility drills here!
6. Listen to your favorite music:
Music has a powerful influence on our bodies AND our moods, which is why it's important to choose upbeat songs that make you FEEL good.
For many people, music can lead to better learning; it can improve your memory, help you focus, boost your mood, ease depression and anxiety, up your energy, and help you workout longer/harder!
7. Treat yourself to a warm bath:
Studies show that a warm bath can help you relax by reducing stress hormones in your body. Plus, it's great to help you get to sleep afterward.
But that's just the start of it. A warm bath also can help reduce tension in your muscles and relieve aches & pains (try adding 300 grams of Epsom salts for even more benefit).
8. Look through old pics that make you smile:
A little visual walk down memory lane can give you perspective and help you feel gratitude for all the amazing people you've met along the way (and all the adventures you've had).
9. Cook a delicious dinner of your healthy favorites:
When was the last time you treated yourself to your favorite meal? If you're the cook in your household, chances are you usually choose foods that other people will enjoy.
Tonight, choose something YOU want. 🙌🏾😋
10. Schedule a massage:
They're great for reducing stress, improve circulation and energy, and even boost your immune system. Plus, you DESERVE IT!
Let's take a little extra time to show our bodies how much we LOVE them this weekend.
Have an amazing day and weekend!
In Strength & to Your Success,
xo
Candace
P.S. Another great way to show yourself some love: by taking excellent care of your fitness/wellness! I'd love to help you reach your fitness/wellness goals. I have a few spots currently open. If you're interested, don't hesitate to reach out.
