Taking better care of yourself isn’t always easy. It is something we have to do on a daily basis, but some days are harder than others. Everybody knows that to take good care of your body, you need to eat well and exercise regularly. When you’re a parent, though, you need to go the extra mile to take good care of yourself. Your life is probably hectic and stressful, so taking a little time to look after number one is essential if you want to keep looking after your kids and living a full life. Here are eight ways you can make sure you are taking care of yourself from top to toe.
1. Check In With Your Mental Health
Looking after your mental health should be a top priority for any parent, as you need emotional strength to be the best parent you can be. Be open and honest with those around you, and if you feel like you’re struggling, ask a doctor for help.
2. Look After Your Hair
Taking care of your hair does not mean constantly straightening it into submission or putting it into an elaborate hairstyle every day. It can be as simple as washing it often and avoiding heat tools. Use a deep conditioner once a month and give yourself regular scalp massages to prevent hair loss.
3. Have Regular Eye Exams
Maintaining healthy eyes is an important part of self-care. Make an appointment with your eye doctor so that they can check your eye health and vision. If you have dry eyes, consider using drops—though this may not solve everything. Check out this guide to eye drops from Island Eyecare to learn more.
4. Take Care of Your Teeth
Dental health and hygiene are easy to overlook when you’re a busy parent, but keeping your teeth strong is so important. Brush your teeth carefully twice a day, floss daily, and make sure to visit the dentist. Looking after your teeth can prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
5. Don’t Forget Your Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, so you’d better look after it! There are many ways to look after your skin, but moisturizing and wearing high-SPF sun protection are probably the most important two.
6. Eat Gut-Friendly Foods
As well as eating a healthy, balanced diet for numerous health reasons, you should eat foods that contain gut-friendly bacteria to keep your digestive system healthy. High-fiber foods such as pulses, legumes, and vegetables are good for the gut, as are fermented foods like plain yogurt. Eating well can reduce your risk of inflammation and keep you absorbing nutrients from the food you eat.
7. Strengthen Your Spine
Back pain can affect every part of life, so keeping your back and neck strong and supple is a fantastic way to look after yourself. When lifting heavy objects, bend from the knees and keep your spine straight. If you work at a computer, try sitting on an ergonomic chair and make sure you maintain good posture.
8. Show Your Feet Some Love
The feet work hard every day, keeping you moving and bearing the brunt of your weight. Look after your feet by wearing shoes that fit properly and giving yourself regular foot massages—if you struggle to do this to yourself, try rolling a tennis ball under your feet to soothe and work out any knots.
Looking after yourself should be a top priority as a parent. If you can’t look after yourself properly, you’ll be no use to anybody!
