The Cozy Art of Self-Care: Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Welcome back everyone, to yet another blog of "Whatever Comes To Mind"!

This is the last blog of the cozy series and finally its time to focus on ourselves and  be cozy from within. This blog will discuss about "The Cozy Art of Self-Care: Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul". Here I will discuss few very easy steps to continue taking care of yourself even when you are extremely busy. Personally, I watch a lot of self care videos on you tube and these are some which I have found effective, being a person whose life is not scheduled at all and in whose life unexpected events turn up almost like those reality game shows ( i.e. Roadies, Khatron Ke Khiladi etc..). So without any further delay, let's jump right into them : 

GIVE ATLEAST AN HOUR TO YOURSELF EVERYDAY:

Dedicate an hour to yourself everyday, either at once or in parts, but make sure to give yourself that time. Give this hour to yourself to relax and unwind. You can do some  of the following things in this time : 

1. Freshen up - If you have returned from a tiring day at work, or just woke up from sleep, this is the perfect time to wash your face with cleanser, take a shower if required and wash away the oil and dirt gathered from outside or throughout previous night. This will instantly liven up your mood and it is great for your skin as well. 

2. Do something you like - Now for the time remaining you can watch something you like, grab a cup of coffee or tea if you want, play games, go for walks, listen to music, paint, anything you want. Do something that you find relaxing or therapeutic for you. 

MINIMUM 10-15 MINS. OF EXCERCISE EACH DAY:

1. Do some simple neck exercises everyday and do some basic stretches or take a 10 mins. brisk walk between your work, even if you can't do a full workout. These exercises can be easily  done while working and even a brisk walk while reading files can prevent mobility issues. 
2. Avoid working out immediately after eating, if you do workout. Workout either in an empty stomach or anytime during the day after an hour of taking your meal. Make sure to include all the basic stretches in your workout routine, so that even if its short all your muscles get some warm up and movement, to maintain basic body flexibility and avoid body pain and sudden spraining of muscles. 

BENEFIT OF DEEP - BREATHS :

Taking deep breaths offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Physically, it improves oxygenation, lowers blood pressure, enhances lung function, relieves pain, boosts digestion, and aids detoxification. Mentally, it reduces stress and anxiety, improves focus and mood, and promotes better sleep. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and box breathing can easily be incorporated into daily routines to harness these benefits and enhance overall well-being. So, don't forget to take deep breaths every once in a while or whenever you are stressed or panicked. 

RITUALS BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP:

1. Cleanse your face once again before going to sleep - Cleansing your face before bed removes dirt, oil, and makeup, preventing clogged pores and acne. It allows the skin to breathe and repair itself overnight, enhancing the effectiveness of skincare products. Regular cleansing maintains a healthy complexion and promotes a fresh, rejuvenated appearance.

2. Do some light reading if you can - Engaging in light reading before bed can help relax the mind, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. It aids in detaching from daily worries, lowers heart rate, and signals the body that it’s time to unwind. This practice can lead to falling asleep faster and enjoying more restful sleep.

3. Give 10 mins. to reflect on yourself or your day while sitting silently or while listening to some calm music with opened or closed eyes, you might even journal if you want - Taking 10 minutes to reflect on yourself or your day before going to sleep offers numerous benefits. It helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which improves sleep quality. This practice enhances self-awareness and emotional balance by fostering a deeper understanding of your thoughts and feelings. Reflecting can boost your mood and overall well-being, as well as increase focus and concentration by clearing your mind. It encourages gratitude and appreciation for the positive aspects of your life, while also aiding in problem-solving and providing clarity on daily challenges. This quiet time supports personal growth, goal setting, and can even spark creativity, making it a valuable habit for enhancing mental and emotional health.

MAKE SURE TO GET MINIMUM 6 HRS. - 7 HRS. OF SLEEP THROUGHOUT THE DAY: 

Getting a minimum of 6 to 7 hours of sleep each day is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Adequate sleep supports cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and decision-making, while also enhancing mood and emotional stability. Physically, it promotes immune system efficiency, aids in cellular repair, and helps regulate metabolism and weight. Consistent sleep reduces the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Moreover, proper rest improves daily productivity, reduces stress levels, and fosters a better quality of life, making it essential for both mental and physical health.

Those were few of my tips to follow for self care and nurturing  in the easiest possible manner. This marks the end of the cozy blog series. I will provide a guide to do the neck exercises and basic stretches I mentioned below and provide You tube video links if possible.

GUIDE AND LINKS TO THE NECK EXERCISES AND STRETCHES MENTIONED :  

Do the stretches you can from these, no need to push yourself . 

YT LINKS TO SOME REALLY EASY TO FOLLOW EXERCISE VIDEOS -

1. https://youtu.be/faf_CS4Z0yc?si=iIHULTVEmaX2lPme 

2. https://youtu.be/b3ZjY6pFZwo?si=CZyfFXoF4H4k-pmd

3. https://youtu.be/iqcAWup2aCE?si=egj5iQ5RPvXTCuW-

4. https://youtu.be/ChfkjIeBV3c?si=LM0Rq9x7mP0WJvPK

5. https://youtu.be/5S0dM-WSzj0?si=zK6yvFNUS7cnFH5A

6. https://youtu.be/cMfChJLqma4?si=qL3H3MHLKNwyy94s

7. https://youtu.be/RuHEJs8Dibk?si=5viG1-aNn_t_zOHq

Those are all the links and you can refer to any of them, you can mix them up for your own routine if you want. Follow one or more videos, it's totally up to you. So, until next blog, take care of yourself.

With Love,

Diya Mukherjee