Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to be productive when you’re having a “good” day? You know, the kind where you take time to do things that make you feel like your best self? That’s because practicing self-care plays a big role in finding your focus.
When you’re taking care of yourself and meeting your personal needs, it does wonders for your creativity and mental strength. Today I’m sharing my self-care tips for finding your focus. Give them a try and just watch: You’ll start to notice just how many good days you’ll have!
How Does Self-Care Help You Focus?
Practicing self-care lets you pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and needs in an important way. Your overall well-being is made up of lots of things, like how often you can relax, how much sleep you get, what you nourish your body with, and how much exercise you do. When you’re not tending to those basic needs, you probably aren’t giving yourself the time to reset, recharge, and destress. Ever heard of burnout? It’s a very, very real thing: especially for moms.
When you set aside alone time to do things for yourself, it helps you focus and makes you more creative, productive, mentally strong, and empathetic. Prioritizing self-care gives you more opportunities to explore ideas and reflect on your thoughts. When you’re in tune with yourself, you can focus on what matters to you.
Here are ways you can practice self-care to find your focus!
Move Your Body
You don’t need to adopt a hardcore workout routine or hop on the latest fitness trend to get the self-care benefits of moving your body. More power to you if you do, though! Find an activity that helps you exercise, have fun, and that feels good to you. Not only is regular exercise good for your heart, immune system, and weight management, but it’s good for your head.
Moving your body can…
- reduce those pesky hormones that cause stress.
- boost your endorphins (you know, those feel-good chemicals your body produces).
- give you a much-needed mental break.
- makes you feel good about yourself.
Plus, people who exercise during their workdays are 23% more productive than when they don’t get in a workout!
Soak Up Some Sunshine
Stepping outside and taking a deep breath of fresh air feels amazing, doesn’t it?? Spending time outdoors might sound like a good distraction from the things you need to focus on, but it’s actually a great way to practice self-care and find your focus.
People who have more exposure to nature are happier, have higher self-esteem, and are more satisfied in their lives. Getting outside in the sun for a walk, a hike, or even just to relax alone in your backyard can boost your serotonin levels (mood boostin’ hormones) and make you feel more calm more focused. So, whether you take your favorite book to a park bench, or go for a jog, getting outdoors is fantastic for your mind and productivity.
Eat Foods That Fuel Your Body & Mind
We all know that sense of blegh when you’ve indulged in a meal that was SO good, but not great for you. Sure, it probably wowed your tastebuds, but afterward, you just don’t feel your best. Your nutrition is huge when it comes to self-care. And when you are taking care of yourself and eating well, it’s a lot easier to find your focus.
When you’re stressed, it’s pretty tempting to reach for all the food. Chips. Sodas. You know, the easy stuff. Those foods don’t do anything good for your body, though. Instead, aim to eat foods that are good for brain function and concentration. These include:
- Fruits like blueberries and bananas
- Oatmeal
- Vegetables such as spinach and beets
- Green Tea
- Lots of H20
- Eggs
- Dark Chocolate
Write Down Your Thoughts
Journaling is a super popular self-care activity and for good reason! Writing down your thoughts reduces stress, relieves anxiety, and helps you sort through all the day’s thoughts and feelings that have been running through your head and your heart.
Putting pen to paper and actually seeing your ideas and words written down lets you focus on what matters to you. Reading over your journal entries allows you to look at what’s going on in your world with a different perspective and appreciation, so you can find your focus and prioritize the things that matter to you.
There’s no right or wrong way to journal. Self-care’s about what feels right for you! Whether you journal every day or every week, let your mind go and write what comes to you. You might be surprised by what a difference it can make in your mood and focus!
Read Something for Your Soul
OK, I’m not talking about your favorite pop culture site or scrolling Instagram, here! Carving out time for reading something that lights up your spirit is such a powerful way to give yourself some self-care. It’s peaceful…if we can block out our kids and other household noises! And it stimulates your mind. Reading is also a nice escape from stress and nagging thoughts–A good book can totally transport you to another universe.
Reading also helps you find your focus. When you spend even 15 minutes reading, you’re dedicating your entire thinking to that story. We’re so used to doing a million things at once these days (Email, texting, scrolling, talking… You know!), and reading helps your brain remember how to zone in on one thing. That way, you can improve your focus in other areas of your life.
You Deserve Self-Care
Ready to find your focus and start practicing the self care you deserve? The Nourishment Collective has everything you need to discover the highest version of yourself and start living your best life. You deserve a path that will bring you joy, passion, and success. The Self Care Haven Membership will help you make it happen!
Wondering how else we can work together? Check out this blog post to find out exactly how a life coach could help you up level your life!