3 Simple Suggestions for Your Self-Care Routine

What You’ll Learn

• You are not alone. People with chronic health conditions (fatigue, hormone imbalances, weight gain, insomnia, etc.) often don’t practice self-care habits.
• Prioritizing self-care can make a profound difference in your health.
• Practicing self-care habits does not have to be difficult and impractical.
• Self-care can be as simple as: taking a brief moment to walk; enjoying foods that comfort and satisfy you (and hopefully not giving you digestive problems); and taking a shower.[/thrive_text_block]

I don’t know about you but Sundays are typically when I try to get ready for the busy week that’s about to come. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Personally and professionally, I have found this statement to be accurate. Time and again, I see countless patients with chronic fatigue, chaotic hormonal imbalances, stubborn weight loss issues, frustrating sleep issues struggling to get by during the week. During appointments and in conversation a common theme unravels, it’s disheartening. There is just no time for recovery. No time for even a brief moment of self-care. I want to change that.

The power of SELF-CARE

I strongly believe in the immeasurable power of implementing simple self-care habits. They are transformative. They instill healthy habits. They encourage healthy routines. I believe the best way to THRIVE (not just survive) during the week is to do some form of self-care. Self care doesn’t have to be complicated nor does it have to be an expensive or lavish vacation.

So, dear reader, I want to suggest some simple, convenient, and super easy things you can do for yourself on Sundays (or any day of the week).

1. Take a walk. Take a walk even you only have time for 10 minutes. Walking can have a profound impact on your mental health and your overall health. Even very mild forms of physical activity can trigger the release of hormones that make you feel good. [1, 2, 3, 4]
2. Indulge on comfort food. Yes, you read that right. Enjoying your comfort food is even made better if you cook it. Ensure that your comfort food brings you warmth and familiarity, and makes you feel great. Unless advised by your doctor or other healthcare provider, don’t think too much about dietary restrictions today. Anything that is going to fill you up, make your soul happy, and NOT give you digestive symptoms is probably good for you. That being said, it will also probably be a good source of macronutrients (i.e. complex carbohydrates, good fats, good proteins, good fibers). All the more reason not to think of it as cheating on your diet (although I do have more things to say about the concept of diet but I’ll save this for another post). Today you are nurturing yourself… and what better way to do that than by having something that fills you! [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14]
3. Take a shower. If you want to take it up a notch, take a contrast shower or a real easy cold shower (maybe easy isn’t the best word for newbies…). Changing water temperatures has been known to improve circulation, healing recovery time, improve mood. Regardless of what kind of shower you choose, do take your time massaging your scalp as you lather on shampoo. Take your time washing your body. Enjoy being immersed in the water. Let it make you feel clean and fresh. Let the physical act of cleaning your body take away the fixation on the negativity of the past week. [15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

That’s it!

You are a champion, and I am sure you will rock this week. I hope you know that by doing these suggestions, you can always have a super simple self care Sunday ritual to look forward to. I also hope that you find yourself a self-care ritual that pampers and caters to your unique soul

Here’s to wishing you a great week ahead!

– Dr. Kim