In celebration of International Self-Care Day on 24th July, it’s a good moment to explore why self-care is important for both our physical and mental wellbeing. Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury but a necessary practice that nurtures our overall health and happiness – and this year’s day marks the close of the World Health Organisation’s Self-Care Month, which runs from 24th June to 24th July.
Hopefully these little Bare Biology posts and tips will equip you with tools to prioritise self-care in your daily life and lead you on a path to personal rejuvenation and fulfilment.
6 tips to learn how to love yourself
We all know that we need to practice the art of self-love more, but struggle to do it. We all need to learn how to love ourselves, and how to show ourselves kindness and compassion, in the same way we would towards our friends and family.
Here are 6 simple tips of mine to help you begin practicing the art of self-love:
- Speak to yourself as you would a close friend – swap harsh self-talk for words of encouragement.
- Celebrate your wins, however small – keep a note of things you’re proud of each week.
- Set boundaries without guilt – protecting your time and energy is a form of self-respect.
- Move your body because it feels good, not as a punishment – choose movement you enjoy.
- Write down three things you like about yourself – read them back whenever you need a lift.
- Ask for support when you need it – accepting help is a strength, not a weakness.
Grab a pen and paper, gather some friends and family members if you can and bring focus and a willingness to accept and appreciate all the many wonderful traits and qualities you possess.
The mind-body connection — and why it’s worth paying attention to
I’m a firm believer in the connection between the body and mind and the importance of being aware of it.
In this post I describe 6 tools that I use on a regular basis, that I hope will help you strengthen a positive mind-body connection. These practical and effective tips include carrying out a mind-body audit, practising deep breaths each day to release tension and anxiety, surrounding yourself with people who support you and more.
Training essentials for the first-time runner
I love running because it benefits me in so many ways – it frees my mind and improves my energy.
It’s also a wonderfully simple way to keep your body and mind in great shape. If you’re new to running, in this post you’ll find 7 top tips for helping you enjoy it, reap all the benefits it can provide, and stay injury free.
For marathon running plans and advice, visit this page.
7 ways to boost your wellbeing this summer
We all feel better and more uplifted when it’s sunny outside, and warm weather brings plenty of opportunities to boost your wellbeing and happiness levels. It’s the season to take those brilliant ideas you’ve been developing during the frosty winter months, and turn them into action.
Here are 7 simple tips of mine to help boost your wellbeing this summer:
- Get outside every day – even 10 minutes of natural light and fresh air lifts your mood and energy.
- Move your body in the sunshine – walk, swim, cycle or stretch outdoors instead of inside.
- Stay hydrated – warm weather increases how much water you need, so keep a bottle with you.
- Create a summer vision board – gather images and words for what you want to feel and achieve, and keep it somewhere visible.
- Connect with others – plan a picnic, an outdoor coffee catch-up, or a walk with a friend.
- Protect your rest – long light evenings can eat into sleep, so keep a gentle wind-down routine.
- Notice the small joys – a favourite ice cream, birdsong, a golden evening sky; pause and take them in.
Have fun creating your vision board! Putting these tips into practice will boost your health and happiness and leave you feeling revitalised, energised and ready to take some serious action.
Want to go deeper on self-care? Listen to my podcast interview with celebrity trainer Dan Roberts, where we talk about building sustainable self-care habits into a busy life.
Get in touch for a one-off online session to help support your self-care and/or for a team workshop to support self-care into the winter.
Kim is not sponsored to recommend Bare Biology – she just really rates it as a good product.
I totally rate Bare Biology for amazing Omega 3 super powers! Clinical grade Omega 3, Collagen, Vitamin D and Magnesium Supplements for Adults and Kids, fresh and 100% pure. Get £5 off your first purchase by Clicking HERE.
For more info, personal sessions, coaching and training tips for charity races and all-round support, check in here.
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