High school can be a pretty overwhelming time trying to balance school work and maintain a social life. Finding the time to take care of yourself can be difficult, and easily forgotten about. Mental health and physical health are equally important. It’s important to take care of yourself. It can relieve an ample amount of stress, making you feel better. 

Here are some tips for maintaining good mental and physical health.

Hygiene

Keeping yourself clean is an important part of anyone’s daily routine. Most people shower regularly and brush their teeth every morning but there are other ways you can have good hygiene. Face masks used to keep a clean, soft face can make you feel better about your image and more relaxed. Taking a warm bath with essentials oils can relieve stress, which is very important.

Exercise

Exercising is an important way to take care of your physical health. Not only does it help you lose weight, but it reduces anxiety and stress, and boosts mood. Not everyone has time to go to the gym every day though, so try to incorporate other daily exercises into your routine such as running, walking, sit-ups, etc.

Eating Healthy

What you eat is an important way to keep you healthy, not just physically, but mentally. According to Tchiki Davis from Psychology Today, a healthy diet can help prevent short term memory loss, which can have long-term effects on the brain. Some foods you can eat are blueberries, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fatty fish. Not eating right can affect your focus and productivity causing low energy levels and headaches. 

Having a Pet

Taking care of a pet can motivate you to take better care of yourself. Animals rely on us to provide food,  playtime, affection, vet visits, and other ways of care. Focusing on our pets can help reduce anxiety and stress that stems from our daily lives. They love us so why not return the favor? They always know when we’re upset so they try to comfort us in their own ways. 

Take a Break from your Phone

As high schoolers, we are addicted to our phones and social media. So much that it can stress us out and not put us in the best place. It’s good to take a break from technology for an hour or two. We find ourselves in happier moods when we aren’t wrapped up in Instagram or Snapchat. 

Sleep

Getting a good night’s rest always leaves us feeling better in the morning. But when we keep pressing snooze on our alarms it doesn’t help much. It makes a person more sleepy by pressing it multiple times. Instead, get straight-up, open your blinds, and get ready for the day. 

Start a New Hobby

Doing something new can always be exciting. It leaves us feeling good about ourselves and reduces stress. According to Brigitt Earley from Oprah Magazine, engaging in a hobby can activate genes that increase immunity and decrease inflammation. For example, you could take care of a plant, paint or draw, sew, or cook.

Self-care is very important in our daily lives and by doing so, it keeps us at ease with the stress of everyday life. It allows us to feel good about ourselves and gives us a sense of confidence. 

Look for small ways to incorporate self-care daily. Whether it be playing with your dog or cat, taking a hot bath, or going for a walk. You will continue to grow and enjoy life if you work small things like this into your everyday routine.