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International Self-Care Day is celebrated on July 24. It stresses the importance of self-care as the cornerstone of wellness. We all know prioritizing self-care is essential for our overall well-being, but too often taking care of ourselves takes a back seat to our numerous responsibilities.
What is a self-care day?
A self-care day offers an opportunity to pause, recharge, and invest in our physical, mental, and emotional health. In this article we offer ten self-care practices for you to consider. These aren’t things that you can or should do all in one day (please don’t try!). The idea is to use your self-care day to take some baby steps – make that appointment with your dentist, go for a long walk, have a nourishing meal, do something fun that you haven’t had time to do in ages. By beginning to incorporate these practices into your daily routine, you can create a solid foundation for a healthier and more balanced life – and make every day a self-care day.
1. Schedule a dental checkup. One of the key components of self-care is prioritizing your oral health. Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a dental examination, professional cleaning, and assessment of any potential issues. Checkups not only help prevent dental problems but also contribute to your overall health, as poor oral health has been linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory and digestive problems, dementia and other diseases. Plus, when your smile is healthy and looks great, you can easily eat nutritious foods, get better rest and feel much more confident.
2. Embrace preventive health care. Of course, self-care extends beyond dental checkups and includes proactive steps to safeguard your overall health. Engage in preventive health measures such as regular medical checkups, and screenings for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Prevention is key to detecting potential health issues early, when they are usually more easily treatable.
3. Prioritize sleep. Quality sleep is crucial for physical and mental rejuvenation. Create a soothing bedtime routine, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and ensure your sleeping environment promotes relaxation. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to enhance your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
4. Nourish your body. Fuel your body with a balanced and nutritious diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water daily. Optimal nutrition supports your physical health, energy levels, and mental clarity.
5. Get moving. Physical activity not only benefits your physical health but also positively impacts your mental and emotional well-being. Make exercise a regular part of your routine. Whether it’s walking, dancing, swimming, or practicing yoga, engaging in regular exercise helps reduce stress, improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and enhances overall fitness.
6. Cultivate mindfulness. Practice mindfulness to cultivate a sense of inner calm and reduce stress. Engage in activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling to promote self-awareness and relaxation. Mindfulness techniques can help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience.
7. Set boundaries and say no. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize your needs is an essential aspect of self-care. Understand your limits and communicate them assertively. Don’t hesitate to say no when necessary, as it allows you to protect your time, energy, and overall well-being.
8. Do the things that you love. Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time in nature, gardening, reading a book, or engaging in creative outlets, engaging in activities you love nurtures your spirit and provides a much-needed break from daily stressors.
9. Practice gratitude. Cultivating gratitude has been shown to enhance overall well-being and happiness. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This practice helps shift your focus towards the positive aspects of life and fosters a sense of contentment and appreciation.
10. Connect. Nurture meaningful relationships and prioritize social connections. Surround yourself with supportive and positive individuals who uplift and inspire you. Engage in activities that promote social interaction, such as joining clubs, attending events, or volunteering. Strong social connections contribute to emotional well-being and provide a sense of belonging.
Celebrate self-care day
Self-care is a vital component of leading a healthy and balanced life. By incorporating these ten essential self-care practices into your routine, you can prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
And when it comes to scheduling your preventive care, such as dental checkups, know there are ways to protect your financial wellbeing too. If you don’t have dental insurance, or your insurance doesn’t cover your procedure, you have options. Dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to dental insurance, can save you money on virtually any dental procedure at more than 140,000 dentists nationwide. These plans activate right away, have no annual limits, and plan members report an average savings of 50%*.
Find your perfect plan at DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. We make it easy to find the plan that fits your specific needs. Call us at 1-833-735-0399 with any questions or to receive a personalized plan recommendation.
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*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.
