If you’ve ever heard the phrase, be kind to your body, it may be easy to dismiss as a trend or a quote you might see on social media. But being kind to your body is something much more. It’s about taking intentional steps to nurture the body you call home so you can get the most out of life and do what brings you joy, whatever that looks like for you. The best part? No matter where you are on your health journey, you can show your body kindness with the following four practices.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep doesn’t seem to get as much attention as nutrition and exercise when discussing weight management and overall wellness, but it should. An astonishing 65% of adults who are dissatisfied with their sleep experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms, according to a National Sleep Foundation poll. If you wake up feeling groggy or experience fatigue throughout the day, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. A good night’s sleep shouldn’t feel like a luxury or a rare occurrence. It should be a regular, even nightly, event.
Speak Kindly
Pay attention to how you speak to yourself and the words you choose. People are often their own worst critics, and negative self-talk can be a tough habit to break. The first step is to recognize what words you are choosing, then make an intentional effort to reframe the conversation. For example, say you make a mistake at work and your immediate thought is, “I’m so stupid.” Take a pause and try replacing this with something like, “I made a mistake. These things happen. How can I learn from them?” This takes practice and doesn’t happen overnight, but shifting to a more compassionate mindset helps lay the foundation for a healthier and more kind relationship with yourself.
Stretch and Mobilize
Have you ever thought that you were not flexible enough to stretch? This is a common misconception, but the truth is that simple and gentle stretches can be beneficial for just about everyone for improved mobility and range of motion. And that makes your body feel good! Regardless of age or fitness level, a regular stretching routine focusing on the shoulders, hips and ankles may help alleviate stiffness and slowly enhance flexibility. Not quite sure where to begin? Visit the TOPS YouTube page for sample workouts including a simple stretching routine.
Eat All the Colors
Looking for a more simplified approach to healthy eating? Color your plate with vibrant veggies and fruit! You don’t have to count calories or stick to a specific plan or menu (unless that
works for you, of course!). Instead, focus on choosing colorful options like deep-green spinach, bright orange bell peppers or ruby red strawberries. You don’t have to be perfect, but opting for more colorful options means you’re getting a diverse variety of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Before your next trip to the grocery store, jot down two or three colorful produce options on your list. And remember that frozen fruits and veggies count too!
You are Worth It!
In the hustle and busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to brush off the importance of being kind to your body. But as you navigate the demands of your day, remember that each choice toward prioritizing sleep, cultivating intentional self-talk, moving a little more and embracing a colorful diet is a meaningful step toward a healthier you.
You’ve got this!
A version of this blog originally appeared in the April/May 2024 issues of TOPS News membership magazine.