Modern life seems busier than at any time in the past. With phones constantly buzzing, screens always flickering, and a general sense that we should always be busy, it can be hard to slow down and give our bodies and minds a chance to catch up. Rest and relaxation is a vital part of keeping ourselves healthy and strong. But these are luxuries we don’t often afford ourselves. In fact, some people have almost forgotten how to practice good self-care.
Here at True Terpenes, we’re all about living our best lives, and that means practicing good self-care. In today’s blog, we’ll outline some simple ways you can restore yourself.
The Importance of Self-Care
When you’re feeling physically and emotionally drained, it can be challenging to muster the courage needed to face the stresses of daily life. But when you’re well-rested and centered, you’re better able to face these challenges in a cool and confident manner.
Self-care is an important part of your regular health and wellness routines. It keeps you physically and emotionally strong. You’ll feel better about your work, your relationships, and yourself if you take good care of yourself. So let’s look at a few different ways you can care for yourself.
Make Sure You’re Hydrated
Dehydration shouldn’t be a problem, given that nearly every American has ready access to a source of clean water. But remarkably, an estimated 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Without enough fluids, your body will not function at its best. In fact, it’ll affect you in numerous ways. For instance, your body’s natural process of bone and tissue regeneration will begin to slow down. This means you won’t be able to recover from injuries as quickly. Similarly, your immune system isn’t as robust when you’re dehydrated, making you more prone to infection.
Every part and function of your body requires water, so make sure you’re giving it what it needs. We all love the taste of coffee, tea, juice, or sports drinks, but there’s no substitute for plain water. There are plenty of suggestions for how much water you should drink each day. Eight 8-ounce glasses is a popular one, but that may not be enough for your particular body. Instead, think of it this way. You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you’ll want to drink 80 ounces of water each day. This will do a good job of keeping you hydrated.
Watch What You Eat
Thanks to the proliferation of fast food and convenience meals, making healthy eating decisions can be challenging. But good nutrition is a crucial part of maintaining your health. It should go without saying, but your next run to the grocery should lead to a cart full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nuts and seeds are great sources of protein and healthy fats and make for a great snack alternative to chips or sugar-coated granola bars. Whole grain bread offers your body more nutrients than a white bread alternative.
By avoiding pre-packaged foods, you’re also avoiding the litany of questionable preservatives and hard-to-pronounce ingredients that can have a negative impact on your health.
Exercise is Key
Regular exercise should be a big part of your self-care routine. That doesn’t mean you need to become a gym rat or get chiseled like a bodybuilder, but it does mean you should be as active as possible. Even a little more exercise than your getting each day can have a marked impact on your overall health. At a minimum, you should try and get 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week.
More than just helping you look your best, you’ll also feel your best. Research has shown that regular exercise can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also help with feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. Exercise is just plain good for your mental and physical health.
Spend Time in the Sun
Ideally, all of that exercise will get you outside, where you’ll enjoy a slew of other restorative benefits. It’s true that too much sun can be bad for you, but you still need to get some sunshine every day. Exposure to sunlight can help improve your mental health. If you’re feeling blue or down, even as little as 15 minutes of sunshine can help to make you feel better. Daily doses of sunlight can even help you sleep better at night. It helps your body produce melatonin, which leads to deeper, more restful sleep.
Sunlight also stimulates the production of vitamin D. This vital vitamin helps your body in a number of ways. You’ll support your heart health, maintain strong bones, and even boost your immune system. Indeed, your hormonal health can also benefit from some extra sunshine each day. This ensures that your body works in harmony and functions normally.
Get Some Fresh Air
Take a deep breath. Steady, controlled breathing is a great way to center yourself in the face of stress. But the kind and quality of air you’re breathing makes an impact on your health. As people spend more and more time indoors, the need for fresh air grows all the more important. That’s because the EPA has found that the quality of air inside is many times worse than outside. That’s because our homes are packed with volatile organic compounds that break down and release pollutants into our homes. Outside, these pollutants do not build up in the same way they do in our tightly sealed homes.
But don’t rely on chemical air fresheners to clean the air in our home. You’re only going to put more pollutants into the air. Instead, open your windows during the cooler parts of the day to let clean air from outside in. You can also use air purifiers that make use of HEPA or UV filters. Of course, house plants accomplish the same thing and add color and life to your home while you’re at it. But the best way to get fresh air is to simply step outside for a few minutes each day. Your lungs and your spirit will thank you.
Using Terpenes to Restore Yourself
Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight how different terpenes and terpene oils can be used in your self-care efforts. When paired with the suggestions above, you might find that terpenes can enhance your restorative efforts.
Linalool
With a pleasant aroma, this terpene is often found in perfume and candles. Naturally, you’ll find the linalool terpene in lavender, mint, citrus, birch, and cinnamon. It can help you find your center and well being.
Alpha-Pinene
As its name implies, this terpene can easily be found in pine trees and other coniferous plants. It’s crisp, clean character encourages you to take deep, cleansing breaths. Doing so can help you process experiences more easily. This makes this an ideal terpene to help your body restore itself.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Found commonly in spices like clove and black pepper, this terpene has a rich and nuanced character to it. This terpene, in particular, has been shown to bind to the receptors in your endocannabinoid system.
Beta-Myrcene
One of the more common terpenes, beta-myrcene is found in a wide variety of things, like hops, lemongrass, bay leaves, mangoes, and eucalyptus. With a distinct herbaceous aroma, with hints of spices, roots, and balsamic, this terpene could help your body recharge after a long day.
Limonene
Another very common terpene, limonene has a bright and citrusy tone, making it a popular choice for cleaning products. Used for a variety of things, limonene has been used by our customers to help them perk up, elevate their mood, and focus in on a task.
Revitalize Your Body and Mind With True Terpenes
When you practice good self-care, you’ll that you feel better inside and out. You’ll be more ready for each day, and you’ll be better able to help others who might need a little extra care.
Whether you’re looking for new ways to unwind or just a way to recharge, we’re here for you. True Terpenes offers products that easily integrate into your current health and wellness routines. Browse our expansive selection of terpene oils, isolates, strains, and profiles to find the perfect match for your mood and your needs. Find your terpenes for sale online and order today.