Heybo Hong Kong| Grain Bowls for all

The True Meaning of Self-Care

How does one stay happy, healthy and resilient in a hectic year? Here's why self-care is so important.

A few years ago, it seemed like ā€œ#selfcareā€ was everywhere. Each time someone enjoyed a spa day, a shopping trip or went out to drink with their friends, it was described as self-care. These past two years have been difficult for all of us in terms of our physical, emotional or psychological well-being. When do we have time to do something that helps our body, mind or soul feel better? We have more of it than we think.Ā 

How should we define ā€œself-careā€

Credit: Shutterstock

Self-care refers to a wide range of activities you take to nourish yourself without causing harm to yourself. It means something different to everyone. There is a whole spectrum of self-care needs, from basic ones like regularly eating healthy food, cleaning and making your bed, to more advanced ones like exercising daily or taking a relaxing bubble bath. Anything that you do to improve your quality of life counts as self-care, though some would argue that self-care is different from self-maintenance.Ā 

However, note that spending money doesnā€™t mean you are practising self-care even if you are ā€œtreating yourselfā€. We often talk about self-care and splurging on different things in order to put ourselves first in the same breath. Although online shopping makes you feel happy, the dopamine rush only lasts for a few days and comes with a dent on your finances. By making self-care synonymous with buying things, it risks losing the message of taking care of our mental health. So, itā€™s alright to ā€œtreat ourselves to nice things as often as it is practicalā€ but donā€™t overspend in the name of self-care.Ā 

How to look after ourselves

Credit: Shutterstock

People worldwide are feeling unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. The health and wellness market is expected to grow as consumers buy goods and services aimed at making us feel better. Here are some simple ways to destress and take care of yourself, without spending the big bucks.

1. Live healthyĀ 

Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol. Eating the right food has the potential to prevent weight gain or prevent diseases such as diabetes, while keeping our minds working and alert. If you cook your own food, you can control the nutrients you consume and feel more confident about making your own meals. Also, try drinking a soothing cup of tea to get a mini respite from caffeine-loaded coffee.Ā 

2. Take care of a house plant

A study showed that active interaction with indoor plants has been shown to possibly suppress nervous system activity and reduce blood pressure, leading to an overall sense of calm. This helps boost your mood. For those of you who are worried about killing the plant, try a succulent or an air plant, which requires less attention, but still looks cute.Ā 

3. Exercise daily

Daily exercise helps you both physically and mentally. Going outside and breathing fresh air boosts your mood and reduces anxiety. Some easy ways to stay moving is by walking around your neighbourhood or doing home workouts. The most important thing is to create a routine that works for you.Ā 

4. Say no to others, and say yes to your self-care

Weā€™re often hesitant to say no to someone but itā€™s actually a radical form of self-care. This is because it helps you prioritise your well-being over your obligations and relationships. For example, you donā€™t want to hang out with your friends after a long day at work because you donā€™t have the energy to engage fully with them. You decline to spend some time alone. Just say ā€˜noā€™ when you feel like you need to prioritise rest and stress relief.Ā 

Credit: Pinterest

5. Rid your home of clutter

Having a bunch of items you donā€™t use at all adds to the clutter and weighs you down. Cleaning your home can be emotionally freeing and a great tool to quiet the mind. Thereā€™s nothing better than walking into a freshly-cleaned room.Ā 

6. Take a break from social media

Weā€™ve probably fallen into the trap of comparing ourselves to the perfectly-curated images on social media before. A detox is a good idea to free ourselves from this stress and focus on improving our mental health. The first step is to decide how long you want to stay off social media apps. (Hereā€™s a good article about a digital detox.)

7. Donā€™t keep your feelings locked up inside you

It takes a lot of bravery to confront your feelings, especially if youā€™re opening up about them to someone else. When we keep suppressing our emotions, weā€™re robbing ourselves of the opportunity to reflect on them and take a burden off our chest. To truly take care of ourselves, we have to be honest about our emotions in different situations. You can try writing a journal or talking to a trusted friend about your feelings.Ā 

Do Things That Make You Happy

Credit: Pinterest

Self-care looks different for everyone but what all acts have in common is that they focus on the physical, spiritual and emotional dimensions. It is not an indulgence to take care of yourself but a crucial part of health maintenance. Itā€™s okay to put yourself first, especially if you have multiple responsibilities and people to care for. This will make you feel better and you will carry this good feeling into your daily life.

Cover image: Christie Ferrari via Pinterest

Category

Posted On

Written By

More from SaladStop!

10 Essential Tips for Healthy Living

In today’s modern world, achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become increasingly important. With the abundance of information available, it can sometimes be overwhelming to know where to start. To help you navigate the journey to better health, here are 10 essential tips for healthy living that incorporate specific and functional foods. 1. Diversify Your plate with colorful vegetables: Fill your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables, such as nutrient-rich kale. This leafy green, like the one found in SaladStop!’s Harvest bowl, is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. 2. Incorporate protein-rich foods: Protein is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and satiety. Include sources of lean protein in your meals, such as grilled chicken breast, tofu, lentils, or beans. These options are not only rich in protein but also provide other important nutrients like iron and fiber. 3. Choose whole grains: Swap refined grains for whole grains to increase fiber intake and promote digestive health. Opt for whole grain options like quinoa, brown rice, oats, or barley, which provide sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar levels. 4. Embrace healthy fats: Don’t shy away from fats, but focus on incorporating healthy sources such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and brain function. 5. Include functional foods: Integrate functional foods into your diet, which offer specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition. For example, adding flaxseeds to your salad provides a boost of omega-3s and fiber, while also supporting heart health and digestion. 6. Prioritize leafy greens: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Incorporate them into your salads as a base or mix them into smoothies for a nutrient boost. 7. Don’t forget about berries: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making them a perfect addition to salads or snacks. 8. Add crunch with nuts and seeds: Sprinkle nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds onto your salads for added texture and nutrition. These crunchy toppings provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. 9. Keep hydrated with herbal teas: Stay hydrated throughout the day by incorporating herbal teas into your routine. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger are not only hydrating but also offer various health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. 10. Practice mindful eating: Take the time to savor and enjoy your meals, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. Eating mindfully can help prevent overeating, improve digestion, and enhance overall satisfaction with your meals. Incorporating these 10 essential tips into your daily life can help you build a foundation for optimal health and well-being. By focusing on specific, functional foods and making conscious choices to nourish your body, you can embark on a journey towards a healthier and happier you. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements over time, so start today and reap the benefits of a balanced and nutritious diet.

Exploring the Nutritional Benefits of SaladStop!’s BBQ Pulled Shiitake

SaladStop! introduces a culinary marvel with its BBQ Pulled Shiitake, a dish that combines mouthwatering flavors with a wholesome nutritional profile. With each serving containing 5g of protein per serving of 60g, this plant-based option is designed to delight taste buds while nourishing the body. The foundation of the BBQ Pulled Shiitake is Fable, a brand known for its innovative use of mushrooms. This ingredient not only provides a meaty texture but also contributes a significant portion of the dish’s protein content. Coupled with pomace olive oil, the dish gains a dose of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, enhancing its nutritional value. To infuse the BBQ Pulled Shiitake with its signature taste, SaladStop! incorporates HP Sauce and smoked BBQ sauce. These sauces add layers of flavor without compromising on health, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. Additionally, the inclusion of black pepper not only enhances taste but also offers potential health benefits, including improved digestion and antioxidant support. SaladStop!’s BBQ Pulled Shiitake epitomizes the brand’s commitment to providing nutritious and delightful options for its clientele. With its protein-rich base, beneficial fats, and flavorful sauces, this dish represents a harmonious marriage of taste and nourishment. Whether you’re a devoted vegan, a health-conscious eater, or simply seeking a gratifying meal, the BBQ Pulled Shiitake assures an culinary experience that caters to both body and spirit.

SaladStop!’s Hulk Patty: A Protein-packed Delight

SaladStop! introduces the Hulk Patty, a delicious and nutritious addition to their menu, designed to cater to the needs of health-conscious individuals seeking a protein-rich option. Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, soy milk, and a variety of vegetables, the Hulk Patty offers a satisfying culinary experience without compromising on nutritional value. Each serving of SaladStop!’s Hulk Patty (50g) provides approximately 4.8g of protein, making it an excellent source of this essential macronutrient. Let’s delve deeper into the nutritional components of this innovative creation: Protein: Complex Carbohydrates: Healthy Fats: Vitamins and Minerals: Gluten-Free Batter: SaladStop!’s Hulk Patty stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, offering a well-balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, the Hulk Patty serves as a delicious and satisfying choice. With its innovative blend of ingredients and focus on wholesome nutrition, it’s sure to become a favorite among health-conscious consumers seeking a protein-packed culinary experience. Discover this Vegan Protein in our warm protein bowl, Game Changer!