The act of giving is of obvious service to the receiver, but did you know there are proven benefits for the giver as well? While donating is largely considered a selfless act, research has shown that altruistic offerings activate the areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, which means we experience higher levels of joy, stronger self-esteem, and personal satisfaction when we help other people. It's not just about feeling good, though. Studies have also shown that giving to others has health benefits like lower blood pressure, less depression, lower stress levels and can even promote a longer life. That's right - taking care of others can totally count as an act of self-care!
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When I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder in 2019, I knew there was more I could do to hasten my healing beyond taking a daily prescription pill. I started scouring the internet and the library for resources regarding all the ways I could improve what I put in, on, and used around my body in an effort to support my health. One of those ways was to change the cleaning products we used. Like many of our self-care tips, this one has both physical and mental benefits. Cleaning is good for your mental health. This study showed how people who live in cluttered homes have higher levels of cortisol in their systems, indicating a direct link between your space and your stress. Visual clutter leads to mental clutter, even if you try to convince yourself this is just the way you are wired, and you've learned to live with it. Fortunately, this can be reverse engineered, meaning the more piles you get rid of, the calmer you will feel. Cleaning is good for your physical health, too. There is a quote attributed to Izak Dinesen that goes, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." It is this sentiment that sparked today's self care suggestion, which invites you to take whichever piece you have available to you and use it in the spirit of taking care of yourself. Meditation is a habitual process of training your brain to focus and redirect thoughts, a way to connect with your Inner Knowing/Source Energy/God/the Universe, a method to build concentration and increase self-awareness, and today's self-care tip. It may sound super woo-woo at first but the health benefits are steeped in scientific fact, making it a practice that both cynics and mystics alike can confidently enjoy. While the list of benefits is long, here are my top five favorites: |
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