14 Ways to Be Kind to Your Body this Valentines Day

When you think about your body, do you spend more time focusing on the negative or the positive?

It is easy to complain about the inches we would like to lose, or limitations that came with an injury, or how our body moves slower than it did a few years ago.

Or maybe you are focused on other areas of your life and don’t even notice your physical condition until you get the flu or throw your back out. With so many responsibilities at home and work, it’s easy to overlook our body’s most basic needs. Despite the distractions, let’s not forget to be grateful for the amazing things our body does for us each day.

Valentines Day seems like the perfect time to show your body some love. It’s important to take care of your body if you want to be able to rely on it – to be sure its keeps showing up for your for decades to come.

14 Ways to be Kind To Your Body

1. Cook more. Restaurant meals tend to have more calories, questionable ingredients, and inflammatory oils. Prepare your food at home this Valentines weekend where you have more control over the things that you are putting in your body.
2. Consume whole foods. Fill your plate with real, fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It’s a simple way to increase your fiber intake and get all your essential nutrients in a day. This will give you the energy to enjoy time with your loved ones.
3. Life heavy things. Your muscles, bones, hormones, and metabolism will thank you for your keeping your body strong. It’s as simple as pushing and pulling heavy things on a regular basis. This could be formal gym time, resistance bands at home, or manual labor in the garden.
4. Soak in the tub. A bath can be both therapeutic and indulgent. Add lavender essential oil and Epsom salts to promote relaxation and soothe sore muscles. To soothe dry winter skin, try adding olive oil and a few drops of chamomile essential oil.
5. Sleep well. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Stick to a regular bedtime. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet. Avoid heavy snacks and bright computer screens in the hours before bed, so you can fall asleep more easily.
6. Clean up the air. How about a HEPA filter for your Valentine? The air inside your home could be more polluted than the air outside. Keep dust mites, pet hair, and mold under control by using a vacuum or air purifier with a HEPA filter – and change the filters as instructed.
7. Clean up your routine. Toxic chemicals can also enter your body through skin care, detergents, and cleaning products. A complete overhaul can be expensive, but try to replace products with cleaner options when you run out of your regular.
8. Move more in your day. Keep your body moving for a healthier heart and a clearer mind. Design your workstation so can can shift between sitting and standing. Take breakfast at least every hour to stand, stretch, or take a short walk.
9. Snack wisely. Skin the vending machine or the donut shop and bring along your own nourishing snacks this week. Good choices for most people include nuts, veggies and hummus, greek yogurt, seed crackers, or low sugar trail mixes.
10. Find some stress relief. We all know that stress is hard on our body – it affects some more than others – but we can’t just eliminate stress from our life entirely. Instead, find ways to relax during your day. This might include meditation, prayer, yoga, or listening to calming music.
    Go for a walk. A simple 10 minute walk can lower stress hormones, decrease blood sugar after a meal, and improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, these 10 minute walks can add up throughout the day and equal an full 30 or 40 minute exercise session.
11. Get some sunshine. Go outside for that walk and soak up some vitamin D. Most of us are deficient, especially in the winter months, because of the amount of time we spend indoors. Absorption of vitamin D from food sources isn’t as beneficial so get out in the sun (even on cloudy days).
12. Drink more water. Staying hydrated is a free and easy way to help your body function in top condition and look it’s best on the outside too. Water is beneficial for your heart and brain, supports your immune system, and is necessary to eliminating toxins.
13. Leave work on time today. You may think clocking 80 hour week is good for your career, but it’s harmful to both your body and your relationships. And guess what? Positive relationships are important to the physical health of your body as well. So leave the office (or home work station) at a set time and enjoy some time with loved ones.

There’s nothing selfish about treating your body with kindness. Attending to your own needs gives you more resources to share with others. Put yourself at the top of your agenda, develop daily habits that enhance your physical wellbeing, and you will be in a better place to serve those you love with kindness as well.

Are you interested in learning more about your body so that you can better care for it? Genetic testing allows us to give you an “owner’s manual” for your body so you know exactly how to eat, exercise, recover, supplement and more. It’s doesn’t get more personalized than your DNA!

Check out the video below more information, then email amanda@peakpotentialpt.com for seasonal specials – this may be the perfect Valentine’s gift for you or a loved one.