It's important to take proper care ourselves and there are some telling signs that you might not really be looking after yourself. Our bodies and minds can tell us when things aren't quite right and it's important to tune in every now and then and check that all is well. Look out for the signs and see if you have noticed any of the following.
If you're always tired it might be one of the signs you're not taking proper care of yourself. Sleep is not for wimps and it's actually vital to get enough sleep. Watch the TED talk by Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington about the need for sleep if you're not convinced. If you're having trouble sleeping then you might need to find ways to ensure that you have a restful sleep. Avoid watching TV or surfing the web before bed and try a calming chamomile tea or a hot bath to soothe the troubles of the day away. There might be other medical reasons for fatigue in which case you should seek medical advice sooner rather than later.
Weight gain is another sign that you might not be looking after yourself. If you're eating the wrong things then weight gain is inevitable as you might be choosing fast food to fit with your fast lifestyle. This will eventually take its toll so it's vital to keep a close eye on weight as it can eventually lead to health issues such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Just as weight gain is a sign that you're not taking proper care of yourself, weight loss can signal that things are a miss. You might be running on empty, which will make you miserable and will eventually take its toll both mentally and physically. Ensure you're eating the right things and that you're getting the right nutrients. Both weight gain and weight loss can mean you're not getting the right vitamins and minerals so ensure you're eating nutritionally rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and pulses.
Feeling miserable all the time? Don't let life drag you down. Remember that if we think negatively then we're likely to let that affect all areas of our lives. Find the happiness in your life by exercising and doing some mindful meditation. This is proven to boost your mood and make you feel ready to face the days ahead.
Our skin is a great barometer of our health and can tell us what's going on inside. If your skin is dry and grey, it might be a sign that you're not sleeping enough and not eating the right things. If you're smoking and drinking excessively, your skin might be dry and the skin under your eyes will also give away your party lifestyle. You don't need to ditch the parties altogether but you do need to look after yourself.
Our mouth is also able to tell us a lot about our health. Stress and a lack of nutrients will mean that your immune system will suffer and this might lead to bleeding gums and worst case scenario, tooth loss. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Stress, poor hygiene, nutrient deficiency and genetics can all play a part in its progression. Look after your teeth and gums by brushing twice a day and flossing every night before bed.
Our hair can also tell us a lot about our health. We can feed our hair or we can starve it. And who would want to starve their luscious locks?! If you're not looking after yourself, your hair will give it away. Feed your hair from the inside by eating foods such as eggs, nuts, oily fish, walnuts and blueberries. Also, treat your hair to regular deep conditioning treatments.
These are some of the signs you might not be looking after yourself. Has anyone noticed any of the signs above?