Many people are surprised to learn how much better they feel when they simply focus on themselves for a change. Unfortunately, we often get caught up in the idea that self-care is a selfish act. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth, and the way that we take care of ourselves has a direct impact on how well we can care for those that rely on us the most.

Today, Keep The Fire Lit shares a few bits of tried-and-true advice on how to treat yourself well when you’re living with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Renewed Energy

Because one of the main symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is fatigue, one of the best places to start your self-care efforts is to do things that revitalize and energize you. A few tips offered by Harvard Health include:

Quit smoking
Watch your sleep schedule
Limit alcohol consumption
Drink more water

Self-Care for Mental Wellness

Self-care offers more than just physical benefits. When you prioritize the state of your mental well-being, you’ll be in a better mental and emotional state to best care for yourself. The main sources of stress for adults are typically money and the job we have that makes the money. It’s a vicious cycle that requires your time and attention. Something you can do here is to change jobs if stress at the office gives you anxiety, insomnia, or simply makes it harder for you to focus on yourself.

Even if you love your job, you may need to look for ways to reorganize your spending and saving habits so that you aren’t constantly worried about paying your mortgage. One thing many people overlook is utilizing the equity in their home to pay off debt (or even to start a business). Refinancing allows you to do this, which can either help you lower your mortgage payment or cash in on your equity (or both).

Calming Your Nerves

In addition to changing your job or your financial habits, you can also practice emotional self-care by using herbs and other natural remedies. Lavender, lemon balm, and chamomile are all herbs that you can easily brew into a mind-calming tea. Prayer, meditation, and journaling can also help you reset your emotional self so that you can best turn your attention to the things within you that need healing.

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care runs the gamut of activities, from exercise to massages to keeping up with our healthcare appointments. For exercise, start with cardio activities, which can help improve your weight and your heart health. This could be something as simple as climbing stairs or jump roping. The Manual recommends starting with a light to moderate workout.

On the days when you simply don’t have the energy to work out, spend some time in the sun. Sunlight triggers your body’s natural vitamin D production. In addition to helping reduce the chances of getting certain types of cancer, vitamin D strengthens your immune system and can help lower your blood pressure.

Deepen Personal Connections

Spending quality time with friends and family has been shown to have numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being, making it an essential part of self-care. Sharing a meal together, like cooking a favorite family recipe or trying out a new dish, fosters a sense of connection and intimacy that can strengthen relationships and alleviate stress. Taking the time to prioritize these relationships can lead to a happier, healthier you.

Change Jobs

While that might be easier said than done, the fact remains that if your current job isn’t giving you the satisfaction you need, you’re the only one who can change that situation. Luckily, there are plenty of job boards out there, not to mention resume tips and templates. That being said, your cover letter is often the first thing prospective employers see, so it’s worth taking some time to learn what a cover letter is in order to give yourself an advantage over the competition.

Find Your Balance Through Self-Care

Ultimately, self-care really is all about living well. And when you have any type of pre-existing health condition, taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, can help you best manage your overall wellness battle. But as much as you have to take care of your body, don’t forget your mental and even financial wellness as well. Changing jobs, drinking tea to destress, and even looking for ways to save money, such as refinancing your home, can all help, but it’s up to you to take the first steps toward self-care control.

Keep The Fire Lit is here to help you stay motivated and live your best life. Let us know if you have any questions!

Using Massage To Improve General Well-Being

Did you ever wonder about the health benefits of massage, or did you think it was just a luxury item for self-indulgent rich folks with lots of time on their hands for pampering? There are several different types of massage and many ways that massage can help to increase your general well-being.

Some of the most commonly known types of massage are Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu (Japanese finger pressure) aromatherapy massage, and reflexology.

A quick definition of these types follows below:

• Swedish massage typically uses oil on bare skin and long sweeping, or circular, and rhythmical strokes that induce a sense of relaxation, peace, and calm.
• Thai massage may be done with the recipient either naked or clothed: the practitioner uses various stretching maneuvers along with deep finger pressure to reduce tension. It is usually performed on the floor and famously the practitioner walks along the back!
• Shiatsu is typically performed through clothing on a mat known as a futon on the floor. Deep pressure on acupuncture or acupressure points using thumbs, hands, elbows, and even feet may be used. Some stretching but generally less vigorous than Thai massage. Shiatsu works by balancing the distribution of energy throughout the body.
• Aromatherapy massage uses oils blended with essential plant oils whose properties are known to have medicinal qualities. The beneficial molecules get absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin and aid in healing.
• Reflexology is an ancient form of foot massage. Points on the feet relate to various parts of the body and are pressed and massaged to bring about healing in the related body part.

Relaxation

You probably know that massage is incredibly relaxing. If you are into natural highs, or just want to feel better overall, then massage is probably a good choice for you. It can also help you sleep better and relieve stress. So, how does it work? You know that when you have a massage your body quickly softens into a deep state of relaxation. Massage works by relieving muscular tension, increasing blood flow to an area and promoting relaxation.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view, massage helps to alleviate stagnation in the flow of vital energy, or Qi, and improve the circulation of energy. When energy in the body is in flow, health ensues. When energy is stuck, disease is the result.

Benefiting From Massage

A good massage usually lasts about an hour but length of sessions can run from half an hour to up to two hours. A recommendation by word of mouth is usually the best way to find a great practitioner; however, you find them you should check out their credentials and make sure they are certified by a reputable school.
All in all then, massage is much more than a superficial and luxurious way to pamper yourself. Massage can have far-reaching effects on your overall health and general well-being and can be a valuable tool in your self-care regime.
Regular sessions can increase your quality of life by enhancing your mood, reducing the tension you carry, and alleviating an array of physical symptoms.
If you can manage a session, a week you will really notice an improvement in how you feel about yourself; and your motivation and outlook on life will improve, as you feel more comfortable inside your own skin.

Self-Care Is All About Living Well