Let’s face it—life is stressful. Many of us balance work, family, and friends on top of trying to stay physically and mentally healthy. But, in addition to caring for those around us, it is so important to make self-love a priority among all the craziness. By taking the time to care for us, we can better care for others in our lives. Here are a few easy ways to show yourself some self-love this month.

Get Good Quantity and Quality of Sleep
It is no secret that the average American does not get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults ages 18-64 should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night; however, most adults are lucky to get around 6 hours of sleep. Not only does getting enough sleep improve obvious things like our mood and energy levels, it also plays a role in making sure our memory and immune system is functioning optimally. If you want to improve your sleep, you must make sleep a priority. Going to sleep and waking at the same time every day, relaxing before bedtime, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed, and making sure you turn off your electronics at least 1 hour prior to bedtime, are all ways to improve your sleep, thus, improving your overall health.

Be Mindful
Practicing mindfulness every day can help improve mood, allow you to be more present, and increase your focus. Taking 5-20 minutes out of your day to meditate, journal, or go on a walk without electronics can help you start or end your day on a positive note. Taking an extra 5 minutes to slow down and reflect can show truly positive impacts on your life.

Dr. Kristin Henry earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University in 2015. She has advanced training in manual therapy and pelvic rehabilitation. She also has experience with patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics.