As therapists, we advocate for our patients to implement self-care practices and to take steps that will enhance their overall lives. But are you following your own advice? As a busy professional, it's vital to make self-care a priority. It may require deliberately taking time out of your busy schedule to focus more on your health and wellness. But rest assured, the results will undoubtedly be worth it, ultimately helping you deliver better care.

Here's how to look good and feel your best every day.

Sleep in more

One of the secret ingredients to looking and feeling your best is making sure you get the adequate rest you need on a daily basis. Adequate sleep is essential to feeling rejuvenated and refreshed the next day. It also helps you to be more alert and focused. Moreover, your skin will also thank you for it; in other words- say goodbye to puffy eyes and dark circles, and hello to healthy, glowing skin.

Exercise is a must

Exercising is a must in today's day and age. But, neglecting regular physical activity is also one way to get out of shape, fast. That's why it's essential to make it a part of your everyday routine. Strength and fitness training helps to make your body stronger and fitter. And more toned. And is one surefire way to boost your confidence and self-esteem as a result. 

Healthy eating habits

Eating a balanced diet is critical to your overall well-being. When you consume the right vitamins and nutrients, your body gets the energy it needs to function at its best. This includes eating foods to boost brain power and improve concentration and mental clarity, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and excessive sugar to avoid more serious health issues in the future. 

Get more organized

When you're more organized, you automatically feel more put together, less stressed, and better prepared for the day ahead. Keeping your personal space more organized might also mean getting your wardrobe in order, for instance. When you declutter, you make more space for the things you really like; this usually includes the things that make you feel better and more confident about yourself.

Update your wardrobe

Speaking of wardrobe, updating your look or investing in new pieces of clothing can go a long way toward helping you feel more confident, regardless of what you’re doing. As a therapist, you want to exude professionalism so your patients feel confident when they first meet you. If it’s been a while since you updated your closet, create a capsule wardrobe of classic pieces that you can mix and match. And even if you’re a nursing mother, there are great separates you can buy that are both functional and flattering, and that are perfect for work. 

Read up on self-care tips

You might be an expert at offering self-care advice, but it never hurts to learn more. Read up to find more ways to incorporate self-care into your busy lifestyle. There are many resources online that can help you make better and healthier lifestyle choices, whether it’s through exercise tips, healthy recipes, listening to soothing meditations, attending healthy retreats or implementing more boundaries in your life.  

Choose a hobby

Practicing a hobby that you enjoy is another way to break free of the rut and do the things that make you happiest. Furthermore, when you do those things that bring you great joy, you feel more fulfilled. Not only that, when you feel happy, you look happy, and you have a radiant glow about you that's hard to miss.

You probably remind your clients of the adage to put their oxygen masks on first to ensure they can be better parents, teachers, friends and spouses. Apply that advice to your own life too. Looking and feeling your best is a choice that requires a certain degree of conscientious effort and willpower to keep your mind and body healthy. But once you get into the habit of it, it naturally becomes easier to do. And before you know it, you'll be looking and feeling your best at all times.

Do you want to become a better, more skilled therapist? Then consider working with consultant and educator Norine Vander Hooven. Through her courses and consulting, learn additional techniques that can bolster your skill set, helping you to be the best therapist you can. Find out more today!