Self-care is important

Everyone is leading very stressful lives whether at work, at home, or at school and college. There is always an assignment to finish and a deadline to meet. Your boss at work or your teacher at school expects high levels of performance whether as an employee or as a student. It is therefore very important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally and to practice self-care regularly. Take these steps to make sure you are ready to take on life's challenges:

1. Eat healthy most of the time. It is difficult to stick to a healthy diet all the time. As long as you make good choices 80% of the time it will make a difference in how you feel. Remember your mother saying eat your fruits and vegetables every day.

2. Get enough sleep. This is another one that may be hard, since you may be up doing homework or hanging out with friends. But in general, it is recommended that you sleep at least 8 hours a night.

3. Write down your thoughts in a journal. When life gets tough it helps to write down your thoughts and not to bottle up your feelings.

4. Do Yoga or mediation. Try to practice these a few times a week. It is tried and tested and it really helps reduce stress.

5. Go for a walk. Daily exercise and activity are a must for everyone. It gets rid of stress and helps to refresh your mind and body. It can be anything, even dancing in your room, as long as you move your body.