5 things every smart woman wants for herself

The modern day woman juggles many roles: wife, caretaker, colleague, best friend, the list goes on. We are so busy fulfilling our commitment to others we often forget to take time out for ourselves. Do know that it is never selfish to prioritise your needs and do what makes you happy.

1. Make moving a habit

Did you know that small blocks of exercise everyday enhances your immunity and keeps diseases at bay? Start small by being active for just 30 minutes a day. Many studios are also offering lunch-time dance and fitness classes so you can get your workout in and get on with your day. There are also many easy-to-follow fitness programmes available on the Internet, with no gym membership required. Australian trainer Kayla Itsines, for example, offers circuit-style home workouts that are only 28 minutes long. Make moving more a priority from now on! 

2. You are what you eat 

Our bodies are a result of what we eat. If you regularly feel sluggish or bloated after a meal, relook your eating habits. As a general rule of thumb: The less processed your meal is, the better it is for your body. So, eat what makes your body feels good. Healthy foods can be tasty too, and the options are wider with more eateries focusing on quality food now. Practise mindful eating for a couple of weeks and observe how your body feels. Many have reported their long-term skin problems clearing up, feeling more energized and in the process, a flatter tummy. 

3. Get the rest you deserve

In the midst of our hectic lives, socialising, putting our all at work, binge-watching our favourite dramas or managing our children, sleep tends to go. However, sleep is a time our body heals and resets itself, and is instrumental to how we feel the following day. How do you combat this? Start by limiting screen-time and not allowing electronics into your bedroom. Of course, you already know this – but can you stick to it?

Be selective and set aside time to enjoy a quiet moment. Avoid being burnt out and learn to say no to social obligations if you are not up to it. Make yourself a cup of warm milk like Anlene before bedtime. Sleep experts have also commented that the comforting act of drinking warm milk takes us back to our childhood and evokes warmth and safety, so go ahead and pour yourself a glass of comfort.

4. Find your zen 

What is mindfulness? Try this out: Attempt to do simple tasks with your non-dominant hand, such as brushing your teeth or opening doors. It may be a bit of a struggle at the onset, and you will need to remind yourself to focus on whatever you’re doing. Learn to do things with focus and intention. Apply this to anything you’re doing, from cooking to going for a walk or chatting with an old friend.

Take time out to empty your mind – a practice that is much lauded by health professionals. Get started with the countless free guided meditation videos online. Not used to this? Start by adopting a regular yoga practice to stretch out your muscles, and strengthen mind-body connection.

5. Put your best face forward

Don’t let the idea of a complicated 12-step Korean beauty plan daunt you. A basic routine of eye cream, moisturiser and sunscreen in the day will make a world of difference. In the evenings, be sure to remove your make-up thoroughly and pamper your skin with a fuss-free sheet mask. 

It’s never easy taking on the multiple roles of best friend, wife, mother, daughter, girlfriend or colleague on an everyday basis. But never forget that you need to feel good about yourself first before you can be there for others. Let now be the time you start prioritizing yourself and give yourself more love.

Find out how Anlene can help you get more out of your life.

This content originally appeared on Yahoo.