At one time, self-care seemed to be associated with being selfish. Fortunately, that kind of thinking is gone, and more people are embracing the fact that they have to put themselves first sometimes.

One reason for the shift in thinking is the realization that if you don't take care of yourself, you can't help anyone; not your spouse, your children, or your parents. Even those who regularly see their physician and think that is taking care of themselves have learned that there is more to it than that. It's important to take care of your body, mind, and soul in order to experience overall wellbeing.

You can do many simple things to take better care of yourself. Get a body massager machine. Buying a handheld muscle massager may not feel like a big deal, but it's loaded with benefits. A body massager machine is one item that improves your physical and mental health. These devices reduce stress, give your immune system a boost, enhance your blood circulation, and ease the pain. The handheld muscle massager also makes you feel wonderful; you'll feel refreshed and relaxed after your massage.

Learn to say 'no'. Saying no may seem like a small thing, but it has a huge impact. When you say no to things that you either don't want to do or don't have time for, you're freeing yourself, and that is excellent for your mental health. You don't have to offer excuses or overexplain. A simple ' I'm sorry, I can't ', is enough. Use the time that you save to take better care of yourself.

Use the time you save by saying no to give yourself a long, relaxing massage, take a walk, or phone a friend that you haven't spoken to in a while. As you practice self-care, even something like calling a friend is something that benefits you.

Finally, ask for help when you need it. Whether you feel that you need to speak to a professional or you just need help so you can take a break, reach out. With so many people suffering from stress, depression, and anxiety, it's more important than ever to ask for what you need. There is nothing wrong with needing someone to talk to.

Often the most difficult part of self-care is giving yourself permission to put yourself first. Once you come to terms with how important it is to give yourself the care you need, the rest is easy. If it's hard for you to get started, take baby steps. Start with something simple, like the handheld massager. Once you see how amazing you feel when you use it, you'll want to continue finding ways to make yourself a priority.