Self-care can include pistachios, dark chocolate and red wine

Self-care has been a trendy term in recent years, but many people do not fully understand what it means. To many, the concept of selfcare is to get a massage, have your nails or hair done, or spend a day at the beach. Though all of that is nice, that’s not really what self-care is all about.

For us at Heart of the Desert we know that a strong self-care routine will help us lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives. Since we are surrounded by pistachios, the beauty of the orchards and vineyard, and the indulgences of dark chocolate and red wine—which have many health benefits, staying on track may be easier for us than others. Read on to see what you can do to create a self-care plan for yourself.

What is Self-care:

Yale University professors, Levin and Idler define self-care as the activities that individuals undertake to improve or restore their own health.

Self-care is the conscious effort of making time for activities you find beneficial in maintaining your mental, physical and spiritual health.

Caring for yourself doesn’t have to be time consuming but does require regular and ongoing attention.

Mental Self-care:

Mental self-care is keeping your mind productive and imaginative, but in a way that makes you feel good physically and emotionally. Learning to sit still and just be present can teach you all sorts of new things about yourself. Journaling, learning something new, enjoying an activity you loved as a kid, getting good sleep, exercising, meditation, and reading are all great activities to keep your mind healthy, active, and alert.

Physical Self-care

Eating and drinking well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and living a healthy active lifestyle are just some of the physical health-related aspects of self-care. This is the part of self care where pistachios, red wine and dark chocolate come in.

Pistachios are a complete protein, meaning they contain all 9 essential amino acids for supporting growth and maintaining health. They have more potassium than a banana, are full of antioxidants, and are a great source of fiber. They can help you manage your blood sugar and protect your heart. To read more about the health benefits of eating pistachios, click here for our blog on the topic.

Studies have repeatedly shown that moderate red wine consumption seems to lower the risk of several diseases, including heart disease. The powerful plant compounds in red wine have been linked with many health benefits, including reduced inflammation, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, and extended lifespan. Moderate red wine consumption may reduce the risk of several cancers, dementia, and depression. It may also increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women. To read more about the health benefits of red wine, click here for our blog on the topic.

Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and a few other minerals. Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants. The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure. Dark chocolate improves several important risk factors for disease. It lowers oxidation-prone LDL and improves insulin sensitivity. Research shows a reduction in heart disease risk among those who consume a moderate amount of chocolate.

The Mediterranean Diet has been chosen year after year by health professionals to be the best diet for healthy living. It has demonstrated a preventive effect toward cardiovascular diseases, by decreasing the risk of diabetes and metabolic-related conditions. A higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of mental disorders, including cognitive decline and depression. Pistachios, red wine, and dark chocolate are all part of the Mediterranean Diet.


Spiritual Self-care

A spiritual self-care practice is any ritual that connects you to your true self, the real you. The real you is the raw expression of who you were meant to be and offer this world. It’s energizing, inspiring, and most of all, it feels right. Ways to practice it: yoga, meditation, mindful walking in nature, connecting with community through church or other organizations that you share a common interest with, journaling, reading inspiring material, being in nature, unplugging from technology, practicing forgiveness and gratitude.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”- author unknown

Your health is invaluable, and your self-care can’t afford to wait. If you keep putting others first, you’ll soon find that you don’t have anything left to give them. Sometimes looking after yourself is the best gift you can give to others.

Consider sharing the gift of pistachios, red wine, and dark chocolate for others self-care journey, or further develop your own practice. We make it easy to shop, www.heartofthedesert.com.

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.

“Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet,” Nutrients, August 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723598/

American Pistachio Growers, https://americanpistachios.org/

“Red Wine: Good or Bad?”, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-wine-good-or-bad

“7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate”, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate