In the midst of a pandemic, anxiety and stress can reach a record highs. Not knowing what tomorrow might bring, can be especially unnerving. So we think our readers are deserving of a little me-time.
In the Spirit of that, here are some ways to engage in self-care.
TAKING CARE OF THE SELF
1.Making sleep a priority
Yes! As simple as this sounds, sleep is important in keeping your body's natural circadian rhythm in check. An irregular sleep schedule may cause irritability and even health problems. Sleeping a full 8 hours a night ensures than you are able to engage in your daily activities without issue.
2.Eating well
They say "You are what you eat.", and what would you be other of healthy. Make sure to eat the recommended daily amount as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This ensures your body receives the necessary nutrients to perform the tasks required every single day.
3. Exercise
Taking care of your body is a method of taking care of your mind, studies show that exercise releases “feel good” chemicals which lifts your mood for the rest of the day. Putting in a good workout before work can be a great way to start the day.
4. Practice mindfulness
Learn about being present and learning about being present in the now. Mindfulness meditation is one of the keys used to allow ourselves to be more aware, and help us understand the ins and outs of our turbulent lives. I like to pop-up a "guided meditation" youtube video and leave some time for myself to meditate.
5. Read a good book
It's very fast paced world, sometimes you have to slow things down, have a quiet afternoon to yourself and read a good book. My current recommendation is “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari, a non-fiction book about the rise of humanity on our planet. To explore our place in the greater universe and learn about what we have done to come here. You can even light an Olere candle to put you in the mood.
So that's it? Just eat, sleep and meditate?
Of course not, there are PLENTY of ways one can engage in self-care, to take care of oneself well is not merely a goal to be achieved but a journey to be traveled. We do only get one body to live in, taking care of your mental and physical well-being should be paramount above all else.