Time to Practice Self Care

With winter weather settling in and more safe-at-home time, let's practice self care more.

With the whole Covid pandemic hitting the world a sucker punch, this has been a stressful year.  Now the big holiday is baring down on us and it can be overwhelming and even depressing for many.  I know I need to be more mindful and nurture myself, and I doubt I am the only one. So let's take a breath and focus on self care.

 

This isn't a complete list by any means, but it is a list of things to do to stay positive and emotionally well.

• Eat regular healthy meals, don't skip meals
• Go on a social media fast for 24 hours (no Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.)
• Meditate or do deep breathing for 15 minutes
• Light a fragrant candle in a scent that makes you smile (safety precautions with fire, of course)
• Write a gratitude list - weekly and post it on your bathroom mirror. This is very helpful.
• Have a dance party in your living room, even if it is by yourself

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• Exercise, dance, run in place, do squats, get moving daily
• Practice yoga or Tai Chi
• Write letters or send New Years cards
• Zoom, skype, or facetime with a friend at least once a week, twice if possible
• Weather permitting, get outside, take a walk in nature

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• Pamper yourself with an at-home-spa-day (soak in a tub - bubbles, candles, and music optional, manicure/pedicure, dye/highlight hair etc.)

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• Spend quality time with a pet, cuddle and play with your fur babies
• Read that book you've been wanting to

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• Watch only movies that make you laugh out loud (suggestions for you 30 Best Comedy movies or  50 Comedies). 

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• Do some art: an adult coloring page, card making, scrapbooking, paint, draw, photography - something creative.

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• Put on some calming music and drink some herbal tea

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• Bonus task: Write yourself a care note where you remind yourself of your best qualities
• If you need to talk to somebody and you don't feel comfortable with anybody you know, try one of these online therapist services (click here).
• Warning: alcohol is a depressant, so if you are feeling sad or lonely avoid booze since it will just make you feel worse.

Most of all, know that you aren't in this alone and you matter.  There are people who care about you and we will all get through this.