Oksana Schak
In our current reality, we can easily get caught up in the constant flow of overwhelming news about COVID-19 and just as easily forget to pause and take time to be good to ourselves. It’s critical to prioritize self-care to maintain mental, emotional, and physical health. Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of others, whether they be family, friends, patients, or co-workers.
It’s ok to not feel completely like yourself during these times, we are going through a pandemic after all! If you don’t know how to get started or need some ideas on how to prioritize self-care at home, please continue reading our tips below:
- Invest time in hobbies
There has been research to support that doing activities you enjoy has a positive impact on your neurochemistry and helps lessen stress. It could be something you love so much you want to turn it into a side-hustle, or it could be something you simply enjoy doing. Activities can include painting, playing an instrument, writing, cooking, reading, and playing with your kids or furry friends!
- Exercise
This is probably the most common tip out there, but it’s common for a reason. It’s important to set aside a certain amount of time to get up and get your body moving. Exercise can boost your self-esteem and give you the energy to be more productive. You can now find an increased amount of free online workout videos and apps that can guide you through your preferred exercise in the comfort of your home.
- Maintain connections
All it takes is a call, text, or video-chat with a close friend to kick off a conversation full of laughs, which is an instant way to release endorphins. Although physical contact and in-person interactions are limited at this time, you can still keep in close contact with your family and friends through technology and retain a sense of normalcy.
- Breathe
It sounds simple, but we often forget the power of just taking the time to breathe. The great thing about sitting still and focusing on your breathing is that it’s a gateway into mindfulness. Breathing in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth, at your own pace, is asserted in more than a few studies as a stress and anxiety reliever.
- Take a relaxing shower
On those busy days where you even question if you’ll have time to eat, a shower might be the last thing you want to invest your time in, but it also might be the one chance you get to prioritize yourself that day. Instead of thinking of a shower as a chore, turn it into a relaxing, spa-like routine. Take an extra moment to light a scented candle, put on some music, and just be with your thoughts.
Have any of these self-care tips worked for you or do you have additional tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below.
