Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts in your daily life can have a big impact. There are various forms of self-care. Take a look at a few tips below.
Try a relaxing activity: Explore relaxation, wellness programmes or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
(Photo credit: Kaylee Garrett)
Set goals and priorities: Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
Practice gratitude: Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind. Try to focus on positive things, and if that seems difficult at times, Identify and challenge the negative and unhelpful thoughts.
(Photo credit: Carli Jeen)
Regular exercise, eating healthy and staying hydrated: Of course we would include exercise! Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your mood, energy and focus throughout the day.
(Photo credit: Frank Holleman)
Surround yourself with positive people: Choose to spend time with people who make you feel good, that have great energy, and learn to love yourself!
There are many things we need to tackle daily. Emails, meetings, errands, making meals. The list is endless. Clearing your mind is a great way to reinvigorate yourself and complete your tasks to the best of your ability. Anxiety usually rises when we’re weighed down with worries, thoughts and upcoming projects. And to be completely honest life itself can be full of many challenges. Making time for yourself and your mind should be the number one go too. If your mind is not a 100% how can you be your best self.
It’s ok to say no: There are always things happening constantly in our day to day lives. Catching up with friends, family and work commitments. As the days go by it is easy to get caught up, and when you eventually stop you realise half of the year has gone by already. In life we have to prioritise and make decisions and you can’t always say yes. It’s ok to put your needs first and it’s ok to say no, especially if you are feeling rundown and overwhelmed. Saying no will reduce your stress, leave your mind clearer and leave you with valuable time for yourself. You can’t help others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Take a break: Stepping away from phones, computer screens and what you’re currently working on will help you find space for whatever types of rest you need throughout the day. Plus, it will enhance your attention when you return to it. Take a deep breath when you can, do a short guided meditation, go out into the fresh air for a walk or run, read a chapter from your book, listen to music or take a nap. These are great ways to get things off your mind and improve memory.
(Photo credit: Jessica-Lewis)
Make a to-do list: Writing down what you need to accomplish in a day and even in life will help you stay organised and on track. Doing this lets you empty your thoughts on paper, freeing up space in your mind. By writing things down, that thought will no longer pop into your head every few days or hours.
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Vocalise how you feel: We all need a little extra help from time to time. Even If you need to speak to someone other than friends and family, seek medical advice from a doctor or a therapist. Be honest about what you’re experiencing — to yourself, and others, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed say so. Acknowledging and vocalising how you’re feeling will keep your mind at ease.
Invest in yourself: Always make time for you, it may sound a bit cliche but not taking care of yourself won’t give you the ability to be your best self in everyday life. This is easier said then done, as the days can disappear before our eyes so quickly… I mean we are at the end of January already! Try and find ways to show yourself some love and keep your stress levels down, whether it’s getting your hair done, buying that new outfit or a piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on. Retail therapy can be a good remedy to feel good. Lastly investing in your wellness, for example vitamins is a good way to get through those long winter days. We have a lot of vitamins and minerals in our foods, but if you are suffering with those January blues and needing that extra boost, invest in the vitamins you need to help give you energy.
Make time for sleep: Getting enough sleep is one of the most important health benefits ever! It reduces stress and improves your mood, leaving you refreshed and alert for the day ahead. Without enough sleep the brain cannot function properly. A healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy. It’s not easy for us all to drift off to sleepy land straight away and to get in the recommended six to nine hours a night, but if you try getting into bed at a decent hour most nights, and making it a point to shut out all the distractions such as phones, you may see a difference. Enjoying a hot bath with your favorite bath salts is a great way to help sooth the muscles, unwind and clear the mind. We love spraying lavender mist on our pillows before sleep which helps get us to sleep quicker. If that’s not for you, you can never go wrong with a good book before bed.
(Photo credit: Susan Wilkinson)
Choosing healthier food options: We’re not fans of diets and tend to eat what we want and also enjoy, all in moderation of course! If you are watching what you eat then the best way to monitor this is by evaluating the time of day you have your meals. We find that when we make time for breakfast, lunch and dinner we snack less during the day. A substantial breakfast is not on the cards for us every day due to busy mornings. When on the go grab that banana or fruit pot so you don’t miss out. Try eating at fixed meal times daily, this will help control your hunger. Just have fun with your meals, we are foodies and like a variety of different cuisines. Experiment more in the kitchen and bring fresh tastes to your dining room table.
(Photo credit: Claudia Soares)
Exercise: Being able to fit the time in to even get to the gym a few times a week is a miracle. So when life gets hectic, being physically active throughout the day helps. You don’t need to hit the gym every day to burn calories, deciding to take the stairs over the lift, taking a half an hour brisk walk at lunchtime. And even try a ten minute quick Yoga and Pilates session first thing in the morning or just before bed at the end of the day. Sticking with this routine will keep your fitness levels on track.
Mind and soul: We all have our own way to de-stress, clearing the mind is also important for overall health. Learning to switch off from your day fully is a mindset, to achieve this, you can meditate, pursue a hobby, listen to music and watch a great tv series. Why not treat yourself to the cinema or theatre. Put yourself first, when you try to do that you will feel happier and be able to tackle whatever life throws at you.
The Coronavirus Pandemic has had an impact on all of our lives one way or another. Making our anxiety and stress levels reach that all time high. Some of us, feeling worried as we are not sure what tomorrow’s news may bring, bored by staring at the same walls day in and day out. You may live alone and feel lonely, which can then turn into frustration as all you want to do is see and hug your loved ones. For most of us, these feelings will pass and we have for you a few easy little steps you can do in the comfort of your home and to help point you in the right direction.
Meditation: Finding time for you is always beneficial and meditation is a way where you can do this. Meditation can be practiced at any time of the day, we’re not saying to spend hours meditating but, ten minutes a day will keep those cobwebs at bay. A good time to practice is first thing in the morning or just before bedtime. Even If you need a few minutes to yourself during the day, doing a short meditation on your lunch break will give you that time out you need. There are great meditation apps for mindfulness such as Calm and Headspace. YouTube is a great way to find short meditation videos too.
(Photo credit: Lesly Juarez)
Stay connected with friends and family: We have all been using Zoom more than ever this past year. Whether that being holding evening quizzes, meetings, celebrating birthdays and baby showers. We all need to feel connected, so keep in touch with friends and family and try reconnecting with old friends. Doing this more times than not should make you feel a little better as you can catch up and have a good laugh, which is so needed.
Physical health: Our physical fitness has a major impact on how we feel, so looking after our bodies the best way we can is important. It’s so easy to fall into unhealthy patterns in lockdown but you have to just have the mindset to keep your physical fitness going. Try to exercise regularly, this can be as easy as an online ten-minute Yoga and Pilates class, a high intensity half hour cardio session, hitting the pavement for a jog, a daily walk or bike ride helps with fitness and also clears your mind. Eating healthily and preparing a well-balanced, nutritious meal always makes you feel great. As well as drinking lots of water.
(Photo credit: Greg Rosenke)
Make time for yourself: This can include anything, think of things that you really enjoy and that relaxes you. Listening and dancing around to your favourite music always helps, as well as releasing those feel good endorphins. Doing this for as long as you want whilst dancing around like no one is watching is the best thing ever! Reading books can make your mind wonder to a different place. A great book is a good feel factor and whilst doing this why not run a hot bath and enjoy your book whilst soaking your body at the same time. Pamper yourself. This can be facials, giving yourself a manicure and pedicure, masks and hair masks. Looking after you is the way forward. Lastly try out that new recipe you have seen. Cooking a great meal or even baking for yourself and for those you live with is a good way to get those culinary skills on point as well as having a full stomach too!
(Photo credit: Sam Loyd)
Organising your space: They say an organised space is an organised mind, the more clutter you can see around you, the more easily you’ll find yourself distracted. Start by getting rid of the things you don’t need. There is a variety of different online ecommerce websites where you can sell clothes, electrical goods and many more. You may fancy a little revamp, why not give a room in your home a whole new makeover. Doing this will make you feel as though you have got something done, whilst feeling great about yourself at the same time.
Shelley&Michelle 