Self-care is whatever you choose to do that reduces your stress and makes it easier for you to face the world. Your self-care routine does not need to look like other people’s. Many people scroll through Instagram and see the yoga and meditation posts that emphasize that these are ideal self-care activities. But this might not suit your lifestyle. Some people cannot meditate while sitting still because their minds are too busy. These people should explore alternate meditation types such as repetitive tasks and crafts.
Skincare routines and grooming is a form of self-care as well. If your hair is bothering you, get some cutting shears and change your style. Even changing your hair color via some box dye can help many people to take back the feeling of being in control of their choices. Other people need a sense of routine; they need to have a schedule to feel calm and collected. A few people thrive when they are allowed to do tasks in an unstructured manner which eliminates deadlines.
Finding what works for you can often involve a lot of trial and error. Trust your instincts and try everything until you find the self-care choices to help you live your best life.
Drink Water
Drinking enough water is a task that people need to approach with intention, as it is easy to forget to drink enough. Waking up feeling dehydrated can give people low-level headaches and a sense of irritability that can color their whole day. Keep some water handy in reusable tumblers in all the main areas you occupy in your home. If there is water easy to hand on your bedside table, next to your laptop, and on your coffee table, it will be easier for you to stay well hydrated.
Gratitude Journal
Some people weaponize other people’s suffering to compare against ours and tells us to be grateful. This means that many people can have a knee-jerk reaction against starting a gratitude journal. But do not let some negative person’s negative energy get in your way.
Start a gratitude journal in a simple way. Make a note on your phone every time you experience something pleasant or see something heartwarming. Over time this will grow into a gratitude journal that you can read to lift your spirits on difficult days.
Meal Planning
Cooking every day can be exhausting if you do not enjoy it as a hobby. But, nutritious food is a must for living well. Consider using an app that helps you to plan your meals for the week. These apps can suggest healthy alternatives and new recipes and organize your shopping list. Having a shopping list in the supermarket can be great for eliminating impulse purchasing of unhealthy snacks.
Meal planning can also take the form of cooking several dishes when you have the time and then packing them away in your fridge. This will allow you to have a nutritious and filling meal at an appropriate portion size throughout the week. Knowing you have a delicious meal you can defrost and pop in the microwave can also help you to avoid buying fast food on the way back home for dinner.
Join Online Classes
There are plenty of online classes you can join to begin exercising again. As they are online, you have the option of taking it slow and signing out when you feel tired. Take it at your own speed and share your stamina concerns with the trainer. They may be able to suggest a different, easier class or even give ideas on how you can improve your stamina.
Either way, online classes are a great way to interact with others in a structured enthronement. This can help you keep up your socialization skills and give you a break from the home environment for the duration of the class.
Take a Walk
An online class can cost money and may be out of your physical ability at this time. But a simple walk around the block is always within reach. If you are uncomfortable walking on the street in the evening, reach out to neighbors who may also enjoy a chance to get out and stretch their legs. A group of people on a walk can help make it more fun and enjoyable for everyone while getting some much-needed exercise.
Start Dancing
Take out a few minutes every day to dance to a favorite song. Most songs are just a few minutes long, so it does not take a significant amount of time away from work and chores. But a mini-break for you to be active and enjoy yourself can be very refreshing.
It will allow you to approach your task with more energy and in a better mood. If you have children, this is a great way to have fun and connect with them. You can all take turns choosing the dance song and get to share in each other’s tastes and preferences. It is a great way to connect with your children while encouraging movement and exercise.
Adults have so many responsibilities that the idea of taking some time to do nothing can sound very weird. But sometimes, we need a few minutes to sit still, breathe calmly, and not think of anything.
Sit in a quiet room, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing; after some time, your mind will wander. If it starts to think of chores and work, then firmly turn your thoughts towards more pleasant memories. Just five minutes spent like this can help to reduce anxiety, help you feel less overwhelmed, and even lowers blood pressure.
