Self-Care Strategies

Practicing self-care isn’t always easy. Most of us are crazy busy, have stressful jobs, are living though that little thing called a Global Pandemic. Me-time is usually last on the agenda. Worse, we can sometimes feel guilty about taking the time required to take care of ourselves. Perhaps if nothing else we can say the last 11 months have taught us that we can be good care-givers, friend and volunteers if we stop and take care of ourselves. The goal is to figure out which self-care strategies work best for you, learn how to use these strategies, and implement them in your regular routine so you can boost your well-being not only today but forever.

Make sleep part of your self-care routine.

• Sleep can have a huge effect on how you feel both emotionally and physically. Not getting enough can even cause major health issues. Start by thinking about your nightly routine. Are you eating or drinking immediately before bed? If so, it's especially important to stay away from caffeine and sugar, which tend to keep you awake.

Exercise daily as part of your self-care routine.

• We all know exercise is good for us, but do we really know how good it is? Daily exercise can help you both physically and mentally, boosting your mood and reducing stress and anxiety. Try to incorporate other exercises, such as walking, or yoga, which may be able to fit into your schedule more easily. The most important thing is to create a routine that works for you.

Eat right for self-care.

• Eating the right foods can help prevent short-term memory loss and inflammation, both of which can have long-term effects on the brain and, in turn, the rest of the body. Some of the most amazing self-care foods include fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, green leafy veggies, and brassicas, like broccoli.

Take a self-care break by getting outside.

• Spending time outside can help you reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and live in the moment. Getting outside can also help you sleep better at night, especially if you do some physical activity, like gardening, hiking, or walking while you are outside.

Take care of yourself by getting organized.

• Getting organized is often the first step to becoming a healthier you because it allows you to figure out exactly what you need to do to take better care of yourself. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge, can help you write down all your responsibilities and appointments, while at the same time keeping your life a bit more organized.

Cook at home to care for yourself.

• Even if it’s only once a week, consider making a healthy meal for yourself or your whole family. You could even look into a meal delivery service or meal kit that can help you get started.

Whether you decide you want to go for a long walk, take a hot bath, or enjoy a good movie with friends, taking self-care time is imperative. Look for small ways you can incorporate it into everyday life; for example, you might wake up 15 minutes earlier to sit with a cup of tea and practice deep breathing before the chaos of the day begins, or you might take a walk around the block on your lunch break. The more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.