Collectively, we’re all stressed out. Use these self-care tips to keep stress from taking over.
During a global pandemic, our health, our relationships, our careers, our income are at risk. You're worried about finances, getting antsy cooped up inside with your family, still working with the public, or feeling lonely and isolated.
Stress is at an all-time high. But you've got to take care of yourself! Read through these self-care tips and incorporate a few today. Or, suggest something that's been working for you in the comments!
None of us knew at the start of 2020 where we'd be in just a few months.
I’ve found myself stressing about our financial future; we just bought our first home in February, and now we’re scrambling to figure out how we’ll pay our mortgage with our livelihood put on hold.
Still, despite how bleak the world’s future seems, you can take a few simple steps to help manage your stress levels and take care of yourself.
Self-care tips you can start today
- Maintain your routines. If you’re working from home or suddenly unemployed, it’s all too easy to shut off your alarm, throw out your bedtime, or stop wearing anything but sweatpants. Try to maintain some normalcy in your day, whether by continuing to dress how you usually would for work or sticking to a bedtime ritual.
- Keep moving. Get up and move, either by walking around, stretching, or a home workout. Not only does exercise release endorphins, giving you a boost of feel-good hormones — it prevents your muscles and joints from feeling sore and creaky.
- Nourish your body. Continue eating veggies, fruits, and other nourishing foods. I mean, we all know the internet has recipes for everything. So even during high-stress and uncertain times you can make easy meals that are good for your physical and mental health!
- Practice gratitude every day. Yes, it sounds simple, but a daily gratitude practice can have profound benefits. Just writing down 5 specific things you’re grateful for each day takes minutes of your time and a huge impact.
- Focus on your breathing for 30 seconds. Close your eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths for 30 seconds. This helps reign in those feelings of overwhelm and prevents your thoughts from spiraling out of control.
- Stay connected with family and friends. Check in on someone every day with a quick text. If you’re self-isolating indoors, set up video coffee dates with a friend via Facetime, Zoom, or Google hangouts. Use technology to intentionally connect instead of just scrolling through your newsfeeds.
- Help others. Kindness is contagious. I truly believe that we rise by lifting others, so when life feels overwhelming and bleak, reach out and see how you can help those around you. It can be as simple as leaving a review for a friend’s business, surprising someone you love with a gift card, or running an errand for a family member.
- Get fresh air. Walk around your driveway or yard for 10 minutes. Crack open a window for a little bit. It seems small, but taking in some deep breaths of fresh air always lifts my spirits, especially when I've been inside for days!
- Bring some outside inside. Okay, I'm not being entirely literal here. But if you don't have any houseplants, now might be the time! Brighten up your interior with a snake plant or pilea peperomoides. Order a bouquet of fresh flowers. Nature has a way of lifting our spirits.
Remember, you aren’t alone. Even if you feel isolated, reach out to me via Instagram DMs or my email and we can talk!
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