Self-Care and Pandemic Blues

Going into the third year of the pandemic and experiencing the range of emotions that come along with it. Many of us have dealt with loss at different levels, whether it is a loved one, a way of being, sources of income or our very own sense of stability. How does one stay grounded and thrive in an environment that seems so inhospitable? Perhaps thriving may be asking for too much, and surviving is a more realistic reality for some. Here are some suggestions that can help you restore some of that balance lost over the last few years!

Self-Care Routines:

Developing and maintaining consistent routines that focus on the things you enjoy can reduce stress levels and communicate to ourselves that we are important enough to take care of. When we can relax and attend to our needs such as sleep, eating healthy meals, socializing with close friends, we are able to reduce our risk of burnout, depression, anxiety, and other ailments that can diminish our experiences in life. Here are a few tips for developing healthier self-care practices:

1) Create healthier sleep hygiene practices
Sleep is important to so many aspects of being human. From emotional regulation to immune system strength, getting the right amount of sleep, consistently, is a key component of health that is often overlooked. Here are some tips to get your sleep practices right!

• Make sure your bed is clear of clutter and mess

• Have a schedule for when you would like to sleep and stick to it.

• Reducing the amount of screen time 30-minutes before going to sleep can help with getting deeper sleep, which will have you feeling more energy the next day.

2) Be consistent with showering
Hot showers help relax our body and relieve tension built up throughout the day. Taking a hot shower prior to going to sleep lowers your body’s temperature, which will help with falling asleep. When we are stressed out or feeling down, one of the first things to fall by the wayside is our attention to hygiene. When your body feels clean and fresh, your mind picks up on that and will appreciate the effort you are putting in to take care of yourself.

3) Take breaks

It is totally ok to take a break and realign with yourself. You are not a robot and can’t be expected to perform like one. Breaks are not only necessary but essential to cultivating a healthy mind. Notice when you are feeling stressed out and take a 15-minute break from it all or if you need more than that take the day off. Listen to your body and your mind when it is setting off alarms that you need a break. They will thank you.

4) Find your fun

Whether it is going out with your friends on a foodie adventure or reading a new book with a hot cup of tea, finding that fun plays a huge role in managing your stress levels. When was the last time you took a little time for yourself? If it is making you cringe, then that’s your sign to set up that next massage appointment or visit to a loving friend.

I hope that these tips prove useful for you in one form or another. If you have the time, share some of your self-care tips below!

-Hassan