Why Self-Care?

Self-care is vital to help you cope with stress and anxiety and is more important than ever as we head into another lockdown.  Self-care enables your body and mind to take a step back and see the bigger picture.  You can rest, reflect, reset, and rejuvenate (the 4 r’s).   The more we take time to rest properly, the more energy and focus we will have when we get back to the hustle and bustle of daily life.  Self-care is also vital to help keep your immunity strong.  You can read more about taking care of your immunity here.

If you are already planning in some self-care, then that is great.  If you would like some inspiration check out my 5 tips below.   They are simply the tools which I use in order to get some self care time in my life.

Tip One: Schedule In some Movement

Any movement or exercise can help us feel better and there is a good scientific reason for this.  Moving our bodies helps to release certain feel good hormones like endorphins, serotonin, and norepinephrine.  My movement of choice, of course, is yoga.  Yoga is the ultimate self-care practice as it links the mind and body through the breath.  You can also make your practice as hard core or restorative as you like; you can fit your yoga into your mood and energy levels.

However, it is not the only exercise you can do.   For those of you that know me well, I also like to run – I use it as a time for meditation and reflection – after all – it is one of the few moments currently when I am actually on my own – absolute bliss.

The key here, is to do something you love and schedule it in like a dentist appointment.  Don’t miss out just because you feel you have something more important to do – this will always be the case.  Flip it on its head and tell yourself that THIS is important.

 

Tip Two: Spend Some Time with Nature

Go outside – take a walk somewhere away from traffic and noise.  Spend some quality time with nature. Don’t let lockdown keep you inside.    Staying cooped up in one space can drain your energy and make you feel fatigued.  Remember the last time you nearly fell asleep in front of your laptop for instance (yes that has been me a few times). A dose of fresh air and nature can do wonders for your spirit and help you connect back to what really matters. You can of course combine this with your movement time – two for the price of one – why not.

 “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Tip Three: Sit Down and Take Time for Meals

I say this because I used to be the person who would rush through meals because my to- do list was big.  However, let me ask you this?  How do you feel after you have wolfed something down?  Pretty disatisfying isn’t it; not to mention the little dose of indigestion you might get with it.  Instead carve out a decent amount of time for your meals.  Take your time, prepare something lovely and then sit down and eat it slowly and mindfully.  If you are not eating with the family (or friends), see if you can enjoy your food without relying on something to distract you (like your phone or a book).  This will really help you to connect to what you are eating. It will also stop you from eating too much as you are giving your food your full focus and attention.

Tip Four: Schedule Time For Looking At Your Phone

OMG, our phones are time and energy drainers – big time.   Not only can the constant call of social media eat up time, it can strongly influence how we feel.   For instance, how often have you found yourself thinking that someone is having a better time than you, all on the account on what they have posted?  Yes, social media has its place and it is a wonderful way of reaching out to our loved ones, friends and of course work.  However, don’t let your phone rule your entire day.  I have found life so much better since I put in place firm rules about when I look at my phone!   Now I schedule in times of the day when the phone is my priority.  The rest of the day I put it out of reach so that I can get other things done.  The bonus is that the less time I waste on my phone,  the more time I have for self-care.  Win Win.

Tip Five:  Take Up a Hobby

I love cross stitching – it is one of those activities which allows you enter that wonderful state where a few hours can go by and it only feels like a few minutes.  Hobbies are soul soothers so try and find something which will work for you.  It doesn’t even have to be a big project; it can be as simple as baking a cake – just find something which works for you (and no, social media is not one of them).

 

Final Thoughts On Self Care in Lockdown

• So, these are my five tips for self-care which work for me.
• Have you got any tips of your own?  I would love to hear from you?
• If you would like to roll out your mat and try some yoga (my ultimate self care recommendation) head over to my YouTube channel where I have lots of free classes for you to explore to suit your level, available time and health goals.