EP 735 - Self-Care During Challenging Times

You may be like me and feeling that the challenges and changes that we are currently facing are taking their toll on your energy and your mental health. We have buckled down, and hunkered down.

We will never feel at ease or in control if our task list is so long that it doesn’t allow for a little downtime.

A lack of self-care causes more stress. Self-care during challenging times is critical. Without it, we can not be resilient. We need to give ourselves permission to do less and to focus on our needs.

To take care of ourself is restorative. People who focus on self-care are happier and have more stamina to get more accomplished.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Self-Care Awareness Month:

This pandemic is taking a toll on our work, our economy, our social lives, and also on our mental health.

These are challenging times and now is the time to be kind to yourself. Now is the time to focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do.

Look for ways to engage in self-care that works for you. If you hate yoga, don’t force yourself to workout in an on-line yoga class. You don’t need the extra pressure, guilt, and challenge.

Self-care is about focusing on your priorities and including yourself in those priorities.

When you find yourself reacting negatively, remember the acronym STOP.

Stop

Take a couple of Deep Breaths

Observe what is happening

Proceed by recognizing your fears, frustrations, guilt, sadness, hunger, tiredness etc and take an appropriate action by making amends, satisfying the need, diverting, re-energizing, refocusing, or relaxing.

Test out a variety of calming techniques. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to relaxation, meditation, or mindfulness.

Taking a mini-break will remind you that you’re worth it. Make a list of 10 self-care activities that resonate with you. Try to take at least one mini-break a day where you incorporate a self-care activity from your list.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

For more tips check out my book on Amazon called Stressed Out: 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In.