This past year has affected everyone in so many different ways — both big and small. Some of us are still unpacking feelings that we don’t even understand. Learning how to cope with and confront these emotions and experiences can be overwhelming.
Yes, 2020 changed everything for everyone. So, let’s use this to our advantage and remember to take better care of ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us. We’re all progressing together, and we should be focusing on lifting ourselves up.
Self-care can look different for everyone, and it’s crucial to reflect on your specific needs — mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Here are some self-care tips that will hopefully inspire you to prioritize yourself!
1. Prioritizing Mental Health
Like I said before, this year took a toll on many people’s mental health. Personally, this ongoing shared experience has taught me to be introspective. By analyzing my own thoughts and feelings, I was able to address and solve some internal issues I was facing. Being more aware of my well-being has taught me to be kinder to myself. I would advise everyone going through a difficult time mentally, or physically, to seek a friend, loved one, or medical professional if needed. There is no shame in asking for help, and your friends and loved ones will listen and most likely relate to some thoughts and experiences you may be going through.
2. Less Screen Time
This is a tough one, but it really pays off. At the beginning of quarantine, I was spending an unhealthy amount of time on my phone, and I’m guessing I wasn’t the only one. But after a while, I realized I wasn’t gaining anything from it. Once you start spending less time scrolling on your phone, you realize how much time you have to accomplish other things. Make a list of activities that you want to do throughout the day.
Prioritize YOURSELF first, before your damn phone! If you think about it, waking up and grabbing your phone before even fully waking up and stretching in bed is a bit sad…and I admit, I’m totally guilty of it!
Setting a screen time limit is a gamechanger! I have a 1-hour limit set for Instagram a day and it has truly helped me decrease my scrolling time.
3. Having Quality Time
Spending quality time alone, with friends or with family really makes you appreciate the little things. When we focus on living in the present, we truly immerse ourselves in the experience. I recommend finding something that makes you feel good, whether it be reading a book, watching a movie, doing exercise, making art, cooking, etc. Be present and don’t go on your phone, especially if you’re with friends or family.
4. Movement that Feels Good
Exercising doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It should be something pleasurable, or at least something that you enjoy doing. Exercising is unique to each individual, some people enjoy doing yoga, other people love running marathons.
Even if it’s just ten minutes a day, make time to move your body. Stretching has become a daily staple in my routine. I find that moving my body for ten minutes or an hour a day makes me feel grounded and relaxed.
There are so many free resources online for every type of exercise you can think of. I recently started doing a 10-15 minute dance workout on YouTube and I feel SO happy during and after.
5. Investing in Hobbies
I don’t know about you but being stuck at home during lockdown has really made me think more creatively. Of course, I don’t always feel inspired, but seeing other people making and doing cool things has motivated me to invest more time and energy into hobbies.
Find something that you enjoy doing or would like to learn! My good friend recently purchased a rug tufting machine and he has been creating the most wonderful rugs ever.
By the way, you don’t necessarily have to purchase anything. Grab some old coloring pencils and start doodling or whip out your journal and get back into writing poetry. If there’s something that you’re interested in doing or learning about, you might as well make the time for it.
Self-care looks different for everyone, it’s not just about telling yourself positive affirmations in the mirror. It’s all about doing what makes you feel comfortable and happy.
Here is a video of Lizzo that makes my heart happy.
Take care of yourselves! xx
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