Self Care: 7 Simple Tips
It is Day 1 of our mandated “Stay in Place” in Savannah. One of the things that has amazed me the most about this insanity is how fast humans can adapt to a “new normal”. What happens now, as the entire world is being asked to stay home, will determine how we step into the future. This is a powerful moment that could be a recalibration for everyone, if we start at home by caring for ourselves and our families.
Erin has been writing some great tips for self-care during these unprecedented times. She is sharing them this week on our social media accounts, and I wanted to share them here as well, so everyone could read them. Please, tell us in the comments: what are you doing to stay healthy and sane during this time?
Love,
K&E
1. Maintain Your Healthy Routines
Keep your healthy routines! Now that we are all spending the majority of time at home it might be easy to slip into a ‘spring break’ mindset and let our good habits fall away. Maintaining your healthy routines can help you stay healthy now and eventually transition more easily when all of this comes to an end. This could mean getting up and going to bed at the same time every day, keeping up with your skincare regimen, eating healthy meals -at regular times- and prioritizing movement and exercise.
2. Spend Time Outside
Be sure to get some Vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones by helping the body use calcium. Spend time in your yard - I know mine is desperately in need of weeding! Or go for a solo walk, run or bike ride around your neighborhood. It can be reassuring to see people spending time with their families and pets outside. It helps to remind us that although we may feel isolated, we are all in this together.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is simple! This trendy word really just means be sure to pay attention. Pay attention during the simple things: folding laundry, washing dishes, prepping food, having a conversation with your loved ones or pets. Work to stay really present during these times. Noticing the nuance, the simple movements and unique gestures that come along with each of these interactions can help us feel more connected and more satisfied.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your health and during this time it’s even more essential than ever! Increasing water intake supports your immune system and helps you stay healthy and strong. Keep water near your workstation and resting places. During mindfulness breaks, enjoy the simple pleasure of a nice cool glass of water.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is critical to staying healthy and breaking your sleep habits can also compromise your immune system. During this time, strive to maintain your usual sleep schedule or improve upon it. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep. It will not only keep your immune system strong, it will improve your attitude and productivity during the day.
6. Nourish Your Body
Take time to notice what you have stocked up on. Remember that canned tomatoes and beans can be the beginning of a hearty vegetarian chili. Frozen fruit and shelf-stable milk can turn into a yummy smoothie. Peanut butter and jelly make a pretty darn good sandwich (obviously). Add some carrot sticks or fruit and you've got yourself a meal. Make macaroni and cheese and add a vegetable (my personal favorite—frozen broccoli). Make a pot of soup and freeze some for later. There's a reason that comfort food is called comfort food. You should eat some of that too, whether for you that's brownies or lasagna or ice cream (or a glass of wine or a cocktail). We all deserve a little extra comfort.
7. Use Your Space Wisely
Even I feel like I don’t have a great space in my home to practice yoga - or the best set up for homeschooling. But after a little shuffling of furniture and rugs these spaces have presented themselves. Remember, no one‘s coming over for dinner, nobody is stopping by, so get creative! Rearrange the space in your home to fit your needs right now: exercise, home office, school room, playroom or art room. Set yourself up for success and the things you want to get done will be easier to get done.