Self-Care Tips to Practice at Home for Better Overall Health
Turn all that at-home time into a win.
In a matter of weeks, the way we live, work, parent, and play has rapidly changed.
As we self-quarantine in an attempt to slow the spread of the illness, it’s normal to feel a little stir-crazy. Schools are out, most restaurants are closed, and gyms have shut their doors.
Yet, with a little perspective, this can actually be one of the most restful and nourishing seasons of our lives. What better time than now to slow down and take care of yourself?
Today, we’re sharing a few self-care tips that can help buoy you through this challenging time. Read on to learn a few key ways you can channel your restless energy into strengthening your body and renewing your mind.
1. Find an online workout program.
Sure, the fitness center around the corner might be closed, and your Wednesday-morning yoga class is shelved.
That doesn’t mean you can’t connect with others, break a sweat, and release some much-needed endorphins. Getting your heart rate up is a great stress-blaster and immune-system booster.
There are many different online workout programs available, and many have lowered or even waived their sign-up fees in the wake of the current crisis. A few of our favorite fitness, lifestyle, and nutrition apps include:
Click around, read reviews, and find one that fits your needs. Most offer a free introductory period, so you have plenty of time to try before you buy.
2. Take your self-care outside.
Resist the urge to leave a human-shaped imprint on your couch. While we are all practicing social distancing, that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors 24/7.
Go to the backyard and have an afternoon picnic. Take a walk around the block with your furry companion. Break out the sidewalk chalk and leave a note of encouragement for your neighbors.
Research shows that a lack of vitamin D can have a direct effect on your mood, leaving you feeling cranky, depressed, and restless. Even if the sun is behind the clouds, take the time to breathe in the fresh air, feel the wind on your face, and look away from the television every once in a while.
3. Organize and declutter.
Still staring at that pile of winter clothes that need to be stored away until next year? Tired of walking around stacks of paperwork in the office or miles of dishes in the kitchen? Consider this your golden opportunity to hunker down and get it done.
While you’re at home, make it a more pleasant place to be by organizing your space. As you go around from room to room, fill three boxes:
- Keep
- Toss
- Recycle
Oh, wait. What do you do with those old batteries or dried up cans of paint? This list explains exactly what to do with those confusing items you’ve been holding onto for years.
4. Self-care starts with rest.
A healthy immune system hinges on a well-rested body. It’s easy to burn the midnight oil when you know tomorrow is just another day at home, but resist the urge.
If you’re working remotely, remember that you need to be mentally sharp in the morning. The same applies if you’re still showing up to a physical work location. Even if your work is temporarily paused, it’s still smart to turn in at a good time.
When you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night, your immune system is better able to ward off germs and illness. If you can’t get that many ZZZs at once, make time for them during the day. A power nap is no longer a guilty pleasure—it’s a necessity!
5. Learn a new skill.
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet? Or maybe your interests lie in watercolor painting, guitar playing, or software coding.
Regardless, now is an excellent time to dive deep into those interests. Don’t add more pressure to your plate or stretch yourself too thin, but take the time to learn as much as possible about the subjects that intrigue you.
You can find online material on almost any topic imaginable. Start on edX where you’ll find free courses from Harvard, MIT, The Georgia Institute of Technology, and other big names.
6. Refine your culinary skills.
Another way to make the most of this time at home is to find a few new healthy recipes and learn how to make them from scratch. While you might have to get a little creative with your grocery shopping these days, there are still plenty of new dishes to create.
Look for ones that incorporate whole fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and hearty whole grains. In addition to the plethora of online recipes available, don’t forget to reopen those cookbooks you have stashed under the counter. You might just discover a new favorite!
7. Indulge in a bath.
Rushing about in your everyday life, it might be hard to justify taking the time to draw a big bath and sink to your nose in frothy bubbles. It might feel even more ludicrous to slather on a six-step skincare routine when we get out.
Now, however? It could be the answer to everything you need for a good day of self-care.
An indulgent, warm bath is a beautiful way to soothe your muscles, ease your tension, and rejuvenate your senses. Turn the lights down, play some relaxing music, and let your thoughts roam far away from the evening news.
8. Practice meditation.
Whether you spend it praying, journaling, chanting, or just sitting in silence, remember to carve a little quiet time into your day. If you need a little guidance easing into your zen, try listening along to a meditation app like Headspace or Calm.
Mindful meditation can help you keep anxious thoughts at bay and help improve your mental health. You can also schedule an online video therapy session if the silence and solitude start to feel too overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these experts during this time, as they’re specially trained to help you navigate it.
Put these self-care tips into practice today.
There’s no denying that these are uncertain times and this is uncharted territory. The coronavirus pandemic has introduced a new normal for everyone, and we’re all learning how to adapt.
It can be easy to see the storm clouds, but the silver lining is still there. By practicing these self-care tips, you can learn how to lean into this time with gratitude and reflection, emerging even stronger and healthier than before.
In the meantime, if you need anything from our office, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.