When we are physically and emotionally at our best, we are more resilient and capable of dealing with life’s stresses. Self-care is essential for overall health, and the more you do it, the more self-assured and creative you will become. As a result, you’ll make better judgments, have stronger connections, and experience a significant stress reduction.
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Here are four ways to practice self-care during stressful times.
1. Find things that make you happy, and do more of those things
There are certain things everyone enjoys doing for hobbies and pastimes. Try to incorporate those things throughout your week. Whatever brings you joy should help you calm down and refresh your mind during stressful times. Whatever that activity might look for you, whether you enjoy watching NZ rugby matches or curling up with your favourite book on a lazy afternoon, setting time aside to do it will help boost your mood! Apart from your usual hobbies, you can even find new things to do!
2. Catch-up with friends
Humans are social beings, no matter if they’re introverts who need time for themselves or extroverts who seek connections with other people as a source of energy. While we may have gotten used to staying away from friends and family for well over the past year, it’s still essential for our mental well-being to stay connected to our loved ones. The good news is that with technology at our fingertips, we have multiple ways of staying connected with our friends and significant people in our lives, whether it’s video calling, texting, or catching up via social media.
3. Stay active
Whether you exercise at home alone, take walks around the block, or hire a personal trainer to reach your ultimate fitness goals, the important thing is to stay active and move your body. Even walking for 30 minutes a day can help you feel better and enhance your health. However, don’t be disappointed if you can’t accomplish 30 minutes at once because small quantities of exercise add up. Exercising releases endorphins, natural cannabis-like brain chemicals and that can improve your mood and reduce stress.
4. Practice being kind to yourself
We put all sorts of unrealistic pressures on ourselves daily; to stay connected, be productive, get that promotion, and be there for the kids. But, in these odd and worrying times, it’s more necessary than ever to be kind to ourselves – and, more importantly, to give ourselves a break and take care of yourself. It’s easy to lash out when we’re feeling particularly stressed or anxious in general, and the last thing you might want to do is be kind to yourself. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but practising self-compassion during these times will help with your mood and calm you down. Self-kindness comes in any form that you want. Sometimes that looks like taking a day off to enjoy your favourite tv show, talking to a friend, or taking a walk outside. Being compassionate towards yourself will take you much further than criticism ever will.