It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five. 2020’s been a tough one and it seems to be getting tougher. Many schools announced virtual learning so the parents who’ve been “teachers” will continue to have extra roles. The election battles are heating up and Mother Nature’s been wreaking some havoc here in the Midwest and other places.
Self care is more important now than ever. You can’t take care of everything at home and at work without taking care of yourself. Studies show that self care increases empathy, bolsters the immune system and can help to avoid burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Self care is not one size fits all. It can be exercise, solitude, time with loved ones, time doing your hobby or even paying your bills or cleaning. Whatever helps you to decrease your stress can be self care. You do you!
5 Easy Self Care Tips
Find strategies to reduce stress in the moment and use them throughout the day. Focus on your breathing or learn a quick meditation. I’m learning four meditation techniques in 5 minutes per week with my friend Jen’s Pause class. Stay tuned for a review and giveaway or sign up now.
The Skimm had a great technique posted on Instagram. If you feel stressed or anxious, try the “54321 method” to ground yourself. Take a moment and think of five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things that you can feel, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.
Make small changes that you can incorporate into daily life. Pick one or two small changes per week. Like what? Drink more water, make a healthy food swap, set a screen time limit or take a social media break in the morning or evening. Start the morning with 5 minutes or quiet or yoga. Try getting up 15 minutes earlier but use those minutes for you only.
Get outside and get moving. Fresh air and exercise make you feel better. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, it can help you reset. If you have back to back meetings, try to take one on the move if you don’t have to lead or take detailed notes.
Focus on the positive. Each day write down at least one and up to three good things you did each day. This could include making a person feel good, spending time on something meaningful, taking care of your health or reaching out to a friend or family member. Pro tip from Lifehack, if you receive a compliment or thank you for something specific, write it down to reinforce the positive vibes.
Practice self-compassion. Negative self talk is so damaging. Many of us show compassion for others but are critical of ourselves. Give yourself a break and a pep talk. Pick a few positive affirmations and repeat them daily. This may sound a bit “woo woo” but compassion for yourself begets compassion for others.
What are your favorite ways to practice self care? Please share them in the comments.
Have a great weekend!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!