Unless we take care of ourselves, we cannot function in everyday life. That’s why self-care is so important. There are countless ways to practice self-care, many of which are common (e.g., doing laundry, brushing your teeth, taking a long bath, etc.). But there are also strategies that some would call unique.
Considering that there is no other person on the planet exactly like you, it should come as no surprise that the self-care activities that work for you may be a little out of the box. Below, we cover some out-of-the-box self-care strategies:
1. Address your finances
One great way to give your mental health a boost is to address your money stress. This is especially true if you have a side gig or run a business. You can help ensure that every dollar is accounted for with a cloud bookkeeping system. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing your finances are secure.
2. Take a Lazy Day
Most people don’t require much convincing for this one. If you become overwhelmed with the stresses of life, dedicate an entire day to doing nothing. Don’t worry about being productive, stay in your PJs all day, and find relaxing activities (e.g., reading, watching a show, doing a puzzle, etc.) that you can fill your day with. You can even treat yourself to a spa day at Applewoods.
However, it is important to consider that staying indoors all day will not help your mental health. Ask The Scientists explains the benefits of taking moments to go outside and soak in the sunlight. Also consider opening the blinds so that natural light can flow into your home.
3. Declutter and Organize
If your home is a breeding ground for clutter, then you may find yourself feeling unfocused and pessimistic. You may also find that your family is complaining excessively and being overly critical. You can turn your home into a more positive space by going room by room and removing clutter and organizing. You can also bring in more positivity by letting in natural light into your home.
4. Prioritize Nutrition
Improving your nutrition is a process that involves making small changes to your diet and lifestyle. The first step is to become more aware of the foods you're eating and how they impact your health. This means reading labels and ingredient lists, and paying attention to serving sizes. Once you have a better understanding of what you're eating, you can start to make changes. For example, you may want to eat more fruits and vegetables, or choose leaner protein sources. You may also want to cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
5. Form Good Grooming Habit
Grooming helps to ensure that we are presentable in public and makes us more attractive to others. It can also be therapeutic, helping us to relax and feel better about ourselves. Taking pride in your appearance is important. By taking the time to groom yourself, you are sending a message that you are confident, self-respecting, and capable of taking care of yourself.
6. Go Back to School
Many people deal with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues simply because they are in a job they cannot stand. If you hate your job, consider changing it. Write a list of your interests and skills, and search the web for potential job or business ideas.
If you are going to be entering a new industry, you will need to get the necessary education and training. Fortunately, online universities offer flexible programs at affordable rates.
By studying from home at your own pace, you will have more flexibility to manage all of your other responsibilities in life. For example, you could pursue a business degree to obtain all the necessary expertise and skills in leadership and management, while holding down a job and attending to your family’s needs.
7. Go Camping
Sometimes, you just need to get away. Plan a weekend camping trip either solo or with a couple of close family members or friends and enjoy the wonders of nature.
To maximize the benefits, unplug from technology to give your mind a much-needed break. If going out of town for a few days is not practical for your situation right now, consider setting up camp in your backyard and make an experience of it!
8. Grab a Pillow
If you have only been sleeping with one pillow, now is the time to take your sleep to the next level. Buy an extra pillow just to hold while sleeping, and you’ll be amazed by the comfort and security it brings. If you are a side sleeper, Casper suggests putting a pillow between your knees — you may notice less low back pain in the morning!
9. Decorate
Redecorating your bedroom, living room, or other space is an excellent way to improve your mental health. It can be something as simple as replacing your bedding and linens, or a more involved project like overhauling an entire room from top to bottom. If you opt for a long-term project, you might enjoy the planning process and taking it step-by-step.
10. Lift Weights
You know all about how exercise can relieve stress and benefit your long-term health, and now is the time to take some steps to intentionally move your body. Many people enjoy yoga, running, or playing a recreational sport (e.g., tennis, basketball, golf, etc.).
If you want a true adrenaline rush, get your frustrations out, and strengthen your muscles and bones, consider lifting weights. If you don’t have equipment at home, look for a local gym or HIIT facility that you can join; you might like the camaraderie of the classes too!
11. Get a Hotel Room
You don’t have to go out of town to have a self-care vacation. Consider taking a day off of work and booking a room at a local hotel. You can take a long, warm bath, veg out and watch tv, order room service, and do everything else you would if you were traveling. A simple change of scenery can do wonders for your mental health.
If you want to get the most from your life, you must take care of your health and well-being. And there are plenty of ways to sneak self-care into your life! Consider the fun ideas above and keep looking for other ways you can boost your mental health and improve your life for the better.
Applewoods is a wellness & beauty sanctuary. With rituals of relaxation in all our services, we help you feel renewed and look your best. For more information, please visit our website or contact us today!
Tips to Put Your Best Foot Forward in Post-Pandemic Life
by: Jennifer McGregor
mcgregor_jennifer@publichealthlibrary.org,
Few people can say that the coronavirus didn't impact their life in a significant way. Most people had to rearrange their routines and even adjust their mindsets to comply with social-distancing mandates. Unfortunately, many of these changes may have left you in a rut, unsure how to push forward. The following tips can help you move toward the sort of life you want to live.
Revamp Your Diet
Research indicates that your diet can have a big impact on your mental health, even affecting your risk of becoming depressed. Eating healthy can also help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid medical problems such as heart disease. If your eating habits have taken a turn for the worse during the pandemic, consider putting some fresh practices into place.
To boost your mental health, incorporate whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Try to stay away from processed foods and things containing a lot of sugar.
Stay Active
Exercising is, of course, beneficial for your heart, muscles, and bones, but it also has a number of other advantages. For instance, you may have more energy and a more positive mood when you are active. Other perks of exercise include remembering things better, feeling less stressed, and maintaining youthful skin.
Many people were limited in the types of workouts they could do while social-distancing, leading them to feel out of shape. Instead of expecting yourself to be at the same fitness level as you were before the pandemic, set reasonable goals for yourself and find activities you actually enjoy doing.
Find Ways to Connect
Studies show that spending time with other people can improve both your physical and mental health. After being isolated for so long during the pandemic, even extroverts may find the idea of adding social events to their calendar somewhat overwhelming. Even so, it's important to regularly make time for one-on-one or group get-togethers.
If you don't have a solid friend group, there are many ways you can go about meeting new people. To casually form new relationships, try walking through your neighborhood, taking an art class, or simply visiting the same coffee shop each week. You may also be able to take advantage of apps designed specifically to bring together people who have similar interests.
Take a Vacation
Too much time spent at home has proven to be difficult for most of us, and by now, everyone is itching to get away. The challenge is doing so safely and healthily. If you can make it happen, taking time for a vacation, whether it’s a long weekend or just a week, can help you replenish your energy, keep your mind off of work, and refocus your efforts. Maybe you head out of state for a week of camping, spending time on the beach or simply lounging by a pool. If a week is too much, and you want to stay close, a local staycation is a great alternative. Find a cozy place where you can hole up or that’s close to the activities or amenities you need. Simply being out of your house can give your brain the jolt it needs to help you feel invigorated about your new efforts.
Rethink Your Finances
If you had a major change in income during the coronavirus, managing your finances may leave you feeling discouraged or stressed. Take some time to go over your budget and see if there are any expenses you could reduce. If your mortgage weighs heavily on you, for instance, you could consider refinancing your home. Refinancing may be a good idea if it allows you to lower your interest rate. Additionally, you may be able to liquidate a portion of your property's equity to better manage current financial concerns.
Whether or not you are the sort of person who likes change, adjusting to drastically different circumstances is rarely easy. Finding ways to help yourself smoothly transition to post-pandemic life, therefore, is critical to your well-being as the world eventually finds a new normal and you work toward a healthier you.
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