During these volatile times, change and uncertainty have become taxing on our physical, emotional, and mental stamina. It is especially important in this environment of instability to integrate self-care and structure into your daily routine and, therefore, prioritize yourself. It is likely that your favorite self-care regimen has gone out the window and your preferred venue may be out of commission, but don’t fret. There are ways to stay healthy and remain productive. Each day, try to commit to spending a minimum of 30 minutes (or more) taking care of yourself.
Exercise
Exercising increases energy levels, reduces stress, improves happiness, and can happen anywhere and at any time. During the pandemic, virtual workout classes at home or even outdoors, such as hiking, biking, running, and walking, have become a favorite stress release of mines. Whether I engage in activities before or after work or my daily routines, this has been my number one priority and the self-care that I need to start my day.
Eat Healthy
Try to make healthier nutrition choices because the nutrients we choose to nourish our bodies with and the relationship we have with the foods we eat can have a substantial impact on our mental and physical health. Have you heard the statement, “You are what you eat”? This refers to eating foods that make you sluggish and tired, leading to being unproductive, or that contribute to a boost of energy and mood that supports productivity. Be conscientious when picking up foods by purposefully selecting items that improve your mood, such as bananas, berries, oatmeal, nuts, and dark chocolate. Be sure to not go to the grocery store hungry. Otherwise, it will make choosing healthier options less likely and more difficult.
Sleep
Sleep plays an essential role in our overall health, improving and regulating emotions and managing anxiety. It’s important to get at least 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, especially during times of stress. This means limiting your screen time (i.e., television, tablets, and phones) before going to bed.
Practice Mindfulness
Take breaks throughout the day, first thing in the morning or before bed, to slow down and be centered and present in your day. The practice of pausing, breathing, and just being unapologetically you is vital to our well-being and mental health because it helps to reduce stress, worry less, and it enhances feelings of resiliency.
Stay Connected with Family and Friends
Our connections with others help us cope with the roller coaster rides we deal with in our daily lives. Stay in contact with friends, family, and coworkers through phone and video calls.
To adapt to this new normal, we must take time for ourselves to exercise, focus on nutrition, practice mindfulness, and connect with others, which enables us to operate at our optimal levels.
Be sure to have a strategy in place that allows you to build in routines for exercising, eating, meditating, connecting with others, and working or studying, which can help maintain a sense of normalcy. Prioritizing yourself equips you with the energy, mental clarity, and joy needed to tackle the daily challenges that come with living in an ever-changing environment. This is an adjustment in your life that you can control.