Self-care during the pandemic is a practice that has become essential. It’s always been important, but with the stress of day-to-day life, it’s become even more essential.
We need to be able to take care of ourselves in order to be there for others. While there are signs of hope regarding the pandemic, life may not return to normalcy for some time. Below are some self-care ideas that can help ease you through the rest of the pandemic.
5 Ideas for Self-Care During the Pandemic that Reduce Stress
Stay Socially Connected – This can be complicated with limitations placed on social interaction at every turn. It’s also complicated by winter weather. But phone calls, video calls, and safe in-person interaction can make a big difference through the course of the day.
Eat Healthy – Many of us are stressed beyond normal levels, and the temptation is to binge on takeout and junk food. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help maintain your energy levels and keep you feeling well, even in the face of the pandemic.
Meditation – Sometimes it helps to stop and regain control of our minds. Meditation offers us the chance to do just that. According to Mindful.org, mindfulness meditation is as easy as taking a seat, paying attention to the breath, and when your attention wanders, return. They do go into more detail in the link above. This can be a powerful practice for self-care during the pandemic.
Daily Movement – It’s easy to fall into the trap of a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise, even if it’s as simple as short walks, can help you to relieve stress and stay healthy. Moderate exercise can even help improve your immune system, something that can be pretty useful in a pandemic.
Journaling – Taking the time to write down your thoughts on a daily basis can help to clear your head and keep you less anxious. It helps to set aside a small window in the morning or evening to simply log what’s on your mind. We are living through a significant historical event, and returning to these journals from time to time may be a way to revisit what you were feeling.
Take Care of Yourself First
The airline stewardesses remind us to put our own oxygen mask on before helping those around us. Self-care during the pandemic can help us to avoid burnout and to be there for those around us. It may help to experiment and find the practice that’s right for you. When you hit on something that works, you can build it into your schedule.
