GUEST EDITORIAL: 6 Self-Care Strategies for Times of Uncertainty
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6 Self-Care Strategies for Times of Uncertainty
by Lisa Walker
In times of uncertainty, self-care is essential to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether we’ve lost our jobs, are experiencing problems in our relationships, or we’re adapting to the rapidly changing Coronavirus situation, self-care helps to build resiliency, boost positive thinking, and keep us grounded.
Here are six self-care strategies for times of uncertainty, as well as tips for incorporating them into our everyday lives.
1. Create a Peaceful Living Environment
If you’re like most people in the age of COVID-19, you spent the majority of your free time at home — and household tensions may be higher than usual. Maybe you’re arguing about politics and pandemic restrictions, or perhaps you’re feeling the stress of living in a cluttered home even as things are returning to normal. Unless you find a way to create a more positive living environment for you and your household, these tensions will eventually take a toll on your emotional well-being. By cleaning, decluttering, and letting in some fresh air and natural light, however, you’ll create a more positive living environment and alleviate these types of household tensions.
If you feel like your current residence simply isn’t conducive to wellness, despite your best efforts, it might be time to make some changes. Repainting a room, adding new flooring, and installing new light fixtures can be mood-boosting home alterations. If you need some help making home updates, enlist the help of a local handyman. Before choosing a handyman, it’s a good idea to read feedback and reviews from past customers.
2. Try Yin Yoga
Like other styles of yoga, Yin Yoga benefits the body and mind in a variety of ways. In addition to boosting flexibility and increasing circulation, Yin Yoga helps to release any anger, fear, or sadness you may be storing, and balance the mind, body, and spirit.
Instead of flowing through many postures, a typical Yin Yoga class incorporates a small handful of poses and stretches. You’ll slowly move in and out of each pose, holding each posture for up to 10 minutes at a time.
To experiment with this powerful style of yoga from home, check out Yoga with Adriene's free introductory Yin Yoga class for beginners. If Yin Yoga isn’t right for you during this time of uncertainty, however, you can find hundreds of other free online yoga videos taught by licensed yoga instructors, including vinyasas, yoga for weight loss, and introductory classes.
3. Step Away From Social Media
When you’re feeling uncertain about the future, you may find yourself glued to your smartphone, reading every news update and social media post that comes your way. However, this reliance on social media is only adding to the psychological stress you’re already experiencing.
If possible, try limiting your social media usage during the week or avoid checking your social media accounts on Saturdays and Sundays. By spending less time on social media each week, you’ll have more time and energy for the self-care practices that will uplift, calm, and inspire you.
4. Practice Gratitude
The last 18 months or so have been tough for many of us--there’s no question there. However, gratitude exercises like writing in a gratitude journal, creating a gratitude tree, and incorporating gratitude prompts into your days can be powerful strategies for coping in times of certainty. By regularly practicing gratitude, you’ll improve your physical and psychological health, sleep better and longer, and build resilience and mental strength.
5. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Whether you are working from home or are going back to the office, you must take care not to let your job responsibilities overtake your entire existence. Maintaining work-life balance is absolutely crucial, perhaps now more than ever. You may have to learn to delegate authority or say no to extra duties, but doing so will help reduce stress, relieve depression and avoid job burnout.
6. Establish a Daily Routine
In times of uncertainty, it’s incredibly important to follow a daily routine, especially if you’re feeling fearful, anxious, or depressed about the future. According to Kamini Wood of Thrive Global, daily routines help to ease anxiety about the future, reduce stress levels, and focus your attention on the things you can control.
By incorporating a few self-care practices into your daily routine, like reading a book, writing in a gratitude journal, decluttering your home, watching your favorite movie, or treating yourself to a 30-minute yoga session, you’ll have something to look forward to and feel great about each and every day. Even in times of uncertainty, it’s possible to find peace and calm, and it all starts with practicing self-care.
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