Self-Care
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Well friends, it's been quite the adventure the last few months, hasn't it? From social media, the news, anxiety, constant worry, to all the things associated with COVID-19.
I've been encouraging others to redirect their thoughts and energy to avoid unnecessary stress, and I'd like to share them with you. I've tried each of these every single time I feel overwhelmed or stressed. I hope you will too!
- Step back and breathe. Detach to regroup yourself, take a break & enjoy your day more than you did the day before.
- Spend time in nature. There's nothing better than fresh oxygen and a nice breeze running through your hair. Take time to nurture what God has given us. Admire the trees and their resilience. Be inspired by the freedom of a bird's flight. I'm a fan of sitting outside just to read or journal.
- Exercise. This is my LEAST favorite, but it's 2020 and I need to do better. Take a walk down the street or practice yoga in your living room. Stretch. Dance. Do what makes your body feels good, and look good too. Do something that you'll thank yourself for :)
- Enjoy your family. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget those who need our love the most. Whether it's a parent, sibling, cousin, or close friend- spend time with them. Share memories and laughter will bring joy to your life.
- Laugh out loud. Laughter is good for your soul, and it's universal. Embrace your mistakes that have helped you learn. Remember the time you looked at an ex and said, "What was I thinking?!" See? YOU JUST LAUGHED. Continue to do this for your own sake. Don't take yourself so serious at times-just laugh.
- Change your perspective. I tend to deal with my issues internally, but I'm learning to ask others for their thoughts. This has helped me as a woman, a Christian, and a business owner. Say this: "I will only seek wisdom that can add to my life!" I recommend connecting with an old friend or relative- people you haven't connected with in a while- to give you some sound, unbiased advice.
- DETOX from social media! I know, I know, it's hard. Social media is the mother of all things dirty laundry, but it is not a place for you to binge your time and feelings. Protect your sanity by deleting posts and people that are not a reflection of who you are. Protect your space. Cut off your phone and read a book, or pick up a journal and write your heart out. Watch the news or take a nap. Designating a time to distance yourself from social media to be a normal human will help you mentally, physically (my eyes get tired), and emotionally.
- Make a vision board and journal your accomplishments. I used to own so many magazines, and the best way I could put them to use is to cut out articles and photos that spoke to me in some way. They're in a photo album and some are on a poster board to remind me of what I want to do, and I have journal to document my goals and accomplishments. Think about things you want to do, places you want to travel, and recipes and restaurants to try. Expand your palates and vocabulary according to your goals.
They're much easier to accomplish once you put effort into them.