Self Care September
For the last three years, we have been talking about self care and the importance of incorporating some self care into your life. With 2020 delivering all kinds of upheaval, it is important to practice self care on a DAILY basis.
First and foremost, self care is NOT selfish ….. and now, more than ever, it's important to look after yourself and your well-being. It is worth noting, that by focusing on your own well-being, you are, in fact, placing yourself in a far better position to support others, which is so crucial as people come to grips with the impact of the COVID-19.
With restrictions on social interactions and even leaving home, it can be tempting to indulge in ways that are still readily accessible, such as food, alcohol and online shopping. With this in mind, it is wise to apply some good old common sense, for example, if you’re regularly engaging in some online retail therapy, but putting yourself at risk financially, then the end result will leave a negative impact on your mental health.
It is also worth noting that everyone's idea of self care is different – ultimately, it doesn't actually matter what your self care is, as long it is helping contribute positively to your well-being and helps you reset your mindset. Self care in these difficult times is about trying to find a balance with what will help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
With this in mind, we have listed a few activities that you can do from the comfort of your own home and give you back a sense of 'control' back in your life and with minimal damage to the purse strings.
Stay active
It's a well known fact that exercise has a powerful effect on your physical and mental health, and there are plenty of options available to you. Grab your kids or your dog and head outside for some fresh air – go for a walk, run or even a bike ride. There are plenty of online classes you can access via YouTube or an app and all from the comfort (and safety) of your lounge-room. Switch things up and try different classes from yoga, pilates or get your heart rate up and do a cardio class. You would be surprised at what is on offer. You are bound to find something that works for you.
Practice mindfulness by taking a few minutes out of your day to practice mindfulness can help produce a sense of calm. Again there are plenty of apps you can download and try for free, so go find a comfy and quiet spot in the house and maybe give it a go. Now, if meditation is not for you (and it's okay if it's not), why not try doing an activity in a mindful way....for example, while you’re having a cup of tea, pay attention to your senses (the smell of the tea, the warmth of the cup in your hand, the taste…), and slowly feel the tension escape your body. Well done – you've just practiced mindfulness! Apps I can recommend include Smiling Mind, Insight Timer, The Resilience Project, Calm, and Headspace (Some of these are free, and some cost money, so check them out carefully!) There are also millions of creative visualisations and meditations available on YouTube, just do a search for what you are looking for!
Chat with your friends
Social restrictions make it hard for in person catch ups, there are still alternative ways to keep in contact with your friends...such as text messages, Facebook messenger (which also has a video call with some pretty funny filters to add a more comedic effect to your chat) , WhatsApp, FaceTime, or simply pick up the phone and CALL (I know, shocking..right). There are still ways to remain connected with your friends and family, why not be creative about it....zoom trivia nights, Friday night drinks with the girls – just think outside the box and stay connected. It's easier than you think.
Cook a home-made meal
Good nutrition is important and a big contributor to self care . It is also a known fact that creating things that are tangible …. things you can see, touch and enjoy – brings pleasure and meaning to those who create it. Swap and share your favourite recipes with friends and families and start cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Or...take inspiration from the movie Julie and Julie (quick synopsis of the movie – a young blogger is determined to imitate her favourite chef, Julia Child’s cooking by cooking a recipe a day from her cookbook).
Making a music play-list
Music can make us feel so much better – that is a known fact. Jump on Spotify and make a play-list with your favourite songs....you'll be dancing around the lounge-room in no time. Back in the day, my Mum used to load up the record player with her favourite records and do the housework and smash through the ironing...she'd sing and jig her way through whatever household job she was doing - so why not adopt her approach and have some fun with our day to day household chores. I also have a friend in South Africa with whom I chat to regularly through WhatsApp, and he has been introducing me to bands he loves......all completely different genres to my usual taste and I am LOVING musical education.
Declutter a space in your home
Now, I'm not suggesting you go all Marie Kondo and clear out a whole space in a day...I'm talking baby steps – a shelf here, a shelf there. Take five minutes out of your day to clear out things you no longer need, or even set a timer for 10 minutes to tidy a room, you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done!.
Watching or reading something funny or uplifting
Distracting yourself by watching something or funny allows you to zone out from what’s going on in the world. You're bound to find something on Netflix (helloooooo Schitts Creek) or Stan, or dare I say it, there are plenty of DVD box-sets you can choose from you can rent (from your library). If television isn't your thing, there are plenty of books available as well, most libraries these day even have books you can borrow to read online!. Is there anything better than losing yourself in a book you just can't put down.
Turning off notifications
By turning off notifications on your phone, you could be demonstrating the ultimate self-care. We often get overwhelmed by the pressure from these “reminders” to check in on Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, games, even our emails. By turning them off and making a conscious decision to check the apps it significantly reduces the pressure and fear of missing out, although it does take time to get used to it. At the moment I only get text message and phone call notifications, I’ve turned all the other ones off so I can choose to check Facebook/Messenger when I want, but can be contacted easily by my loved ones who text/ring me.
Take a break from the news
While it's important to keep updated with the ever changing restrictions, it is also a good idea to try to limit your media intake to a couple of times a day and only use trusted news sources. It's okay to switch off the television, log out of your social media accounts....and maybe engage in some of the activities we've suggested.
In these uncertain times (dare I say it... and unprecedented times), even if you are practicing self-care, it can be a bit too much and very overwhelming - if it is too much for you and you are currently struggling, there are services you can access...either via text, phone or online. Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide have skyrocketed over the past 6 months. If you are in need of of help, please reach out;
Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) can be accessed for phone and online counselling, with Lifeline phone counsellors on call from 7 pm to midnight, and Kids Helpline are available 24/7. Eheadspace also offers free online and telephone support and counselling. Mensline (1300 78 99 78) has telephone or online chat, as well as video chat available.
Consider seeing your GP or mental health professional for extra help if you need to (making sure you follow the advice of Healthcare professionals if you’re showing symptoms or are in self-isolation). You could also ask your mental health professional if they are able to chat over Skype, Zoom or FaceTime if you’re in self-isolation or unable to leave the house. People and support are available – please do not be afraid to reach out. It is okay to not be okay.
Take care of yourself and remember, you are not alone in this.