Are you doing any kind of self-care during these uncertain times?
With these long days of “sheltering in place”, have you made the time to nurture yourself? It’s needed more than ever.
The days look different, and what was normal has gone out the window. With that can come increased stress and anxiety even though you find yourself with more time.
In the midst of new routines, women can still put themselves at the bottom of the list. We are nurturers at heart and want to take care of everyone that is close to us first, making sure all needs are met. Where do you fit in though?
With the extra time you find yourself in, are you thinking maybe it’s time to get that long list of “someday projects” done?
If you’re not careful, you can find yourself immersed with long “to-do lists”, and finding yourself stressed all over again.
Are you going from one project to the next every day, and haven’t given yourself a second thought?
I’m with you in wanting my closet more organized and wanting to go through every drawer in my house and getting rid of the excess! But what if when things get back to normal, or the “new normal”, you could find yourself healthier, some new habits in place, and you have more peace in your life?
Let’s talk about what that could look like for you and start today!
Self-care with your skin and body care
Being an esthetician, I have to start here! Creating some discipline and routine in your skincare regimen can leave you with some great changes in your skin in just a few weeks! Do these few things and you will see some wonderful results!
- Exfoliate. Once or twice a week exfoliate your skin and body. Removing old dead skin cells forces healthy new cells to the surface resulting in softer, smoother skin. It also lightens up pigmentation spots and corrects
unevenness in the skin. - Products. Be consistent with your product usage. Every morning and evening. Don’t just cleanse your skin and call it a day. Take a couple of extra minutes to layer on a few products and let them do their magic! In a few weeks, you definitely will be glowing!
- Facial Tools. If you have them, or just one, use them! If you don’t have any, use your hands to massage your skin. Massaging the facial muscles is stimulating, and gets the blood moving. Your skin will look so alive with some TLC from your own hands.
Take care of your health
Before you had this downtime, we’re you hit or miss with your health? Did you exercise sometimes, or took vitamins when you thought of it? Get consistent in these areas and strengthen your immune system at the same time.
- Vitamins. I believe in vitamin supplementation. They are a wonderful way to support overall health. What should you be taking? Science supports Vitamin D, and Omegas to start. Take these every day, and you might be surprised at how much better your joints feel and you have less brain fog. Internally you are strengthening your immune system and that is what’s needed the most.
- Tea. Drink tea every day. Green, Black, Hibiscus teas all have so many benefits for your health! With every cup, you are bringing wellness to every cell in your body.
- Exercise. During these days you might be exercising, or the days can still be getting away from you. Every day or every other day, take the time to move your body in exercise. It will relieve stress and de-age your brain and body. Develop the habit now, and later when life gets back to normal you will have a good plan in place and you will be more likely to stick with it because you have felt and seen the benefits.
- Essential oils. I am using my oils every day! Roll them on, diffuse them and let the power of essential oils get you through these stressful days!
Self-care for the mind and soul
More than ever you have to nurture your mind. Your thoughts are powerful and can cause a lot of negative health problems if you let them get out of control. Start here to have more peace.
- Less phone time. I am telling myself this also! Your phone can ramp up your stress level really quickly, especially with all that is in the news right now. I literally can feel myself getting anxious inside by reading all the sad stories every day. This can be a hard one to do but it will be so impactful on your mental and physical health. Limit the time you look at the news and protect your well-being.
- Quiet yourself. Find a space every day to quiet your mind, and your spirit and to ground yourself. It doesn’t have to be a long period of time. 10-15 minutes can be powerful and therapeutic. It just needs to be a part of your life right now. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, and let it slow your heart rate and calm your thoughts. Meditate, pray and let your soul find peace in a world of uncertainty. This will benefit you your whole life. The more you do this, the more your soul will long for that scared space.
- Sleep. It’s easy right now to watch a lot of movies! I was doing that, and my sleep schedule got all out of whack, and I was feeling run down and getting cranky! I had to put some disciplines back in place to not sacrifice my sleep for Netflix! Sleep is so important for your health and immune system, so make sure you’re getting enough rest.
- Music. I find myself listening to everything! Classical, worship, oldies, dance, etc. It truly makes your soul happy! Put some music on and sing! Or better yet, dance!
These are all basic things to do, but they can go by the wayside pretty easily if you let them. I have always said, when we nurture ourselves, every part of our life benefits.
I hope this spurs you on to put some things in place to take care of yourself during these stressful days. Nurture yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally because you matter.
Until next time,
~pat
