There are so many different ways to practice self-care and finding the right methods for you will help to ease some of your stress and anxiety during this difficult period of time. Here are eight ideas you could try:
1) Massage
Massage therapy is a great way to relieve tension in the muscles and alleviate stress. As it is currently difficult to access a massage therapist, and not all of us are lucky enough to be living with trained masseuses, one option you could try is a massage chair. It is a good investment to make and there are many luxury models to choose from, so you can find the right one for you.
If you don’t have the budget for a full massage chair, you can start off with a leg massager. Leg massagers work with air compression, and they can also be used on your arms for full-body relaxation.
2) Home Spa
Giving yourself a spa treatment is a great reward after a hard week, so run yourself a hot bath to soak in, light some candles, and apply a nourishing face mask. Baths and showers are cleansing for both body and the soul, and they will help you to feel clean and refreshed. Choose products with ingredients that help you to feel relaxed and rejuvenated, like lavender, honey, and rose.
3) Meditate
Meditation might be a completely new universe to you, but it really is a proven method to relax and ease anxiety and stress. There are different methods of meditation you can try, as well as apps that offer assistance with meditation and mindfulness.
4) Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins and helps you to stay fit and healthy. There are plenty of great ways to exercise, whether you want to stretch and improve flexibility and balance with yoga, or you want a good cardio workout. You can also try dancing as a great form of exercise.
5) Food for the Soul
Cooking and baking are great things to pour some energy into. Following a recipe is an orderly process and it feels good to follow a step-by-step process, plus the reward at the end should taste amazing too! If you don’t have any cookbooks at home, YouTube is a great source of cookery videos that you can follow along with for a more fun and social experience.
6) Art
Art has always been a good outlet for emotions and can also be a meditative process. Let loose and bring paint to canvas or take your time and enjoy a calming coloring book. Whatever form of art is your style, the process of creating something is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.
7) Journaling
Writing down your thoughts and feelings helps to release them and can be a great cathartic process. If you don’t want to put paper to pen in a physical diary, you will also find apps that ask you daily questions or help you to record some of your thoughts and feelings. Journaling is a great method to practice mindfulness, as you think about the positive things that have happened each day and about the things you are grateful for. Mindfulness can help you change your outlook on life and adjust your thinking more positively.
8) Turn Off Your Phone
Nowadays, we have all become too attached to our phones and tablets, constantly drawn to checking social media. The effects of social media have actually been negative on mental health, and whilst there are so many great benefits like keeping up with friends and family, it also can encourage bad habits too. Sometimes it is important to switch off from the online world, take some time to relax, and have a detox.
Everyone is different and you will have to find the methods that work the best for you, from playing your favorite music to drinking a cup of tea – stay positive and take care of yourself.