Self-care in these times.

Don’t let 2020 beat you down.

Hey guys.  First of all, I am always rooting for you.  I know things are difficult, difficult, with a dash of perhaps, well difficult.  Even if things are going well for you, there is a mental health piece we are all struggling with.  Will I get the virus?  I don’t know anyone who hasn’t thought that by now, and maybe it weighs on you, but I encourage you not to place your thoughts there for long.

While we are concerned for our loved ones, we continue to practice our daily rituals of prayer, meditation, exercise or what have you to feel better and get through these times.  But what if you don’t have anything you do on a regular basis?  I want to let you in on a little secret.  Your mental health is extra important during these times, and if you are constantly watching, consuming or reading things that bring you down, you are actually lowering your immune system.  The immune system works to detect a wide variety of things, and stress can lead to inflammation within the immune system ultimately weakening it.  Trust me.  I used to be a nervous wreck and that’s the truth.

The first thing I encourage you to do today is to stop watching the news if you are someone who gets distressed about it.  Trust me.  You will feel better unplugging for a bit.

The next is going to be a list of activities you can choose from to help you feel better throughout the week.

To try:

  • Wake up at an earlier time, at least 10 minutes, and start with a prayer, meditation, or affirmation.  It can be as simple as “My body is strong.”  “I am healing.”  But make your first thought a positive one.
  • Journal over what a nice day looks like to you.  How does it feel to watch the birds?  Plant flowers.  Drink coffee.  Call a friend.
  • Is there a trigger that you have?  What is it?  Could you use some work around it so that you can practice the pause?  >> Read more here about the pause.
  • Have you lost all track of days, times and no schedule?  Perhaps you lost your job (I get it, trust me, I do) and are finding yourself with extra time on your hands.  Make a schedule and do some job searching or networking each week. 
  • What needs doing?  What are you putting off because you have no energy (be honest)?  What are you avoiding and why?
  • Calm down.  We are all in this together.  Honestly.  I don’t care who you are, we all have good days and bad days.  Don’t let anyone fool you.  Remind yourself what you are grateful for and keep it close.
  • Take some time out in the country, mountains, or a garden spot.  If you don’t have one, but have a place that is wide open (bring your mask if you have to go inside), take a picnic or visit a botanical garden.  I know we are all a bit stir crazy, so if going inside is a concern even with a mask, go for a scenic car ride.
  • Do not let others behavior destroy your peace.  Why point out what they are doing?  Is it going to change anything?  Maybe it makes you feel better, but arguing with a fool has never ended well.  They are not going to change.  Put up boundaries, and unfollow. 
  • Get creative and paint, dance, sing and pick up a lost talent you might have once loved. 
  • Rest when needed.

I hope this helps you think about the things that need doing or maybe un-doing.  Much love to you and practice self-care. 

For more on self-care, read these articles:

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Published by Aimee

I help others take back their lives through the power of mindfulness, yoga, and a combination of practices that I actually combined into journal therapy. You can find out more about me on my blog under the Home button, right under that is “About me” and if you are interested in learning more about what I have going on in my life that can also help you, please sign up for the free newsletter.

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