Self care for uncertain times

Apr 8

If you are finding yourself feeling fearful, anxious, unsteady, numb or your emotions are shifting more than usual, you are not alone. Our daily normal is changing rapidly and as humans, we prefer life (for the most part) to be consistent, reliable and predictable. In uncertain times, self care is more important than ever. COVID is adding big stress and big emotion into our world while also narrowing many of our options for relaxation. When it comes to finding a sense of calm or peace, the more tools you have and the more diversity you have the better.

HERE IS MY MASSIVE LIST OF SELF CARE PRACTICES:

Light your home with lamps or candles, over time, transition your bulbs to ‘warm white”
Nasya - Ayurvedic tip to support your sinuses
Drink a glass of room temperature water first thing in the morning - bonus if you add a squeeze of lemon
Eat cooked foods that have fiber, especially roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots
Throughout the day, soften the muscles around the eyes, jaw, the throat, fingers and abdomen.
Get upside down
Self massage - Scalp, feet, shoulders, hands, feet
Move in a rhythm - bouncing, swaying, dancing, walking, yoga
Vocalizing - sing, hum, whistle, read out loud, make raspberries, sigh, chant, pray, talk
Micromastery - learn a new skill
Do something with your hands
Walk around barefoot, sensing different textures underfoot - grass, carpet, water, warm/cool concrete
Throughout the day, check your head position - Tuck your chin slightly, lengthen the back of your neck and lift the crown of your head to the sky
Spend time in the sun or moonlight
Lay out work clothes the night before
Keep as much consistency as possible. Keep doing and engaging with familiar routines, tasks, teachers/connections, habits
Start your day with mindfulness - Set up the night before. Pick a video or recording, set out your journal or devotional, yoga mat or cushion and a change of clothes if needed
Meal prep for the week
Batch prep go-to meals to keep in the freezer
Daily Breathing practice - Start with 3 minutes and add time over time
Create a Kudos (or gratitude) file/box/jar for work and home
Listen to a podcast
Ask a friend for a recommendation & start a conversation - playlist, recipe (cocktail, salad, appetizer, dessert), podcast, book, movie, series, online course, instagram acct, therapist, yoga teacher, coping or self care ideas
Wash your face and take your time applying skincare
Create a morning and/or night routine
Dry brush
Abhyanga - Ayurvedic self massage with sesame, olive or coconut oil
Go for a swing - find a hammock, your kiddos swing set or at a playground (if safe to do so)
Try to recreate and treat yourself to your favorite beverage at home
Try a jigsaw puzzle - check with friends and family to start a swap
Exhale for longer than you inhale. Count in for 4-5 beats as you inhale and exhale for 6-7. Set a timer for 3 minutes and see how you feel after.
Frame a favorite or comforting picture
Find an inspiring background for your tablet, phone or computer - sign up for my emails and receive one monthly!
Organize your daily & weekly tasks - keep planning and looking ahead, this will help establish consistency which supports your system in registering safety
Set a goal and break it down - I shared a handy tool in the November 2019 article (scroll down and click “15 things”)
Make a playlist
Wash and change your bed sheets
Open your windows and/or curtains to let in sunlight
Use a facial spray of rose water or essential oils
- geranium and lavender can be calming while citrus and bergamot are uplifting
- Use what works best for your sense of smell and skin
Pick something to wear that helps you feel how you want to feel - uplifted, confident, comfortable, secure, etc
Create a routine when you come home - where you place your keys, purse/bag, shoes, and change clothes
Create a routine when you leave work (especially if working from home right now) - set an alarm to begin putting work away, close your systems, organize/clear desk, visualize putting work to rest/locking up for the night, wash your hands to help transition
Make a list / brain dump of personal wellness rituals - WRITE IT DOWN
Pause from time to time. Set back in your chair with your feet on the floor. Rest your hands in your lap with your fingers slightly bent. Look down at the floor past the tip of your nose and soften your focus.
Lotion or oil your feet before bed
Read something you don’t normally read. You non-fiction readers, grab some fiction and vice versa!
Remove clutter from your environment - when your space is busy, your mind and emotions will be busy too