After a year of social distancing, working from home and worrying about a global pandemic, you’re not alone if you’re feeling drained. This past year has taken a toll on our emotional, physical and mental wellbeing so it’s more important now than ever to take care of ourselves.
Before you buy into the myth that it’s only self-care when you’re relaxing with a glass of wine in a hot bubble bath — let’s define what self-care really means. According to the World Health Organization, it’s “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote [and] maintain health.”
It’s not a selfish act, nor does it require you to take a full day or visit a spa. You can implement small acts of self-care into your daily or weekly routine. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask yourself a simple question: How are you feeling today?
Are you feeling mentally drained? Pick up an intellectually stimulating activity like reading a book, watching a show or playing a game. Is your social life not making you happy? Reach out to a friend or family member to talk on the phone or invite them over if possible. Do you feel disconnected? Tend to your emotional health by writing in your journal, speaking with a therapist or pursuing a hobby that makes you happy. Is your body feeling tired or sluggish? Allow yourself to take a nap, go for a walk outside or do a workout that boosts your endorphin levels.
When the world has you down, it can be difficult to find the motivation to pick yourself up and do something that nourishes you. If you’re looking for little reminders to practice self-care, be kind to yourself and move your body, download these affirmation cards and hang them up in your home. You can pin them on your mirror in the bathroom, the fridge in your kitchen or your front door as little self-love boosters.
To help you create your own self-care routine, take a look at the self-care recipes below — hopefully they’ll inspire you to spend this Sunday tending to your personal needs so you can greet the new week feeling refreshed and present.