Photo by Tim Goedhart on Unsplash

17 Ways to Practice Self-Care

If you’re like me, sometimes you get so focused on your work that it’s easy to tune out the uneasiness felt from the way of the world. Of course, you might have days when you get consumed by the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring that you sometimes crash too.

With all the emotional ups and downs we’re all experiencing these days, now’s the time to practice self-care!

Aside from taking a moment to pause and breathe, I put together the following list of obvious and creative ways to stay sane during pandemic life. Feel free to check them out and see if any of these suggestions might work for you.

1. Start your day with a mantra. A little quote goes a long way. By beginning the day with a motto — or even a song — your setting the intention for the type of day you’d like to have.
2. Meditate and practice yoga
3. Stop and smell the roses. Yes, be that person who takes a moment to smell the amazing flowers in your neighbor’s yard. This simple pleasure has a wonderful way of lifting spirits.
4. Limit How Much Time You Watch The News
5. Tap into your creativity. The great thing about creativity is that there’s no judgment of how things should look or turn out. So, try something new and see where it takes you.
6. Exercise by doing something you enjoy!
7. Make Zoom fun. While catching up with friends and family is important for self-care, so is having a good time. Next time you connect with your peeps by Zoom, make a game or activity out of it.
8. Go on a social distancing hike with a pal or two
9. Have themed dinners. By planning a special meal, you’re creating something to look forward to and taking time to enjoy the moment.
10. Take an online course
11. Foster a pet. Caring for a pet is the best way to give and receive unconditional love.
12. Create a set schedule and keep your house organized
13. Volunteer. Aside from making donations to causes you believe in, write a letter to a senior, make masks, and check out volunteermatch.org for tons of online opportunities.
14. Enjoy Netflix (in moderation)
15. Set up an online therapy appointment. Benefits to online therapy include being in a comfortable environment, more time to quietly process your session and convenience. In these unprecedented times, this is the ultimate way to practice self-care.
16. Read between the eyes and smile at others
17. Take naps and rest! The foundation for taking care is a good night’s sleep. Listen to music, read or have a night-cap. Do what works to get the rest you need to truly take care.

So, what do you think? I hope you’ll add some of the ideas from this list into your mix of ways to take care. Feel free to share some of your go-to practices for self-care in the comments section too.