Feeling Overwhelmed? Self care is always in vogue but I can’t think of a more urgent time than now, to take care of our body and mind. Following the news, specifically in the U.S., can cause our heart rates to speed up, stress hormones to release and trigger all kinds of negative energy. Now, more than ever we really need to remember the importance of self care. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know but consider this a strong reminder.
The darkness is falling simultaneously with more violence and political unrest. Although we cannot ignore it, too much focus on this causes sadness and energy depletion. So, today let’s look at how to take care of our own spirit to ensure we can continue taking care of the ones we love and get the most out of life.
1.Plan and shop for healthy meals-it’s easy to slack off in the kitchen (I do it all the time) but now is a good time to ensure we’re getting our leafy greens, vitamin A’s, B’s & C’s. We want to ward off the flus and colds that are circulating and maintain our energy. Best way to do that? Think about healthy eating and drinking. For example, water, juice, wine and more water. Red wine also wards off those bad bugs!
2. Salt Bath-bath salts will draw out toxins from your body and relieve muscle fatigue and soreness. Throw in some essential oil while you’re at it. Rose, lavender, eucalyptus…the choices are quite extensive and they all have their own beneficial properties.
3. Keep moving-fresh air can beat the blues. The hard part is talking yourself off the couch. You’ll feel better for a brisk walk around the block though. Also, regular exercise will help you sleep better at night not to mention other health benefits. Okay, I’ll mention them: better circulation, heart strength, weight management and improved physical stamina.
4. Turn off the news-We don’t want to bury our heads in the sand but we also don’t want news overload. We know when we’ve had enough when we begin to feel powerless. Of course, you have power…you can vote. Still, there are times when the news is only cause for greater stress. Turn it off long before bed time so it isn’t the last images you see before closing your eyes.
5. Say ‘no’-remember to say no to the things that you have no interest in doing. Try not to stretch yourself too thin. With the upcoming Holiday season, people tend to get themselves in too deep with commitments be it volunteer, social, or work. It’s okay to say no. You’re worth it!
image source; Unsplash by Adrian Motroc
It’s important to take these, or your own self-care habits seriously. Especially now, with the shorter daylight hours, viruses circulating, bad news, political unrest (and hopefully upheaval), and basically nasty weather on the horizon. We need to bolster our emotional and physical health.
Aside from these five practical tips, you can treat yourself to new, cozy pajamas, bed sheets, and towels. Items that we use everyday can get worn out quickly and before we even realize it, we’re trying to dry ourselves with a threadbare towel. So, indulge in some new items that touch your skin. It can really boost your mood. Consider it a part of your self care routine. As well, I would add that periodically checking that your chakras are balanced is a good self care tactic, too.
Here’s to keeping your happiness and comfort year round.
Do share your self care tips in the comments!
Comments are closed.
Design by ThemeShift.
Richard Davis
February 26, 2019 at 7:07 amWorking all day and just sitting most of the time is not healthy. I agree that you have to keep moving and eat healthy food. This is definitely challenging to do and you really have to make this as a habit to take care of yourself. Great blog by the way and thanks for sharing this information.
-Richard
lisa
March 2, 2019 at 9:11 amI agree, Richard. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Roslia santamaria
December 20, 2018 at 2:37 amThank you for sharing informative article.
Looking forward to learn more from this blog.
Clinton Taylor
December 10, 2018 at 8:27 pmHey Auntie what about supplements? like Vega or Biosteel i stopped by Sportchek and tried the Biosteel electrolytes they tasted like juice lemon lime one just shake it in a water bottle protein shakes are good too. There is no sugar or caffeine in these to except a couple those to you want to stay away from before bed as it throws your sleep out of wack and cause temporary boost of energy but a crash landing.
in 1 week of Biosteel i felt that the mental focus and energy levels were up didn’t have that jet leg of fatigue
Krysten
December 1, 2018 at 9:47 amTurning off the news is a big one for me. I like to stay informed but I also know when it’s time to move on with my day.
lisa
December 4, 2018 at 9:45 amExactly, Krysten. That’s the way to do it.
Mabel Kwong
December 1, 2018 at 3:14 amA very timely post indeed on self-care habits as winter comes your way, Lisa. I so agree turn off the news – turn off the TV and screens and for me, turn off YouTube. So many nights I stay awake a bit longer by watching YouTube in bed…and all that time could have been some lovely sleep time 😀 Keep moving is also very important. Exercise not only helps keeps us fit but also helps us to sleep better and be more alert. I’ve also been saying no to social occasions that I don’t feel comfortable with, and spending more time at home and planning for next week and the long haul. Moments like these make me feel very much at peace 🙂
lisa
December 4, 2018 at 9:44 amMabel, sounds like you have a great self care routine and balance your life accordingly. YouTube and basically, all social media at bedtime can sneak the clock forward past midnight LOL. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Charlotte
November 14, 2018 at 10:49 amI love this so much, Lisa. Also? I have missed the ever-loving poop out of you, and it’s amazing to be back here today, in your great space 🙂
It really can be so draining and overwhelming to turn on the news and hear nothing but doom and despair. My heart aches so much for all that is happening in this country and how powerless I feel to do anything about it. I know that’s not true, but sometimes it feels that way, when I think about the CA wildfires and the idiots (well, one big idiot) running the white house. Le sigh.
Anyhoo! I have been trying more healthy eating lately, and it’s amazing what a difference it can make on energy levels (and hopefully this prevents those sickies from entering my system this time of year!). I’m sending all my love to you, Lisa, and hope you are taking good care of yourself. XO
lisa
November 14, 2018 at 4:01 pmThanks, Charlotte! It’s so nice to see you 😀 OMG, it does make one feel powerless. there’s been so much bad news! I figure if I tune into positive news, then I will feel positive…so I’m trying to notice how the news is affecting my outlook. It it’s too much, off it goes.
Good for you, Charlotte! Sending love back to ya! xo
BONJOUR RETAIL
November 14, 2018 at 4:03 amyes you are right sleep is very important
lisa
November 18, 2018 at 11:22 amYes! 🙂
Jane Thrive
November 13, 2018 at 6:10 pmYes, yes, yes! Self-care is so important and when we are busy running around taking care of our kids, spouses, coworkers, staff, bosses, friends…it’s easy to lose ourselves in the process. It’s okay to do things that fill up our hearts and minds with support and love and rest! <3 p.s. now i need to take this advice to heart. LOL. Love and hugs to you!
lisa
November 14, 2018 at 3:59 pmExactly, Jane. Fill up your heart! Take 5 and spoil yourself 😀
Christine Carter
November 11, 2018 at 7:00 amLisa, these are such great tips. I needed a refresher for this season! With the time change and the holidays around the corner, my stress bar rises high and I’m wrought with overwhelm.
I will try to stay true to doing every one of these.
Thank you!!
lisa
November 11, 2018 at 3:30 pmMe too, Chris 🙂 It’s a good time of year for a self care refresh. I hope you get to treat yourself to some relaxation and destress. xo
Shantala
November 8, 2018 at 12:13 pmI strongly agree with all those pointers. In the past I used to struggle with saying no, but I have gotten better at it, and it’s helped me a lot.
You know I also started doing Self Care Sundays, and that’s been the best thing for ensuring I keep my sanity, and recharging myself for the week ahead.
lisa
November 9, 2018 at 5:28 pmGood for you, Shantala! It took me much longer to figure that one out. Your Self-Care Sundays are a brilliant idea and hashtag!
DGKaye
November 7, 2018 at 1:13 pmExcellent tips Lis. Although I will admit, I’m a news junkie. LOL 🙂 x
lisa
November 7, 2018 at 3:28 pmHi Deb, thanks and me, too. I tend to get a bit addicted and have to find out what’s happening in the news. When the Kavanaugh hearing was on with Dr. Ford, though I had to turn it off as I realized I was getting so emotional and upset. Then…it seems like it’s all for naught. I do like to take my news in with a teaspoon of honey—that being Seth Myers 😀
DGKaye
November 8, 2018 at 4:46 pmI’m totally with you! We need that spoon of honey to help digest the horrible tasting stuff! <3
lisa
November 9, 2018 at 5:27 pmSo true, Deb! 😛
Tamara
November 7, 2018 at 10:00 amYou are incredibly right here. I need to be better about so much. Cassidy always has the news blaring, but he stands by the salt baths and also getting your body moving. I think I am getting better about recognizing the signs and doing something healthy with them
lisa
November 7, 2018 at 3:26 pm🙂 It’s hard when you’re so busy, Tamara. Your career is really taking off so it’s hard to slow it down. Yes, notice the signs and take a self-care break when you need it!
Balroop Singh
November 7, 2018 at 9:21 amThank you for the reminders Lisa! Self-care has been my favorite words since I realized ‘health is wealth’…never understood the phrase till age reminded me! So I keep gathering this wealth through walk every morning, a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit, walnuts and cereal, a lot of laughter with my grandchildren and books I like. News – only once a day just to keep in touch with the world and no unpleasant shows or movies for me. Healthy eating and exercising is the key to self-care. 🙂
lisa
November 7, 2018 at 3:26 pmHaha, me too, Balroop. I’m reaching that age where all of these things are more important than ever. When we’re young we can get away with so much! I love the ways you take care of yourself, Balroop. Spending time with children is always a blessing.
marie kléber
November 7, 2018 at 5:24 amYou are so right Lisa, we need to take care of ourselves and autumn / winter are the right times to do so. Getting some fresh air clear the mind, doing some exercise too.
I’d add getting enough sleep and cooking good and conforting meals, drinking hot beverages and reading books that make us feel good.
Have a lovely season!
lisa
November 7, 2018 at 3:24 pmYES, to all of your suggestions, Marie. Reading our favorite books can really help our spirits. These days, if I’m not enjoying a book, I DNF it. Life’s too short.
Jeri
November 6, 2018 at 6:59 pmMovement is indeed good medicine! I exercise 4-5 times a week, but I also walk my dog everyday (unless is pouring down rain, really snowy, or in the single digits). I’ll often tell myself I will skip exercising because I’m SO tired, but I’ve been at it long enough to know it’s the exercise that will do me better in the end.
lisa
November 7, 2018 at 3:23 pmYes, exactly true, Jeri. Usually a little exercise can energize us even more. Good for you!
ShootingStarsMag
November 6, 2018 at 12:01 pmLots of sleep is definitely something I need or I start to feel physically. Self-care is important to keep in mind, especially in this day and age.
-lauren
lisa
November 6, 2018 at 5:04 pmYes, sleep is the most important. I agree, Lauren. I find I go to bed earlier in the winter, too.