With Self-Care
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By Danielle Eisenberg, LCSW
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During these trying times, when the world seems so out of control, it can be helpful to focus on things that are in your control to make your days better. Here are some helpful tips:
- Start your day an hour earlier. This way your normal rhythm is in sync (as you should try to wake up with the sun if you can, which will help you sleep better at night). An extra hour will help you set aside time for self-care. Tip: If needed, put your alarm clock/phone further away so that you have to get up to turn it off.
- Drink a glass of water (or two). The benefits of water are endless. Water helps you lose weight by kick starting your metabolism, reduces inflammation in your body, boosts brain function, helps immunity, eliminates toxins, and nourishes your skin. Water also reduces fatigue and gives our bodies the natural energy that it needs. Hot water is also known to relieve stress and improve circulation.
- Write down 3 things you are grateful for and thank God for them. Gratitude is a great way to boost your mood, focus on the good in your life, and make you aware of a different, better perspective. There is no better way to start your day than in prayer, asking Jesus for help, guidance, and strength.
- Write down one goal that you would like to accomplish today. We often try to accomplish more than is realistic. Keep your goal short and manageable, so that when you complete it you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. It can be something as small as getting your laundry done or making a phone call to a friend to catch up.
- Meditating for 10-30 minutes will help your autonomic nervous system feel centered and calm, slowing you down so you can stay in the moment and set intention. You can find morning meditations on You-Tube, or use the app Headspace, or Calm.
- Stretching exercises, light yoga or pilates practiced for just 10-20 minutes is a great way to help stiff joints and inflammation, making you feel lighter and in less pain. “Calm body=Calm mind”. The mind-body connection must be balanced for you to feel your best.
- Exercise– even a short 10 minute walk will do. This gets your body and mind ready to start the day, and also gives you a boost of energy and serotonin (the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters our body needs for pleasure).
- Eat a healthy breakfast. What we put into our body greatly impacts how we feel. Don’t skip breakfast as this can cause blood sugar levels to drop which can cause spirts of anxiety throughout the day.
- Read the Bible, devotions, prayers, or spend time reading a chapter in a book or magazine you enjoy. If there’s no time, audible books are always a great option.
- Plan your day. It will help you feel in control, focused and on top of things.
- Take a shower, get dressed, and start your day!
