Self Care for Summer
Woohoo for lighter evenings, longer days and more sunshine! We should all be feeling excited and happier about the coming summer months. Unfortunately Covid has done a real number on our overall mental health and wellness this last year.
Maybe you're suffering anxiety, loneliness, fear, loss of income or even grief. Whatever is happening with your health its hugely important to keep a check on your overall mental health alongside your physical health.
Burnout for some is real and can be hugely detrimental to all of us.
Remind yourself that everything you feel is normal and allow yourself to know it’s okay not to feel okay.
Our emotions are valid and allow us to process through whatever situation we find ourselves in.
As if a full on pandemic isn’t enough to worry about, add in the pressure of being in lockdown which leads to acute social isolation, disconnection and fatigue.
On the bright side there are some simple ways to support your wellbeing and feel better and more positive about the future.
Always have a solid daily routine
Perhaps a walk with friends or a call to family. Uncertainty is one of the biggest anxiety creators and having regular planned events can steady the ship as far as our minds are concerned.
Be gentle with yourself
In this current situation try and not pile the pressure on to achieve too many goals, be thoughtful about what you can get done and do this. Can’t face another zoom call with friends? Perhaps leave a voice note instead. Try being more compassionate with yourself and support yourself as you would a friend.
Daily pockets of joy
Add lovely unadulterated moments of happy into your calendar, a long hot bath with candles, cuddle your pet or maybe watch TV or a film with your friend whilst chatting. Having things to really enjoy or look forward too are paramount.
Ask for help
Don't be ashamed to seek help when you need it, everyone needs support from others. There is no shame and it's the brave choice. Reach out to a friend, family member or a GP.
Mood food
Try a gorgeous happiness packed breakfast, overnight oats with porridge, seeds, berries and bananas. All choca block full of mood boosting goodness. Eating vegetables and fruit is also linked to lower rates of depression too.
Snack on some dark chocolate, it’s rich in compounds that can increase feel-good chemicals in your brain.
Focus on your breathing
Practice calming breathing when the moments of overwhelm strike, breath deep from the lower abdomen as this can reduce blood pressure, lower your heart rate and reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
Spread some kindness
Make an effort to help someone or show support to others. There is evidence to say that the fastest way to be happier is to help someone else. It cultivates the love hormone oxycontin when we show kindness, so spread the love and you’ll really start feeling the benefit. Maybe send a friend a card, leave a kind note for a delivery driver, donate to a charity or maybe a food bank. It’s been reported that this type of thing can lower your blood pressure and support your immune system.
Things are on the up, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Better days are coming and so is the sunshine!