Extreme self-care - make time for yourself.
If you've recently experienced loss or are going through a time
of high-stress or uncertainty, it's important that you make a
special effort to look after yourself. Here are a few things you
can do to care for yourself physically and emotionally:
Take time out. If you can get away from your usual
environment then do so. Go away for the weekend or even a day -
do something different or something you enjoy and do it just for
you.
Spend time with people you care about. Your friends and
family know you best and will be supportive and there for you.
It's wonderful how you find true friends when the chips are down.
Treat yourself. Get pampered or whatever allows you to
indulge yourself. Book a relaxing massage, get retail therapy,
savour a glass of your favourite wine or spend a whole day
reading a book.
Look after your body. At times of stress our eating
habits change. We're more likely to reach for packaged or
convenience foods. Buy fresh fruit and vegetables and provide
your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to be able to
deal with the stress. Your immune system takes a bashing under
stress so look after it as your more susceptible to illness.
Exercise. It's a great way to get those endorphins going
which can help lift your mood and as I mentioned in my
newsletter - 'solvitas perambulum' - solve it while you
walk. The rhythm of exercise and breathing gives your mind time
to think. As it's summer go outdoors and take in some sunshine
while you're at it.
Don't overdo the caffeine or alcohol. It might give you a
temporary buzz but it will affect your sleep and you need to
ensure you're getting plenty of that too.
Write it down. Sometimes it can help to write down our
thoughts and feelings on paper. It gets them out there and out
of our head and when put into black and white it can take some
of the emotion out or put them into perspective.
Do something positive. Don't indulge yourself for too
long but give yourself something to look forward to. Arrange to
go to a concert, film, theatre, a weekend away. Keep yourself
moving forward. Set yourself little tasks everyday.
Volunteer. There's nothing more uplifting that doing
something for someone else. Take yourself out of your head for a
few hours and feel the benefit of helping others.
PMA - Positive Mental Attitude. What can you learn from
this experience? Instead of focusing on the negative, what's a
positive outcome for your situation?
Relaxation - learn to relax. Whether it's doing something
like yoga, meditation or just simple breathing techniques - take
a few minutes each day to quiet your mind. (Drop me an email if
you'd like some ideas on relaxation techniques.)
Take Action. Yes, that 'A' word again. What one thing
can you do to change where you're at? Go and do it!
What's your coping mechanism? How do you deal with stress? Learn
to recognise and deal with stress before it builds up by looking
after yourself on a regular basis not just when things get too
much.
If you'd like to learn more or need support recognising and
dealing with stress then contact me directly.