Keeping Calm in a Crisis, a Guide to Self Care
When you hear the words “self care”, you might imagine tubs of bubbles and candles scented like eucalyptus. According to people trying to sell us things, treating ourselves to small moments of relaxation or buying something new is the best way to care for our bodies and minds. And while those new slippers or that coffee — and yes, even that bubble bath — might feel good for a little while, real self care means protecting your mental and physical health every day so you can face whatever challenges come your way. Caring for yourself becomes even more important during stressful periods. Having a self care plan can help.
Let’s explore ways to build real, meaningful self care into your life when life feels stressful.
Focus on the Physical
Your body and mind are connected. Managing stress is easier when your body is nourished, rested, and healthy. While it’s always important to take care of your health, it’s crucial in stressful times.
Practice good sleep hygiene to give yourself the sleep and rest your body needs. Don’t skimp on shut eye when things get hectic. Prioritize your sleep and be protective of rest and break times!
Exercise is an important tool in both reducing anxiety and improving sleep. You don’t have to do anything drastic — even 15 minutes spread throughout the day can be helpful. If you can get moving outdoors to get some fresh air and sunlight, that’s even better!
Eat regular, nutritious meals. It can be hard to focus on cooking when you’re stressed out, so don’t worry about making elaborate meals. Focus on eating regularly, getting protein and carbohydrates at every meal, and getting in a few servings of fruits and veggies. And you’ve heard it before, but… stay hydrated. If plain water isn’t your favorite, drink plenty tea, sparkling water, or any other low-sugar, caffeine-free beverage.
Reach out
Feeling overwhelmed with racing thoughts? Don’t hide these feelings. Talk to a trusted friend or family member. Schedule social activities and keep doing the things that make you feel happy. It can be tempting to isolate yourself when things feel like too much or when obligations keep you busy. Find ways to connect with friends and family frequently, either in person or virtually. And if your stress starts to feel unmanageable, consider talking to a therapist or doctor. Therapy is an important form of self care for many people and there are so many accessible ways to do it these days!
Plan
Think realistically about what you can and can’t control, and then make a plan. Even just writing down everything you need to do can help organize your thoughts and help you figure out what needs to be done right away and what can wait until later. Schedule time for breaks and activities you enjoy as often as possible. Getting things out of your head and onto paper might keep things from racing around your mind at night, too.
Nothing new for today
Keep this mantra in mind when you’re stretched thin. During stressful times, one of the best forms of self care is saying “no”. As much as possible, say no to new responsibilities or new obligations until you’re feeling more balanced. Self care means giving your energy to things that are good for you first. As the saying goes, it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup. Make sure yours is full before saying yes to new requests.
Be kind to yourself
Pay attention to the way you talk to and about yourself. Ask yourself if you would say those things to a loved one. No? Then change the way you’re talking to yourself! Self esteem is really important in how we manage our stress. Part of that comes from recognizing our strengths and abilities, and some of it comes from how we care for our bodies and minds. Taking care of your health and well-being are important parts of self care. Good self care can lead to more self-love, which then leads to more self care — and that’s a great cycle to get caught up in!
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