COVID positive cases, restrictions, lockdown, work from home, work from office, vaccine, no vaccine, deaths all these are like bricks hammering away at a young professional especially those suffering with anxiety and /or depression. What can you do to help refocus?
We have all heard the term “self-care” buzzing around, especially in these unprecedented times. The images that are normally shown relating to this include indulging in beauty products, food, or shopping. Even though these are some popular examples of what self-care can be, there are more practical ones that can be used in our day-to-day lives.
Self-care is defined as anything that an individual can do to take care of themselves so that they can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well. Moreover, it has been reported by researchers that self-care promotes positive health outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer, and becoming better equipped to manage stress.
Another point of view on self-care is that it is a term used for activities and practices that we can engage in on a regular basis to lower stress and increase our health and well-being. It is any activity to alleviate stress. It should be noted that, self-care is not selfish, it is necessary! And it is not all just taking trips and getting pedicures!
As a young adult, it is important that you not drive until your tank is empty, but rather to refuel ever so often by looking out for and caring for yourself. Self-care will not work for you if it becomes a task or a chore. You can always switch to a different type of self-care when a previous one becomes too onerous to plan or execute. The type of self-care you choose, should be something that reenergizes you. This could be hiking, going for a walk, swimming, baking, reading a novel, completing a puzzle or even knitting. Start with something you love to do! If you don’t know what it is you love to do, then start by trying a different activity on each occasion to discover what brings you real happiness!
Here is a checklist of five (5) areas that if monitored could help with your self care:
1. Physical
According to an article by Newport Institution, amid our busy schedules, it is easy to lose touch with what we need on the most basic level in physical self-care. Sleep and nutrition are essential pillars of health and wellness. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves the simple question: Am I getting enough rest and nourishment? Then look at how we can adjust our schedules or our choices to improve our sleep and eating habits.
In essence, think of how you start your day. It may be helpful to practice five minutes of meditation before you begin your day to get yourself in the right mindset. If you prefer to be more active, spend five minutes writing a list of things on your mind for the day and prioritize what needs to be done above those that can wait.
Moving our bodies is particularly important. It is good for our physical health, and it also benefits our mental health. In fact, exercise increases the body’s production of endorphins which is the brain’s “feel good” hormone.
2. Psychological
The mind is central to an individual’s outlook on life. As it relates to psychological self-care one of the practices that can be put in place is unplugging for a while. By reducing screentime and just enjoying the quietness or stillness that this affords you could significantly reduce your stress levels. Another option is to carve out time to practice a hobby or develop a hobby that you can immerse yourself into and that will rejuvenate your mind.
3. Emotional and Social
Be in touch with your emotions by participating in activities that encourage you to share your feelings. One such activity is spending time with loved ones be it family or friends. This will allow you to express your feelings in a safe space and have meaningful dialogue. While adhering to COVID-19 protocols plan trips and have fun with each other through games or other means.
4. Spiritual
Be in touch with an element that anchors you. This can be done through meditation or prayer as well as by finding meaning in something that you have a passion for.
5. Professional
Spend time refining the elements that encapsulate your professional life. These may include organizing your workspace, learning new skills or improving on your existing skills. Be sure to balance this endeavour well, so that you prevent burnout.
As young professionals, we should if we have not already thought of self-care. We should start thinking about what it looks like to us. Some persons may put off self-care indefinitely thinking there is no time for it, or it is not really for them. Self-care is for everyone. There are always ways to be creative in finding what works for you given the time you have. When you are on a plane and the flight attendants are going through the safety protocols, they tell you that if the oxygen masks are deployed you must put on yours before you help others put on theirs.
We must adopt this approach in our daily lives to be able to give fully in all areas of our lives. Self-care fuels us to be present with our work, families, and passions.
Written by PE Shauna McLeod
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