Practicing Self-Care During These Unprecedented Times

There is a lot happening in the world right now. From the coronavirus, to the rise of unemployment, and most recently, increasing racial tensions, notably in Europe and the United States. The recent death of George Floyd has fueled nation-wide and worldwide protests, where many have come together to denounce global systemic racism and its direct and indirect consequences, and police brutality. Indeed, these are unprecedented times and they are undoubtedly going to transform the year 2020.

Many of us are feeling overwhelmed, tired, anxious, and overall, just heavy. Now more than ever, it is important that we take care of ourselves and prioritize our well-being. Below are a few ways to practice self-care.

1. Take social media breaks

Social media is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with one another, and get up-to-date information in a matter of seconds. With everything going on, many of us are spending even more time on apps such as Instagram and Twitter to share, and learn. However, it is extremely important to take breaks. We are consuming way too much information in such a short amount of time, and much of it can be triggering. Agreed, it's hard to find a balance between taking a break and making sure you're tuning in, but think of it this way: the tweets, photos, videos, messages etc will still be there when you come back from your detox. If you find it hard at first, you can start by taking breaks that last for maybe 2-3 hours, and then gradually increasing it until you find a good balance.

2. Eat well and hydrate

Another way to take care of yourself is to make sure you are prioritizing your daily meals and drinking a lot of water( a minimum of a liter a day). Too many salty and sweet foods/drinks can have negative effects on your mental and physical health. Instead, try to eat healthier/plant-based meals that will fuel and give your body good nutrients.

3. Take vitamins and minerals

To get even more essential nutrients, consider taking vitamins and minerals. The most beneficial ones for your body/immune system are: iron (helps combat fatigue), zinc (supports your immune system) and magnesium (aids in brain function and has anti-inflammatory properties).

4. Workout/go for walks

A good way to disconnect and get your body moving is to workout. This will relieve tension in your body and help boost your mood. I know gyms are closed right now but don't worry, you can definitely have a good home workout with the help of youtube videos, and fitness apps(Nike Training App is great!). Try to exercise for about 20-30 min 3-4 times a week. And as always, don't forget to stretch before and after your workouts.

Another way to get some light exercise is to walk. With summer right around the corner, you can go out to get some fresh air, and take advantage of the warm sun. Walking can also help you clear your head.

5. Meditate

Meditation is also a great way to take care of yourself, as it can help reduce stress, control anxiety, and provide a sense of peace and calmness. An app I recommend that can help you ease into it is "Headspace", it's free and has different meditation levels so if you're a beginner/would like to get into meditation, definitely check it out.

6. Rest

This is perhaps the most important tip. It is important to let yourself and your body rest. Aim to get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep. I know that can be difficult for some so if you can't, definitely try to take 1-2 short naps(max 30 min) throughout the days to make sure you are well-rested.

7. Journal

A lot has happened in just one week. A way to help you process all of that is to journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings, it'll help you release. However, I know journaling may not be everyone's thing so instead, you can find an outlet that works best for you. Good ways to express yourself and release are painting (incredibly calming), singing, or dancing.

8. Read

Books are a good way to "escape" and take breaks. I know a lot of articles and literary works around topics related to current events are being shared right now which is good, because it's helping many of us learn, and unlearn. However, I understand that a lot of them are also quite heavy so I suggest alternating between those and lighter, fun books.

9. Be kind to yourself

Don't forget to be kind to yourself. Showing yourself love is beneficial in so many ways. Some good ways to be kind to yourself include: self-forgiveness, celebrating your accomplishments, and saying positive affirmations to yourself throughout the days.

10. Talk with your friends and family

Since we are all confined, take use of this time to chat more with your friends and family. I find having Facetime/video & phone calls incredibly helpful. It's a good way to catch up and can help take your mind off of things.

I hope this was helpful.

Sending you love and light <3

Penda