Amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, one of the best things you can do for yourself and others, is to be even more on top of your health and well-being.
Here’s a list of the top 10 self care practices I’m committed to right now. Steal these. Or be inspired by them, and go create your own.
#1 – Hydrate like a mofo.
Trick yourself into it, if necessary. Plant refillable water bottles around the house. Program reminders into your phone every hour. Do whatever it takes. (Bonus – the more you drink, the more you pee, and the less time you spend sitting for too long!) I drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and then sip ice water throughout the day.
#2 – Don’t eat like an asshole
We’re all different, so do what works for you, just don’t eat like an asshole 🙂 Think of food as fuel and medicine. I like shooting for an 80/20 ratio. (80% real whole foods and 20% whatever I want.) This helps me stay healthy, while still enjoying life because #balance.
#3 – Move your body
Keep it simple. Do what you enjoy. Go running, do online yoga, have dance parties. Need ideas or inspiration? Ask your fit friends who love working out for ideas. (I’m happy to help. Ask me anytime.) I do Crossfit workouts with my husband in the garage every day and it keeps me feeling Beyoncé-level fierce both physically and mentally.
#4 – Get fresh air daily
Step outside at lease once or twice a day and breathe. Deeply. It matters. Honor the primal need in you to connect with Mother Earth by going outside. I’m an introvert and work from home, so sheltering in place is easy for me, but I know I still need fresh air, so I get my ass outside. Nothing clears my mind like some cold fresh air and a brisk walk.
#5 – Explore breath work
Ever since being introduced to holotropic / shamanic breathing at Rythmia, I’ve been marveling at the power of it. It’s a whole vibe, y’all. We’ve been doing weekly, and sometimes daily, breath work and holy crap it’s an amazing way to release trapped emotions, move energy, and heal all kinds of stuff. The Wimhoff method is also a good, simple starting place if you want to explore what’s out there.
#6 – Get some damn sleep
When you’re sleep deprived, everything else gets harder. Make it a priority to get enough rest. Seriously. Train the people in your world to know you value sleep and ask them to respect your boundaries, where possible. Personally I try to always get at least 7-8 hours a night, and ideally more like 8-9.
#7 – Do the inner work
Your mental health is extra important right now. Choose the mindfulness and personal development practices that resonate with you and make them consistent. This changes evvvvverything! I personally do a morning ritual most days, which includes gratitude, meditation, affirmations, visualization, journaling on goals and desires, and usually a mini dance party! I also do “positivity brainwashing”, i.e. listen to empowering books and podcasts throughout the day.
#8 – Consume your media mindfully, not mindlessly
Some of us are more sensitive than others to watching the news and scrolling social media. Be mindful of how you feel when you do it. If you’re sensitive like me, consider limiting it to small doses. Balance out your news and social scrolling with something uplifting before and after. Think of it as a positivity sandwich. 🙂
#9 – Process your emotions
Bottling up your emotions is NOT healthy or helpful. Process them. Feel them. Talk them out. Journal them out. Cry, dance, laugh, or scream into a pillow. It’s SO important to move that energy. (As long as you do it in a safe way that does not harm you or anyone else.) I do all of the above, frequently. The fastest way to move past your difficult emotions is to move through them.
#10 – Connect with your people
In this time of isolation, human connection is more important than ever. Call your parents, text your friends, set up virtual coffee dates and dance parties. Tell your people that you love them. Ask for support. Staying connected to my inner circle has been extra helpful for me the last few weeks. We can practice physical distancing, while still prioritizing emotional and social connection from afar.
And for extra credit,
#11 – Laugh your ass off
Laughter truly is the best medicine sometimes. And it’s a great way to move energy and emotions! Find shows and movies that make you laugh HARD. Not to escape, per se, but more as an intentional way to shift gears and bright some lightness into your day.
Take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Do it for you. Do it for them. Do it for all of us. It matters. You matter.
GREAT advice – all 11 ! Thanks <3