This is an unusual time when we are suddenly finding ourselves isolated at home and not in our normal routines. Many of you are wanting to find ways to handle stress, anxiety, and/or loneliness. As humans we all crave routine and creating a self care plan for ourselves during this time will help us stay calm, positive and healthy.
Self care is unique to each person so I recommend to start planning the basics to reduce the stress hormone to continue to over produce.
Set a consistent bedtime and wake up time. Stick to the schedule the best you can.
Increase your water intake by setting aside times to drink water and fill a glass or bottle with water to visually remind yourself.
Plan your meals and snacks to avoid being tempted to reach for the junk food.
Find a way to exercise and stretch. This could be a walk outside, using exercise equipment or resources you have at home, or following along with a virtual class.
After you have your basics in place add in ways to reduce the stress and tension already there. Mix and match ideas such as:
Hot foot soaks or a bath with epsom salts
Roll a tennis ball under your feet, microwave a rice bag for your tense shoulders, or other homework your massage therapist has suggested for you
Use essential oils in many different ways. If you are wanting to try oils for the first time I recommend Essence One products which are handcrafted in MN. Orders from their website can be shipped to your home. https://essenceone.life/
Put a hydrating mask on your dry and cracked hands you have been washing so much. This could be applying a salve such as Burt’s Bees or Vaseline and then wearing washable gloves to let it soak in.
Practice a MELT Method Hand and Foot routine daily. The MELT Method is a series of specific movements of a small rubber ball to increase circulation in your fascia(connective tissue). This increase in circulation supports the body systems to work efficiently. www.meltmethod.com
Find an outlet in art. Let go of your stress in any art medium you enjoy such as music, painting, quilting, knitting, and so many other options.
Set aside time each day to meditate or pray. If you are wanting to try meditation you could start with Letting Go of Worry and Anxiety, a YouTube video by Kristin Volk Funk of New Health Visions.
Keep a gratitude journal and write down at least 3 things once a day that you are grateful for. These short statements can be big events or something as simple as enjoying a cup of your favorite coffee. Make a goal to spend more time thinking about positive things in your life to help you let go of stress.
Are you wondering what to try? Are you looking for more resources? During this time I am available over email or by phone to discuss or research options for you so please feel free to call or send an email. I pray that everyone is staying safe and healthy and I am here to help in any way that I can.