Self-Care or Self-Destruction
There is so much going on in the world right now. Every aspect of our lives is in flux. The COVID-19 pandemic is still going strong, the fight for racial equality rages on, we’re heading into a presidential election and many parents and students are feeling trapped as they try to figure out what “back to school” will mean for them this year. With all this weighing on our shoulders, minds and hearts each day, it’s easier than ever to accidentally find ourselves on a path of self destruction. Real, powerful self-care has never been more necessary.
It’s important to create opportunities for self-care and rest to recharge your power, for your own sake and for your loved ones, your work and your society. We recognize it can be challenging to take time to figure out what self-care strategies work best for you. That’s why we asked our community of entrepreneurs what self-care rituals have been most essential to them during these unprecedented times, and created this inspirational list of our favorite strategies for revolutionary self-care.
Ease physical tension: Your body and mind are inextricably linked. When you’re not feeling your best mentally or emotionally, it shows up as physical symptoms, and when you’re not physically feeling your healthiest, it can take a toll on you mentally. So take time to relax by releasing any physical tension you’re feeling by getting a massage, going to the chiropractor, using a shakti mat, taking a hot bath, getting a good night’s sleep, or spending a few minutes stretching.
Exercise mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful practice that helps center yourself, focus your thoughts, and ease stress. Like most things, there is no one way to practice mindfulness. Meditation, focused breathing breaks and this 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding activity are some of our community’s favorite practices. It can even be as simple as reminding yourself that things are going to take longer or be more difficult for you right now, which is perfectly ok. Do what you love: Passion is powerful! Doing something you love is a great way to reinvigorate yourself. Whether that’s reading a new book, creating some art, luxuriating in your favorite new face mask, napping, playing a game, petting your furry friend or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, even a few minutes of doing something that brings you joy can completely shift your energy.
Do what you love: Passion is powerful! Doing something you love is a great way to reinvigorate yourself. Whether that’s reading a new book, creating some art, luxuriating in your favorite new face mask, napping, playing a game, petting your furry friend or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, even a few minutes of doing something that brings you joy can completely shift your energy.
Create a routine for yourself: When it feels like everything is changing and beyond our control, it can be comforting to have a routine to rely on. Even if it’s as simple as listing out what order you do things to get ready in the morning.
Be active: Your physical health is just as valuable as your mental health. However you like to exercise, try to spend time each day or week to move your body. Getting outside and into nature can be extra rejuvenating, especially if there’s summer sunshine to bask in!
Make time for meals: When you have a lot on your plate work wise, it’s easy to feel the pressure to check off items on your to-do list every waking moment, without stopping. But in reality, setting everything aside to eat a meal or finish a cup of your favorite drink will only benefit you and your work. You fully deserve those five minutes it takes to finish your cup of coffee or the 30 minutes it takes to finish the sandwich you made for lunch. Give yourself those few quiet moments to nourish your body and recharge before taking on whatever the rest of your day entails.
Connect with other humans: Everyone, introverts and extroverts alike, needs some level of connection and socialization––the isolation of quarantine and social distancing has made that clearer than ever. While COVID-19 is still preventing large gatherings, there are so many other ways to connect with each other. Invite a friend for a socially distanced walk, send someone you love a piece of snail mail to brighten their day, hop on a phone call or send a text message or email. Your friends need you just as much as you need them.
Let loose: The world is kind of bonkers right now so why not just embrace the crazy for a few minutes and let loose the best way you know how? Dance like nobody's watching, dance on your own, with your kids or while holding paws with your pet. Star in your own private concert and sing your heart out to your favorite jams while you get ready for the day. Or when you’re feeling particularly frustrated, go sit in your car and scream it out for a few minutes before returning to your daily tasks.
You have important work to do, but the best way to take on the world is when you’re at your most powerful. Self-care is an act of self-awareness and self-love, not just some nonsense wellness trend. It’s a vital part of staying healthy and focused, which is essential to thriving during two pandemics (COVID-19 and systemic racism); so avoid self-destruction by trying out a few different self-care strategies and find what works best for you.