Times have been tough for most people during the global pandemic. With rates of depression and anxiety up all over the world, one great way to take care of yourself is to remind yourself you’re not alone and to make a vow to invest in yourself through self-care.
If you’ve been struggling with feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, or sadness during the pandemic, you’re far from alone. The great news is that there are many ways you can help yourself begin to feel better. For four self-care ideas to consider, read on.
1. Support Groups of Peers
The global pandemic has caused many people to feel isolated. The great news is that the internet gives most people the opportunity to stay connected. In joining a group like Pipetree for moms that discusses ways to spend more time with the family or ideas to treat yourself in the new year, you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends and talk about things that interest you.
Maybe you’re a single man who just graduated from college and feeling isolated as you begin your career. There are groups out there for you, too. Consider a hobby or special interest and try a simple Google search for a social group in your area. While activities may be restricted or limited to the internet, for now, making those connections will still help out when it comes to feeling lonely.
Perhaps it’s been a year since you’ve seen family or friends and the Zoom calls have slowed down. Think about reaching out to family members and beginning to make plans for when the pandemic ends. With signs of numbers slowing down, you might just be able to end your time at home sooner than you think. Having those plans now might give you hope.
2. A Closer Connection to Religion or Spirituality
In the same way that you’ll want to give yourself the gift of connection and support with loved ones and new friends, it’s important to maintain your relationship with your higher power as well. If you haven’t been able to get to church, have fellowship, or even been able to concentrate long enough to focus on the meaning of the universe, it might be time to reconnect with your spiritual self.
Regardless of your belief system, and even if you don’t have a specific higher power at all, maintaining a connection to our basic values and beliefs is important to our sense of self. Perhaps you’re someone who has a tradition of ordering new bibles or giving envelopes every year. Maybe the pandemic hasn’t allowed you to volunteer at church or attend religious rituals. One way to gift yourself with a spiritual reset is to consider products that speak to your religion or beliefs. Think about getting a new bible anyway. Watch worship and services on video. Meditate to playlists. Find a podcast that helps you to question or remember your beliefs. Any of these activities just might help your overall mental well-being.
3. A Good Night’s Sleep
Few would argue that a good night’s sleep is critical for a healthy mind and body. Make sure your sleeping arrangements are optimal as a fantastic gift to yourself. A new California King mattress could make a huge difference in your daily energy levels and focus. New pillows, sheets, and even bedroom lighting could add up to you feeling more rested, too.
4. Trending Self-care Products
Many people are having great luck with CBD products. Growing quickly in popularity, these all-natural products are said to help with pain, sleep, and even signs of aging. If you’re looking for better focus, help with insomnia, or the ability to relax, you might want to look into a CBD product that works for you. CBD products come in a variety of forms and flavors from tinctures and oils to creams, capsules, and gummies. Taking the time to research these products could be the best thing you do for yourself this year.
At the end of the day, there are no wrong answers when it comes to self-care. The first step is in telling yourself you deserve it and taking some time out to figure out what self-care methods or products might work best for you. Eventually, the pandemic will be over. You could come out of it with new habits and routines that make you more energized and healthier. Take the time now to make a list of self-care promises to yourself.
Leave a Reply