Take Good Care of Yourself!

Now, more than ever, self-care is important. It’s been a stressful year; for many of us a tragic one, and there’s more disruption, pain and angst to come, without question.

I’m not a professional in this area, but I know from personal experience, research and observation that these self-care tactics can help. This is just a list of some things to try. Not Band-Aids, but techniques and tools that can positively affect body chemistry and mood.

A little can go a long way. Try one or two. You might be pleasantly surprised!

· Spend time with your partner or a friend doing something frivolous and fun.

· Eat green and clean…several small meals throughout the day.

· Hydrate well.

· Take an on-line Yoga or Pilates class.

· Get out in nature and take a walk. (Safely.)

· Listen to some soothing music.

· Listen to some energetic and uplifting music.

· Dance around to that energetic and uplifting music.

· Curl up on the couch with a blanket and read an uplifting book.

· Do some housework. (Dishes and laundry are particularly good!)

· Take a long shower or bath. Wash your hair.

· Spend quality time with your pet.

· Write and / or draw in a journal.

· Do something unexpectedly nice and thoughtful for someone else.

· Sleep well, about eight hours in 24.

· Do some deep breathing exercises. Try them with an uplifting mantra.

· Learn to meditate.

· Do a piece of artwork.

· Watch an uplifting movie.

· Call someone you are close to and ask them how they are.

· Sing one of your favorite songs as loud as you comfortably can.

· Do some vigorous exercise. Get your heart rate up a little.

· Walking up and down stairs (safely) is great exercise.

· Light (safely) a piece of incense or a candle the smell of which you really love.

· Go for a nice drive in the country, with the windows open if you can.

· Take an online tour of an art museum or art exhibit.

· Get an annual physical. (Safely.)

· Go to the dentist and get your teeth cleaned. (Safely.)

· Go for a bike ride. (Safely.)

· Volunteer some of your time on-line for a local charity.

· Write a heartfelt thank-you note to someone for whom you feel gratitude.

Maintaining and enhancing emotional equilibrium and bandwidth at times like this is critical. If I had to choose one technique to start with, it is breathing exercises, which are well demonstrated to relax you. Trust me: they work!

Take good care of yourself!

(Original art by J.E. Hargate)