Self Care
We are likely all experiencing some degree of Fatigue.
One of the most important strategies when trying to combat fatigue is self care. I know you have all probably over-heard this phrase but I assure you it is the way through times like this. When we are fatigued or even at the stage of burnout we are unable to keep giving the way in which we have been. It is our bodies responding and telling us to stop and slow down.
Self care is the act of giving back to and caring for yourself. It requires you to slow down, take a mental note of all the areas in your life that you’re giving and stripping it all the way back to bare minimum. This might seem like an undoable task but if you allow yourself to be the priority and know it means things around you might not be perfect (e.g. it might mean your kitchen isn’t cleaned perfectly before bed) it is a lot more achievable!
Self care will look different to almost everyone! What we know looks the same is that it’s not an accidental process. It is a conscious and intentional practice that honours your importance and the importance of caring for yourself.
I have shared a few examples of self care practices below but again as I mentioned this will look unique and individual to everyone:
Exercise: Outdoor walks, swimming, cycling, pilates and yoga at home. Whatever it is you enjoy and intentionally making time for it in your day (even if it means the kids are having dinner at 8pm so mum can get her evening walk in!)
Relaxation: Giving yourself a mani/pedi, face masks, hair masks, hand massage, meditation, baths, drinking herbal teas etc etc the list goes on of different activities you can do to relax and physically take care of yourself
Socialising: Seeing our friends and family - maybe try going to a dance class, or a new activity or restaurant
Cooking: This doesn’t mean cooking the dinner you need to cook this means cooking something pleasant and enjoyable to you that you feel a sense of achievement from; for example, fresh pasta, banana bread, sourdough (there’s a reason cooking these specific foods went viral online)
Media: Taking some time off social media will do you the world of good! Sit back and instead of scrolling Instagram flick through a magazine, immerse yourself in a book, listen to a new podcast or watch one of the great series on one of our many many streaming services. This is a time where experiencing another world can feel like a great break from our current reality. Know it’s okay to crave that and use one of these healthy strategies to achieve that.
Remember to take breaks or leave where you can. I know the idea of spending more time at home right now is awful but if you feel you need some distance from your work environment, always take the breaks and the leave you need. A staycation can be more rewarding and enjoyable than you think when you allow yourself to come first rather than all the “jobs” that are always, and will always be there.
I hope this gives you a few good suggestions of how you can begin to engage in self care on a daily basis. It doesn’t have to be hours a day, it can be a simple 5-10 minute activity that can really enrich your day and restore your relationship with yourself.
Stay safe & take care everyone,
Maddy