Poor stress management can have devastating effects on one’s focus, cognition, and long-term health. The importance of practicing self-care in these trying times cannot be overstated. As women tend to carry the invisible load of family life, intentional self-care practices are essential for health and happiness.
Self-care shouldn’t be reserved for monthly “me time” escapes or expensive trips to the spa (as nice as those are). Self-care is something that should happen every day and be incorporated into our routines.
Here are five self-care tips for relaxing at home.
Make Time for Meditation
People who don’t meditate often scoff at the idea. There’s a lot of misconception about meditation as a “woo woo” activity that’s best left to yogis and that one coworker who wears crystals and calls in sick when there’s a full moon.
However, meditation is about freeing your mind and quieting all the chatter. It opens up space for you to reconnect with your creativity and purpose. Meditation also contributes to better sleep, so you feel ready to take on the day (find more info).
Meditation doesn’t have to include humming or bells. The idea is disconnecting from the world around you and letting thoughts come and go. You can do walking meditation or sit and sip a soothing drink outside while considering the world around you.
Limit Mindless Scrolling
Mindless scrolling or doom scrolling is the act of falling down the rabbit hole on social media. Most people are unaware of how much time they spend scrolling throughout the day. Looking at your screen time will provide insights into how much time you’re wasting with doom scrolling.
Avoid this activity by putting your phone out of sight and out of mind or setting daily app limits. Excessive social media use correlates with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, light exposure in the evenings can disrupt circadian rhythms and negatively impact your sleep hygiene.
Find Your Flow
For some people, relaxing looks like time spent curled up with a book or having a hot bath. For others, the thought of sitting still for too long is stressful. If you’re someone who prefers to be engaged in an activity, find your flow with a hobby or practice that brings you joy.
Your form of self-care at home might be baking bread or cooking a new meal while listening to a podcast. Some people find cleaning and listening to music relaxing. The goal is to do something engaging that resonates with you.
Incorporate Movement
Incorporating movement into your self-care routine is good for the body and mind. However, you don’t have to engage in high-intensity exercise to reap the benefits of movement. If intense workouts help you feel better, do them. Otherwise, there are many alternatives.
Consider gentle activities like walking, yoga, or some simple stretching exercises. Activities like cleaning also incorporate movement. If you feel like it, turn on some music and have a kitchen dance party
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