Fall is in full swing! The air is crisp, and the leaves are changing colours. Apple picking and baking pumpkin pie become a common activity and Christmas is only a couple of months away. For us, it’s also a time to slow down a little and get some much-needed self-care in before the hustle of the upcoming holidays.
Self-care is all about taking the time to do things for yourself, both physically and mentally. Despite the struggles we’ve all been faced with because of Covid-19, there are still plenty of ways for you to practice self-care, grow as an individual, and improve your overall mental wellness.
Here are some of our favourite ways to practice self-care while still respecting all health & safety guidelines related to Covid-19.
1. Unplug for a day
Taking time for yourself or to focus on what’s going on around you can do wonders for your mental health. Maybe you’ll pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read or maybe you’ll learn or perfect a skill, like budgeting (we can hope!!).
2. Make a list of things you're thankful for
Especially now! It can be hard to think of positives when all around us things are chaos. We’ll start, we’re thankful for our health, a roof over our head & a solid savings plan.
3. Check out new hiking trails
Getting outside is still an option – at least for a little while longer. With winter on the horizon getting out and exploring the outdoors is not only a great way to relieve stress, but for all of us working from home, it gives us a change of scenery. Taking the time to get dressed and get out of the house can be an instant mood booster!
4. Try new vitamin D rich foods
Spicing up your usual menu at home is a great way to show yourself some love. Vitamin D rich foods like salmon, mushrooms, or fortified orange juice are perfect for this time of year since the amount of time we’re in the sun is decreasing as the days go on. Working from home has also limited the amount of time we’re getting outdoors so introducing some vitamin D rich foods into your diet can be a (yummy) solution.
5. Take up meditation
Taking care of your own mental health can sometimes be challenging. But it’s so important that you do. Achieving mental wellness for you may mean securing a job with a robust pension & benefits plan enabling you to visit the chiropractor, massage therapist, or dentist regularly while saving for your future. It might also mean taking time each day to meditate and be alone with your thoughts to calm your mind. With everything that’s going on in today’s world, taking time for yourself is just as important as taking care of everyone else.
6. Travel virtually
By now it’s likely we’re all getting the travel bug & itching to get back out into the world. While those kinds of travel plans are still on hold, there is another way you can simulate the experience. Thanks to the internet, you can find images, videos, and more recently drive-thru and virtual tours of all sorts of historical landmarks, museums, beaches, and even space. It isn’t the same as being there in person, but at least with this way you can say you’ve travelled to space!
Improving and taking care of your mental health during this unprecedented time isn’t impossible and in fact, is very necessary. Whether it’s the weight of your financial or employment situation on your back, the lack of socialization with your peers, or trying to balance work and home life, taking time for yourself and your personal mental health should be a priority.
If you have questions about your financial wellness, speak with an expert from Lennox Financial today.