It’s fair to say 2020 has not exactly been easy, and many of us are feeling uncertain or stressed about the future. In fact, since the outbreak of Coronavirus, 84.9% of adults have reported they’ve felt stressed as a result of the pandemic. But rather than resign to the stress, there’s loads of things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and taking any time you can for self-care is massively important, especially now.
To help celebrate #SelfCareWeek, we wanted to share our top self-care tips meant to inspire your health and wellness anytime — while enabling you to feel less stressed and more resilient in anxiety-ridden days like these.
Work It Out
Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, or a virtual workout, exercise encourages the body to release endorphins which counteract the release of cortisol. Getting outside in the fresh air not only clears the airways, but a daily dose of Vitamin D supports the body’s natural mood regulating system.
Remember – You Are What You Eat
A balanced diet can reduce the physical effects of stress. Start the day with a warm bowl of porridge to boost levels of serotonin, a calming chemical found in the brain; incorporate foods rich in Vitamin C for their immune-boosting properties; and stock up on leafy greens full of magnesium to compound the effects of stress.
Relax Your Mind & Prioritise Sleep
Sleep is our body’s natural healing process and it’s a powerful tool to help reduce stress. However, when we’re stressed, achieving a good night’s sleep can feel impossible. Valerian root-based remedies such as Kalms Night can be used to promote a refreshing and restful night’s sleep, whilst Kalms Day help to relive stress.
Write it Down
Try taking time at the end of each day to write down how you feel. Offloading thoughts in this way can help slow down your thinking and clear your mind. Writing down the things you are grateful for can also relieve stress by focusing your thoughts on what’s positive in your life.
Connect with Others
Feeling connected to other people is important. It can help you to feel valued and confident about yourself and can give you a different perspective on things. If you can, try to spend some time connecting with friends and family – even a text or phone call can make a difference.
Find What Works For You
Ultimately, self-care is all about protecting your mental health, this means a relaxation technique that works best for you. As well as the techniques mentioned above, self-care could also be reading a book, practicing meditation, or taking a long warm bubble bath to soothe the body and mind.
