Taking care of yourself is extremely important especially right now. Stressful situations are around us and its easy to become engulfed in the panic and not take care of ourselves properly. Im not always amazing at it, but i’m hoping to take this opportunity and extra time that I have to be aware and intentional about self care. Here are ways that I will be engaging in self care and mental wellness hopefully it helps someone else too :)

Reading:

Reading is a perfect way to focus the mind escape some of our racing thoughts. I’m still soooo terrible at reading but ill have the time and I have no excuse so I’m hoping to check off a few books off my reading list I like reading a bunch of different types books at the same time for example: a self hep book, right now its “ you are a badass”, a professional development book, “The making of a therapist” and a book for leisure “ Is there still Sex in the City”

Currently on my to read/ reread list:

A simplified life by Emily Ley

The making of a therapist by Luis Cozolino

Is there still Sex in the City by Candace Bushnell

Code name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

You are a badass by Jen Sincero

Tequila Mockingbird by Tim Federle

Moving your body:

Moving our bodies and staying active has scientific evidence to improve out mood. Working out produces the feel good chemical in bodies and is beneficial not only for our physical health but also out mental health and well being. Being someone who is not super pumped about being going to the gym regularly anyway I have been wanting to get more into home workouts. There are beyond tons of talented fitness resources, trainers, bloggers, etc who have great resources to get you grooving and moving. Pinterest is also a good place to find free workouts that you can tailor to whatever you want to work on.

A few of my favorites are

5 minute morning yoga

One song workouts

10 minute workout abs

300 (like the movie) abs

Telehealth with a therapist:

Continue taking care of your mental health, whether that means continuing to take medications ( see if you can have medications delivered), practicing self care and ways to reduce stress and anxiety ie. self care techniques and coping skills. Reach out to your current therapist and see if that is an option for you to meet with them via Telehealth, FaceTime, phone call. Most practices have a system where it is secure and compliant with Hippaa privacy standards for you to be able to talk with your therapist from your home.

Please take care of your self during this time. It is important for everyone to take care of themselves physically but also mentally. It is important to recharge, because we can’t fill from an empty glass. Those in any helping positions, first responders, emergency personnel, in the medical field, working in nursing homes and shelters and anyone who has to be out in the community working are under added stress and pressures. Thank you for your service and selflessness during these times!