2020 has been a year unlike any other, no doubt about it, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to end this fall. With the world still in the grips of the pandemic, and cases only set to rise over the next few months during flu season, taking the time to look after ourselves and those around us has never been more crucial. While significant progress has been made, such as the $1 million contribution to expand medical care to homeless people to help treat Covid-19, as highlighted by Cynthia Telles, we still have a long way to go. But even though it’s easy to feel a bit helpless, sometimes the perfect place to start is with yourself, with self-care being more important than ever.
Even though fall is set to look a little different from last year, that doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy it and change our self-care routines to transition alongside the seasons with these four tips.
Check-in with yourself
Find a few quiet minutes every day, either in the morning or in the evening, once you’ve finished work, to check-in with yourself, and honestly address how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the endless amount of news and information constantly being thrown our way, especially if we are currently working from home and generally spending more time indoors than ever. That’s why addressing how you are is the first, healthy step to determining what you need, whether that be a call with a friend, a soak in the tub, or an autumnal walk outside.
Practice your baking skills
Cooking and baking is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself that doesn’t involve sitting in front of a screen. Not only that, but you get a yummy treat at the end of all of your hard work - what better incentive is there? Fall is a great time to try out some delicious and filling new recipes such as an autumnal apple or pumpkin pie, cinnamon cookies, or spiced ginger muffins. You can share with friends and family after, or enjoy during a cozy evening in.
Go for an autumn walk
Going on a walk has been proven to put you in a better mood and give you a burst of energy, almost instantly. And what better time to go for a stroll then during colorful fall? Take photos of the seasonal changes around you and collect some colorful leaves and chestnuts to decorate your home with. Or if you feel like you need something a bit more intense, plan a weekend hike somewhere local to get your heart pumping, legs moving and endorphins going.
Invest in some light therapy
There is a reason why we feel better during the spring and summer months when the days are longer and lighter. We need light signals to keep our energy and serotonin levels up, so as the darker and longer nights slowly start to creep in, many people might start to feel a bit down, fatigued or even experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Investing in a Lumie light or similar lightbox that mimics the sun’s rays, without the harmful UV, could be the perfect way to combat this drop in energy during fall and give you, and your well-being, a much-needed boost. Not only this, but the light will help you to wake up easier in the mornings and put you in a better mood overall.
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