Everyday Self-Care Practice

Having discussed what Self-Care is and it's types in my last blog post, let move to discussing how to carry it out effectively. 

 

Most of us would agree that 2020 was a long year, which you probably lost track of your routines. Although 2021 might be off to a rocky start because of school resumption and the second wave of COVID-19 Pandemic, however, it’s a good time to take inventories of how you can improve your daily rituals and prioritize Self-Care. 

 

Are you returning to the office/school? Adjusting to a changing work-at-home schedule? Preparing to start virtual classes?

The changes that come with the start of the school year, the transition add new stressors to our lives — whatever situations you face at home and school.

 

You can take steps to manage these changes with the  emotions that might arise. When you follow a regular plan to take care of yourself, you are better equipped to handle stress, avoid burnout, and help your family and friends cope with any changes to daily life the pandemic may throw your way. 

 

Studies have shown that there is a psychological benefit to self-care. “Grooming is important for human behavior because it makes us feel better and it boosts our self-esteem,” said Dr. Amy Wechsler, a New York-based psychiatrist and dermatologist. “When people are stressed, they stop doing their routines. Routines are important. They give us a sense of control, and right now people feel really out of control. Little ways to give you back the feeling or semblance of control are helpful.” 

 

For starters, maintain your skincare regimen. “A few minutes in the morning, a few minutes in the evening. It helps ground a lot of people.” 

 

 

 

Everyday Self-Care Practice 

Irrespective of the period we are in, constant Self-Care practice is very important. Let look at the suggestions below. 

1. Skin Care  

For starters, maintain your skincare regimen. “A few minutes in the morning, a few minutes in the evening. It helps ground a lot of people.” 

 

Keeping up a routine through this period is really vital, but it’s about connecting with yourself. That’s when you’ll feel calmer, grounded and connected. Having a modified beauty routine that makes you feel good, makes you feel connected but doesn’t feel like a chore is critical. It’s also important to get ready for yourself, not for others. 

 

• I think skincare or beauty products that enhance the way you feel or the way that you look really help you achieve self-respect because you feel like you’re taking care of yourself. So, it's left to you to decide which beauty product and routine works for you, then stick to it. 

 

• There a few things you need to keep handy any where you go, work or school, a spray bottle of rose water to keep your face moisturised especially during this dry season, a lip balm to keep your lips from drying out, a nose mask and a hand sanitizer to keep your hands free of germs and protecting you from COVID-19. 

 

2. Meditation 

I do my skin treatment while I meditate because it takes time. You feel refreshed. YouTube is there to safe the day with various free meditation videos. I think a lot of people don’t meditate because they feel like they don’t know how to do it, or they try to sit still and they just can’t because they have so many thoughts or distractions or whatever. It’s just about sitting still. Even if you don’t get into a deep unconscious meditative hypnosis, it’s still healthy to sit still and try to get even just a moment of being present. 

 

3. Stay Active 

This is one of those periods when you need to keep your body active, it's both good for our physical and mental health. You don't have to stress yourself up with rigorous workouts, just take it slow and steady or better still go for yoga or dancing cardio or jogging. Try concerntrating and put off all disturbing thoughts, just exercise, trust me you will love how relieved you will be when you are done. Mind you, it doesn't have to be daily or for a long time, a little as 5 - 10 mins to 3-4 days in a week goes a long way. 

 

 

4. Make a Homemade Meal 

Good nutrition is always important, but during stressful times there’s nothing better than a tasty, healthy homemade meal – especially if you made it yourself. You could ask a friend or family member for their fave recipe, or check out YouTube for new recipes. 

 

For many people it may be challenging to get some ingredients at the moment. If you’re running low or not able to get certain things, it’s totally fine to keep it really simple. You could also get creative with substitutions or Google ‘[ingredient] substitute’ for ideas. 

 

 

5. Declutter for Five Minutes 

If you’re suddenly spending a lot more time at home, it can help to have an environment that feels good to you. Instead of getting all messy and trying to overhaul your whole space in a day, try decluttering for five mins a day. Pick a shelf to start with, or pick up five things and find a home for them. 

 

6. Watch or Read Something Lifting 

Distraction can be a good thing. Watch something that you find uplifting and allow yourself to zone out from what’s going on in the world.  

 

YouTube, Netflix or Showcase is a great option. If reading is more your thing, go to your bookshelf and choose an old favourite or something you’ve been meaning to get to for a while, or if you don’t have physical books then e-books are a great option. 

 

7. Make a Music Playlist or Listen to Something Lifting 

Music can make us feel so much better. Hop on Spotify and make a playlist with your fave songs. You could make a group playlist and ask your friends to add five of their favourite songs as well. If you want to get fancy, you could make several playlists for different moods/vibes (e.g. rainy day, feeling happy, etc.). 

 

If you prefer something educative, listening to audio books or lectures might be the best option. 

 

If you are a Muslim, listening to the Holy Qur'an, especially surah Baqarah can be everything you need, along side Qunuts, Nasheed and Ruqyah. 

 

8. Learn Something New 

Have you wanted to get into drawing or digital marketing or graphics design. Now’s a great time to make a start. If you want to learn a new language, Duolingo is an awesome free language learning program you can access from your computer or phone. YouTube has great free online tutorials for pretty much everything. 

 

9. Check Out and Help Others 

One of the very important ways to ease Self-Care practice is to lift others up. Check up on your family and friends. Get to know how they are doing and how you can help them out of whatever situation they are in. Have fun and plan activities together under the COVID-19 guideline. 

 

In turn all of this will help you relieve stress and think less of your problems. You get to know you ain't alone and you have a support system. 

 

 

Vary your self-care practice. Follow uplifting social media channels or try activities and exercises from a free app, your local cable TV provider, or one of these free sites: 

 

Fitness Blender: Free workouts for every fitness level 

Insight Timer meditation app 

Positively Present 

Yoga With Adriene: Yoga exercise 

Amanah fitness: Modest muslimah fitness 

Your view: On TVC, get to know about life happenings and hear different thoughts about it. 

 

 

Put Life In Perspective 

Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Breathe again. Repeat. Do it often, whether you are at an office desk or class/lecture room or sitting at the kitchen table. 

 

Remind yourself that we will overcome the pandemic and whatever challenge you are facing at the moment. Remember that we are all in this together. 

 

If you are religious, lean on your faith. Prayer is very powerful. 

 

Feel gratitude and show it. Share what you’re thankful for with your family and friends. 

 

Finally, remember that it’s OK to have fun and be silly. Family game nights or laughter with friends via video/voice call or in a socially distant meeting can relieve stress and bring everyone closer together. 

 

If it’s all getting a too much to take in… 

Sometimes things can get overwhelming, even if you’ve been practising self-care. See a therapist ASAP or someone you trust enough to understand and help you out. 

 

 

Is there any other type of Self-Care practice you do that aren't listed here? Let me know in the comment section below 👇