5 Low-Lift Ways to Take Care of Yourself
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The newscycle and world events have felt particularly dark recently, and if you’re an emotional sponge like me, your nervous system might be feeling a bit rocked or unstable.
I’m sharing five low-lift (and research based) strategies for improving your mental and physical health below.
Prioritize Sleep
I know, so obvious, but often hard to do. The bottom line is that getting consistent sleep is absolutely crucial both for physical and mental health. Commit to a baseline bedtime, banish tech from your bedroom, minimize stimulants before you tuck in, and rest up.
Get Moving
The best thing for boosting my mental health has always been getting out of my brain (it’s busy in there!) and into my body. 15-minutes of fresh air and a brisk walk can work wonders. Need a mental reset? Get out and move.
Soak in Some Nature
Nothing gives an instant sense of perspective like feeling very, very small amidst the backdrop of the natural world. You don’t have to swim in the ocean or hike up a mountain to feel the benefits. Just try unplugging and fully engaging your senses, even if that just means staring at the clouds for a few minutes or listening to the chirping birds overhead. Exhale.
Plan Your Meals
If you’re anything like me, and you tend to mainline junk food when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try prepping or planning meals and snacks the day before. Focus on fuel foods that help keep you focused and energized throughout your day. I always feel better when I eat lean proteins and lots of fresh produce, even though my instinct is to down a full pint of Ben & Jerry’s when I feel stressed or uneasy.
Focus on the Things You Can Control
If you are a control enthusiast like me it can be useful to pay attention to the things you can control - especially when the current news cycle just makes you want to curl up into the fetal position and weep.
On my list:
My attitude, mindset, and actions
My work ethic
How I spend my time
How I care for my home
What foods I consume
Who I choose to spend time with
What I read, watch, and listen to
Who I choose to give my attention to
How I spend, donate, or invest my money
Who I vote for
How I treat myself
How I treat others
Making this list and choosing to focus on the many things I can control always helps me get out of a mental spiral.
What about you? What helps you feel more grounded when things feel off-kilter?
I love the reminder of the power of making the “what I CAN control” list! Great way to reframe and move forward when feeling the inevitable spiral when things aren’t going great
I'm in a yucky place these weeks. Thanks for reminding me that I'm doing some of the right things to care for self. I have a heart condition and presently it's being a pain in the rear. Sleep is horrible, walking impossible. But I can eat well (30 different plant-based foods in 7 days), I can invite friends to sit with me and talk about books, I can drown my home in the sound of cello and jazz. I can even declutter my writing table drawer (I made that my last task because skeletons.) And I'm trying to appreciate decaf coffee. Your list of "what I can control" is good. So good that I'm going to craft my own. Being sidelined by heart disease doesn't mean I must be sidelined in life. Thanks.