For many of us adding more too our daily schedule seems way to overwhelming, and thinking about adding more to your plate seems impossible. If you’re like me and have days where life just gets crazy and you just need a little “me” time, then it is possible to get a few minutes each day to unwind and ZEN out for a bit. Adding a self care routine can have such a positive outcome to your day.
Do you ever wake up and feel completely overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done? I can attest to this, as I have felt this way far too often and more so lately. The quarantine life took us out of our normal routines and our regularly scheduled days. Life without a schedule is at times…chaotic. There are things that we can do however to cut down on feeling like things aren’t in our control and help to relieve some of the anxiety that so many of us have been feeling lately.This is where a daily self-care routine comes into play.
Ways to Implement a Self Care Routine
Below I have listed a few self-care ideas that can help with anxiety and stress and help bring you back to feeling a little more in control of things. I have tried many of these things, as I have an anxiety disorder and have had one for many years. All of these things I have found to greatly relieve and reduce some of the feelings of being overwhelmed, stressed out, and having overwhelming anxiety.
1. STICK TO A SCHEDULE
When you don’t have a proper schedule it can throw your body out of whack, and can mess with your circadian rhythm. A circadian rhythm is what helps regulate our 24 hour awake light sleep and dark cycles. Not having a regular schedule can lead to such things as weight gain, slower thinking, psychological and behavioral changes.
2. MAKE A LIST
Try making a daily list of everything you want to get done for that day. Getting into the habit of making a daily list can help plan out your day. Try not to overwhelm yourself at first, maybe jot down 3 to 5 things to start and see if you can tackle those first. Once you get into the habit of using a list, then try adding a few more things. As you work your way through them check them off as you go. You’d be amazed at how satisfying it is to see your progress written down on that little piece of paper.
3. DISCONNECT
I know this is hard for a lot of people including myself, But I promise you it is worth it. Start out small, say 20 minutes to a half hour, put your phone down. This means no social media, no text messages or checking emails. It is hard in the beginning , but it does get easier.It took me awhile, but I am definitely getting better. Try it, and let me know how it has helped you.
4. SCHEDULE SOME DAILY ACTIVITY
Take some time to get outside and find something beautiful to focus on. This can be so relaxing. You’d be amazed at what you might find. Even something small has the ability to calm you, and make you smile. Try focusing on something simple. This can be as simple as the beauty of a flower that has just bloomed , a colorful butterfly, or even focusing on the clouds and the different formations that are so amazing. What do you see? We often get so busy in our lives, that we often overlook what’s always been around us. Simple beauty. I have made this a part of my daily routine, even if some days it’s just for 5 minutes.
5. GET ORGANIZED
Why not tackle one room at a time and organize? You may not realize this, but the messier a room is, the messier our minds become. Organizing always gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus it just feels so good to have things right where you want them. Am I right?
6. MEDITATE
Sometimes taking a few minutes out of every day to sit somewhere and peacefully reflect can either jumpstart your day or bring your long day to a close. Either way meditation has so many benefits. Some of these are reducing stress and controlling anxiety. You can find many guided meditation apps. One of my favorites is the CALM app. You can also find guided meditations that are free on the Google store or Apple. Also, another great resource is You Tube. They have a lot to choose from and I have plenty of favorites as well on there as well.
GRATITUDE JOURNAL
Practicing gratitude every day can help to see some of the positive elements that are already in your life. One way to do this is by starting a gratitude journal. This is a great way to jot down your thoughts and feelings about the things that you are grateful for in your life. If you have thought about starting a journal and you need some ideas on starting one, check out my other blog post. I list many ways to implement gratitude in your life.
8. HEALTHY EATING
I have to admit, sticking to a healthier way of eating during quarantine is just downright hard. But towards the last few months I have tried to make it a point to try and find new healthier ways to eat. There are many places online to find healthy recipes and try them.
9. DO SOMETHING YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE
What makes you happy? Is there a hobby that you are into? For me, it is photography and my blog. If you don’t have a hobby, how about catching up on some reading, or watching a favorite movie? Whatever it may be, make sure you are happy doing it. Do something that gets you excited and you can get lost in. If you don’t have any ideas, try something new. You never know what that could turn into. You may find out, you’re good at something that you never thought you might be. If you love it, you’ll get lost in it and that’s a good thing.
10. SCHEDULE SOME DAILY EXERCISE
Did you know that even a short walk can help clear your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and rev up your metabolism? Exercise has so many awesome benefits. This is such a great option when you just need to destress, or clear your mind. Try taking a small walk around the neighborhood or if you’re feeling more adventurous aim for 30 minutes. Sometimes getting some fresh air and raising your heart rate can make us feel good and give us a different perspective on things.
11. NIGHTLY SELF CARE ROUTINE
Self care is so important. Why not try setting up a nightly self-care routine? If you want some tips on more nightly self care then please check out this post, where I list some easy ways to implement a self care routine to your evening . Take time for yourself, unwind and set a goal to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. This is so important to help feel your best everyday.
Finally, I hope this list gave you some ideas on ways to help make your day feel like you have more of a handle on things. In today’s, stressful world it is so easy to overlook the importance of how we take care of ourselves. I hope with my self-care series this will help you in a more positive way. Please comment below what you do to implement self-care in your daily life.
