Self-Care September is Here!


Woman on swing watching sunset with Audre Lorde quote:

Self-care is one of the most important ways you can rejuvenate your mind and body. By taking a few extra moments, you can honor yourself and the hard work you do daily. Take some time today to practice self-care and give your mind and body the rest it needs.


 

1. Go for a Walk

Close-up photo of shoes walking on a wooden path

Getting your body moving, even just for a short walk with the dog, is a great way to get out of your regular space and enjoy nature and some vitamin D! According to WebMD Fitness, "Walking helps boost your mood because it increases blood flow and blood circulation to the brain and body. It has a positive influence on your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is your central nervous response system. This is good because the HPA axis is responsible for your stress response."

2. Unplug

Phone with unplugged cord lying in grass

We are constantly surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the world, whether it's in person or in our hands. Take some intentional time to put your phone, laptop, and other electronics to the side and enjoy the moment around you. You can even set screen time limits on your phone to remind you after a certain amount of time spent using an app. By simply setting some goals for spending less time surfing the web and scrolling through social media, your brain will begin to unwind. And don't forget to reduce your screentime before bed!

Another thing to practice when you unplug is looking far away. We have become accustomed to looking at screens and other objects very closely to our eyes, which causes strain. According to Eloïse Sok-Paupardin of Sage Glass, "Strenuous accommodation of the eye causes symptoms of visual fatigue such as eye pain and even migraines. Looking into the distance therefore means the eye no longer needs to accommodate and can relax the contracting pupil and ciliary muscles."

3. Journal

Blank, open journal on wooden table with black pen

There's so much hype around journaling these days, and there's some great information to back this up. One of the easiest ways to get things out of your head is to get them on paper! Keeping a journal can help you organize your thoughts, behaviors, and habits so you can track your progress or simply have a physical filing cabinet for your brain. Journaling is also a great way to practice postive self-talk, which can profoundly change the way you think about and treat yourself, and we could all use a little more positivity.

4. Spend Time with Furry Friends

Four puppies peaking over a brick ledge

Ahh yes, our cuddly companions. They're always up for playing, walking, and snuggling, but did you know that spending time with animals is a great way to improve your mental health? According to News in Health, "Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood." Even if you're not an animal lover or you don't have a pet, you can see the wildlife out your back door, walk by a dog park, or visit an animal shelter. And spending time with our little friends is a great way to build a long-lasting bond, so it's definitely a win-win!

5. Clean Your Space

Close-up photo of woman sweeping a wooden floor

Let's be honest - no one LOVES to clean. Sometimes it can feel like a lot! Having a clean physical space, though, can help clear your mental space. Cleaning can be therapeutic for some, and for others, it's simply a way to burn off some anxious energy by getting tangible results. Moreover, research has shown that having a clean space to exist in can reduce stress, help you get better sleep, and be more productive! Even if you don't have the time or energy to clean your whole home, take small steps to clean certain rooms or areas that you spend the most time in. And cleaning up the mess and germs has great physical health benefits too!

 


We know it's not always easy to take care of yourself, especially when life and work can be demanding of your time and energy. We hope you can take a few minutes to have a deep breath, a moment of peace, and some time to practice doing the things that make you feel the best.

If you're looking for a way to unwind at work, join us on Zoom on September 26 for a special presentation by Yoga Tree; A Peaceful Mind and a Healthy Immune System: Tools for Health and Happiness in the Workplace. Register on RSVP today!


 

All photos courtesy of Pexels and associated producers.

Tags: Facilitators(1) , News(1)

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