Self-care During the New Normal.

• Posted on 31 March 2020
• By jaq
• 0

Self-care can seem daunting—especially when you’re busy and trying to establish a new normal. Think about what self-care is to you. Try some of these ideas. The important thing is to focus on what you need and just do it every day.

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If you're anything like us, you've had to reinvent your regular routines since the world closed for social distancing a couple weeks ago. And you've probably surrendered to the sweet, sweet comfort of Netflix's newest hit about an unhinged, bleached blonde, pierced, tattooed, gun-toting, polyamorous, straight-man-marrying redneck, who also happens to love and collect Big Cats. There's no shame in that...maybe just a titch of shame, but, like, in a good way.

But, if you’re like us, you’ve also felt incredible pressure to use this time in an inspirationally productive way. Make All The Things! Cook All The Things! Bake All The Things! Clean All The Things! Fix All The Things! Do All The Things. So Many Things!

The uncertainty of, well, everything does bad things to our mental health. It’s easy to get sucked into a vortex of All The Things and to neglect the need for self-care. Or to assume that self-care isn’t something we deserve or can accomplish. Self-care feels indulgent. Fancy, even. It really isn’t. Basic, simple ways to take care of yourself every day are essential. Take a daily walk. Sit on the porch without your phone. If you like to meditate, meditate. If you feel better after 10 minutes of sun salutations, go for it you majestic yogi. Are you a napper? Snooze away. If you feel more relaxed after a candlelit, bubble bath, soak little darling, soak.

We have some ideas to help you make time every single day to do something that fills you up.

1.  Write Notes for Future You/Your Bubble Members! Write a compliment, a list of things you’re grateful for, a favorite memory, anything that makes smiles happen.Then hide them. The finder gets to read it, smile, and then has to pause, relax shoulders, and take a couple of deep breaths.
2.  Dance Party! Whenever you need a little pep in your step, turn on your favorite tunes and shake your booty. Singing into a hairbrush, spatula, wooden spoon, or closed fist is highly encouraged.
3.  Set a Timer to Remind Yourself to Take Breaks! Don’t let yourself get burned out. Work for 45 minutes and then take a break for the rest of the hour. Get some fresh air if you can, but even if you stay indoors, walk around, drink a glass of water, stretch. Taking breaks actually increases productivity. It’s science.
4.  Maintain a Sleep Routine! The right bedtime routine is whatever you can do consistently to give yourself a great night of sleep—turn off screens, take a bath, journal, read, whatever. 
5.  Create Content Free Zones! Find a time every day to put your phone away, clear your mind, and unwind. Meal times are a good excuse to avoid the urge to multitask. Talk to your Bubble or be silent and mindful.

Self-care can seem daunting—especially when you’re busy and trying to establish a new normal. Think about what self-care is to you. Try some of these ideas. The important thing is to focus on what you need and just do it every day.

If you need help getting started, check out the Self Care Master Plan, which provides a unique-to-you framework you can use to refer to anytime you're feeling less than awesome. Think of it as your friend that's alway reminding you to slow down and make time for the things you really enjoy. We also have a lot of fun stickers and mugs that will bring a smile to your face while they remind you how awesome you are.

What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate self-care in your day-to-day? Visit us at @silverinthecity on Instagram and let us know in the comments.