We could all use some good self-care tips, especially when it comes to anxiety inducing feelings about the unknown. Feelings of confusion and uncertainty can take a heavy toll on our mental health and well-being, and honey, these days almost every day feels like uncertain times!
If you feel alone or like your feelings are not valid, let me assure you that you are not alone. Many of us are grappling with the stress and anxiety that uncertainty and the fear of the unknown brings. This quote by Morgan Harper Nichols does a beautiful job of reiterating my sentiments.
You will not face the unknowns alone. You are not the only one on this path. There are others who share in your joys, fears, sorrows, and your audacious hope for tomorrow. –
Morgan Harper Nichols
You are not alone, and you are valid in wanting to prioritize your mental health. This is a journey that I’m on, too, when it comes to dealing with finding mindful ways to cope with things that I can’t control.
We can all benefit from some practical ways to cope and practice self-care in this journey to preserve our mental health.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 4 self-care tips to help you preserve your mental health during times of uncertainty.
1. Activate the Do Not Disturb setting on your devices.
Preserve your peace and turn on do not disturb ASAP! We know that the news, social media and people in general can be overwhelming when it comes to sharing opinions, misinformation and tons of negativity. You are not obligated to engage in the noise. In fact, I encourage you to disconnect and take some time for yourself. You can even give people a heads-up by letting them know that you will be unplugging for a certain amount of time and provide an alternative mode of contacting you for emergencies.
2. Dedicate time to do something that brings you joy… no matter how big or small it is.
If there’s anything on this list that I would say is a MUST during uncertain times, it would have to be doing something that brings you joy. Don’t second guess it. Don’t talk yourself out of doing it because of guilt or maybe even shame. Just do it! Be intentional about it and make it happen! There are no guidelines for how big or small, there are no rules for what that thing that makes you happy is. It’s all on you to choose and all about carving out a moment of joy for you to revel. Go for it!
3. Get some fresh air.
I previously wrote a blog post about some of the benefits that getting fresh air has on our mental health ranging from stress reduction to heightened creativity and increased focus. I want to reiterate that it’s so important to give yourself the grace to crack a window, take a walk or spend time getting some fresh air, especially during times of confusion and unrest. It doesn’t have to be a long break, you can spend 5 minutes or less refreshing yourself in nature and notice a difference in how you feel afterwards.
Tip: If close your eyes and take a few deep breaths during this time, it will further contribute to decreasing your stress.
4. Carve out a mindful moment to move, journal or just be.
You are worthy of allocating time to mindfulness at any time, but especially during times when your anxiety is heightened. Studies show that when you take time to be present and focus on the things that you can control; it significantly reduces stress. Whether you decided to stretch for 5 minutes, take a walk, journal or sit in silence, feel empowered to love on yourself as needed.
You can check out some free full-length yoga classes that I have created on my IGTV channel.
What self-care tips do you have for times of uncertainty?
xo,
