A reminder to practice self care, from by Barbara Salsberg Mathews.

Taking time for regular self-care is crucial to a healthy mind, body and soul. Living through a pandemic adds additional concerns such as health, finances and safety. During times like this our minds can go into worrying overtime, but there are things you can do to improve your reaction to stress.

To help switch your mood try playing a morsel of music at the back of your mind. You can imagine listening to a calming melody or an upbeat tune. Scents can also impact your mood. Some find it helpful to use essential oils like lavender to relax or cedar to energize and sharpen their focus. Employing your tactile sense can help trigger a calm feeling in the face of stress. Some people find that touching a piece of jewelry, or a small item they carry in their pocket, helps to evoke feelings of confidence, calm and comfort.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for good health. There are a lot of helpful tips online, in books and articles, to achieve this, including everything from reducing screen time to creating a calm environment.
Other strategies include:

• Keeping a journal to record thoughts and feelings
• Attending to your physical health through regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet
• Spending time enjoying a hobby
• Surrounding yourself with nature
• Taking well-paced breaks from the news and social media
• Curling up with a good book, or watching comedy
• Looking for support from family and friends
• Seeking professional counselling
• Getting involved in your community and helping others

Doing this work is an important way to honour what you are living through and move towards leading a happier life.