We’re all feeling the effects of self-isolation, bad news each morning, and fear of the unknown. And it’s getting harder each day to overcome these challenges. Sometimes, it’s tough to look ahead and see the light at the end of the tunnel. But look ahead we must, and one of the best ways to do that is to treat yourself well so that you can look and feel like you do when we’re not under the threat of an invisible enemy. And, thankfully, you don’t have to deplete your savings to invest in yourself.

Your Home, Your Sanctuary

Since we’re all spending more time at home, it makes sense to start there. Your home should truly be your sanctuary, and this includes having a space to meditate, exercise, and decompress. Remember, the place you live has an immediate and profound effect on your mental health, and the things you do in it matter.

Now’s a great time to start a new fitness routine, such as yoga. If you’ve never taken a class before, you can look online for free and inexpensive resources to get you started. Of course, you’ll have to have a quiet spot to practice, and you may also need to buy a few pieces of gear and equipment, such as a mat or yoga block.

Once you’ve carved out your exercise space, it’s time to turn to your kitchen. Whether you realize it or not, you probably spend a great deal of time focused on food, especially now. But the food you eat matters, and what you put into your pantry and refrigerator is crucial to your overall health. Don’t buy into the notion that you have to purchase only organic, grass-fed, artisan foods to be healthy. The truth is that you don’t, and you likely already have many ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry that can help you make things like salads, soups, and tacos.

If you don’t really like to cook, plan to use one afternoon each week to put together a few make-ahead dinners, like cumin-spiced chickpeas and carrots on couscous or Mason jar salads. Use the same afternoon to deep clean one room each week, which will eliminate clutter and lower your stress levels as you move about your home.

Self-care? It’s Here!

Something else to keep in mind is that you must also make time for self-care. As Morneau Shepell explains, self-care consists of “anything that nourishes your mind, body, or spirit.” For you, self-care might mean indulging in a late afternoon run or midnight movie marathon. For others, it will be exploring enjoying a Reiki treatment session or seeking professional services for their mental health, such as those provided by YFS Wellness Centre. And some people may discover that spending time decluttering their homes to release any built-up “bad energy” is the best way to spend their time. If it’s healthy and makes you feel great, then it’s self-care, and you should spend some time focusing on that.

Always Half Full

In life, there are two kinds of people: optimists and pessimists. An optimist wakes up each morning with the mindset that they can handle whatever today may bring. The Positivity Blog explains that this might mean asking questions about how to learn from a negative situation. An optimist will also actively seek support from their world. It takes work to change your viewpoint, but it won’t cost you a dime and may be the most valuable thing you will ever do for yourself.

More than anything, remember that this is temporary. Until the world settles back into its normal rhythm, you can keep yours by ensuring your home life, self-care routine and mindset put you in a position to look and feel your very best. In doing so, you can conquer each day and come out on the other end of this a stronger and more resilient person.

YFS Wellness Centre aims to support York University students on their journey of wellness.

Article Resource and Written by: Cheryl Conklin- Wellness Central

cheryl.conklin@wellnesscentral.info

www.wellnesscentral.info