Ways to Engage in Self-Care Posted By: Jilly Mallari on February 23rd, 2021

Due to the current pandemic, our physical, mental, emotional stress have increased, and a healthy lifestyle is important in boosting our immune system and to recover faster when we get ill.

These tips will help you get started in taking better care of yourself:

1. Be kind to yourself.

Take time to listen to what your body and mind need. Show yourself compassion no matter how you are responding. It is ok. Simply acknowledge our current situation and be aware that normal reactions to this uncertainty are to be expected. We are all human, be patient with yourself during this time.

2. Fuel your body.

We know that sleep, nutrition, and exercise are often the first things to go when we are managing a lot of stressors. It is important to care for our bodies during this time.

• Stay hydrated with water.
• Prepare some healthy food to have on hand.
• Take frequent short breaks throughout the day to walk, stretch, and move.
• Don’t forget to laugh and do things you enjoy each day.

3. Make your mental health your priority.

Look into strategies that can help you manage stress like breathing, mindfulness strategies, and connecting with supportive others.

Think back to challenging times in your life and draw upon how you were able to cope. Employ these strategies.

The 4-7-8 breathing technique

The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a breathing pattern developed by Dr. Andrew Weil. It’s based on an ancient yogic technique called pranayama, which helps practitioners gain control over their breathing.

The following steps should all be carried out in the cycle of one breath:

1. First, let your lips part. Make a whooshing sound, exhaling completely through your mouth.
2. Next, close your lips, inhaling silently through your nose as you count to four in your head.
3. Then, for seven seconds, hold your breath.
4. Make another whooshing exhale from your mouth for eight seconds.

When you inhale again, you initiate a new cycle of breath. Practice this pattern for four full breaths.

4. Unplug.

Social media can be negative, news can be too much. Think about how much exposure you have.

Limit your exposure – stay informed, but if you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break.

Remember, knowledge is power but from reputable sources.