Say Good-Bye to Stress and Hello to Confidence with Basic Wellness Practices
If you’re not feeling up to par or are experiencing additional stress after months of lockdown, you may benefit from some self-care and wellness practices before returning to previous social or workplace activities. A good self-care program aids your emotional well-being while also augmenting physical health. It can also be helpful for your overall sense of confidence to pursue goals and activities that allow you to claim ownership of your life.
Some simple re-entry tips.
Everyone has processed the stresses of this time differently, so don’t let anyone pressure you to resume normal activity levels before you are ready. Some may be eager to do once-simple things like hug their friends or gather indoors. Others may feel their anxiety spike in situations of close physical proximity. Both are natural and acceptable ways to process what we’ve been through collectively. Setting boundaries and communicating your needs clearly can help you to regain a sense of control over your life. It’s a good idea to take small incremental steps as you start re-entering society. Even if you aren’t experiencing anxiety, those around you may be, and it’s important to respect their needs.
Set new life goals to focus on.
Many of us will re-enter a world that has changed dramatically. And our role in it may have changed too. It’s important to reevaluate earlier goals you’d set for yourself and ask whether they are still viable or meaningful. This may be most obvious when it comes to the way career options have changed. Re-entering society may mean reconsidering your work life, seeking a new job, or even switching career paths. Pursuing a new degree can open new and exciting job opportunities. For instance, a degree in accounting will open new doors to employment but also give you the freedom to start your own business or freelance. If you’re worried about how to fit college classes into your schedule, consider an online degree for greater flexibility and autonomy.
Get physically active.
It’s amazing how something as simple as a little exercise can transform your life. It’s not just that exercising will burn calories, build muscle, and help you get in shape. Exercise also gives you an energy boost and can help with your overall confidence. If you’ve been sedentary due to lockdown or illness, make sure you start any new exercise routine with proper precautions in mind. Stretch before exercising, don’t take on more than you can handle, and push yourself just a little more each day.
Be mindful of nutrition.
It’s been difficult for a lot of people to prioritize healthy eating over the past year. Grocery shopping was more difficult, and comfort eating became a survival mechanism for many. But eating well is essential to feeling good, so consider implementing a wholesome eating routine now for the sake of your overall wellness. Good eating isn’t just about what you avoid, either. Focus on the positive and emphasize eating foods that will benefit your body and mind. One important factor in holistic wellness is caring for your gut health. If you’ve been experiencing bloating or digestive issues, consider adding probiotics to your diet. Seek out foods rich in fiber and good fats, instead of highly processed foods and artificial sweeteners.
Schedule time for recreation.
If you’re only going out when you have to, it’s understandable that this would feel stressful. So balance this by giving yourself the opportunity to do fun things as well. If you’re trying to be frugal right now, some affordable ways to enjoy yourself include checking out area parks or nature preserves, gathering a few trusted friends for an outdoor cookout, or setting aside a free evening for movie night. Consider taking up some new outdoor activities such as cycling or kayaking. Bird watching can also be a calming and rewarding activity that gets you out in nature and out of yourself.
Re-entry anxiety is not unusual, especially if your physical health has been adversely affected by the pandemic and the lockdowns. But happily there are steps you can take now to boost your sense of self-worth and take ownership of your life. If you feel you could use some coaching or guidance on your journey to your best self, contact LiveUnbreakable and schedule a consultation.
Guest blog written by: Marjorie McMillian