If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of connection, staying healthy and regularly practicing self-care during difficult times.

This year we have been shaken, raddled, and flipped upside down. Some of us have been stripped, exposed, and challenged to question our values and narratives. ⁣

⁣Mostly, as much as we’ve been divided, we’ve also been fused closer together more than ever before, and while it can feel like there isn’t an end in sight, it’s important to remember that tough times can make us stronger.

I wanted to share some self-care practices and habits that have helped me remain positive over the past few months.

9 Simple Self-Care Ideas For Difficult Times

1 Minute of deep breathing

A great way to stay present is to take some deep, full-body breaths to calm your mind and body, and reset when feeling stressed.

Contribute to your community

Think of ways you can give back to your friends, family or others in your community.  Improving the lives of others is a powerful form of self-care because it feels good, which in turn, can improve our lives and well-being, too.

List 3 things you want to learn about or explore just for fun

Sometimes we forget that it’s ok to do things out of pure enjoyment. It could be coloring in, reading an inspirational book, or learning a new craft, when we do something for fun it helps us stay present and fully in the moment.

Cook yourself a nourishing meal

Fueling yourself with healthy whole foods is an act of self-care. Check out my plant-based recipe book and grocery guide for inspiration!

Body scan to release tension

We often tighten parts of our body without realizing it, so performing a quick body scan can help you realize where you’re holding unnecessary tension. Relaxing your shoulders and jaw, and adjusting your posture are great places to start.

Express yourself through dance or yoga

Put on some relaxing (or energizing!) tunes and move your body in a way that makes you feel good and puts a smile on your face.

Take a break from social media

It’s so easy to get sucked into a social media spiral and start comparing yourself to others and consuming negative news. Put your phone away for an hour to two and try one of these 21 productive things to do instead of scrolling on social media. 

Be your own best friend

Ask yourself: “What do I really, truly need right now?”. Whether it’s rest, movement, connection, hydration, honoring what your body is telling you is one of the highest forms of self-care.

One of my go-to self-care ideas when I’m feeling stress, overwhelmed or  frustrated is to write a note of encouragement to myself in my journal. Journaling is a fundamental part of my morning routine and I cannot recommend getting your thoughts out on paper enough.

Take a walk and look for art in nature

Getting outside and surrounding yourself with nature is a quick and easy way to relieve stress and anxiety.

 

Your health, mind and body are the most precious things you own. Take care of them.

In the midst of it all, please also don’t forget to hit pause and check in with yourself by using these simple but incredibly grounding self-care ideas during these difficult times. I know they’ve helped me through some rough days!

Let’s keep the momentum going and let’s keep seeking to understand. We will get through this, and we are going to a higher place.

Sending love and light.

READ MORE: Positive Mindset Shifts During Isolation

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