There's never been a more important time to take care of yourself

Anxiety, stress, uncertainty, its still all around us.   We're adjusting to life coming out of lockdown and   we're constantly being bombarded with information, numbers and news stories about the pandemic. So it's a perfectly normal to be feeling anxious and stressed.  It's our body's reaction while the brain searches for certainty.

One strategy to keep yourself balanced and resilient is to have a plan.

Ensure you include time for self care, not only exercise and good food, but also include time for calm like meditation, massage or a favourite pastime.   Anything that will quieten the brain and allow it to shift from fight or flight into reflective mode.

Have some fun..... make sure each day includes something that is just fun.   I love trees, so just a few minutes walking under trees or taking my cup of tea into the garden brings me joy and renews my energy.

It's so easy to focus on all the things you haven't done, those never-ending lists of things to do, that we forget to acknowledge all that we have done.  Congratulate yourself right now on what you have completed....in the last hour, today or this week. I like to write them in my diary and tick them off.  Include a tick for self care! Give yourself a hug right now and acknowledge your achievements.

There's never been a more important time to take care of yourself.

* Taken from Mentemia, "Re-entry after lockdown"