If you’ve made a big life change, perhaps moving home, switching careers, starting a new job, or getting a divorce, self-care is more important than ever to help relieve the stress. But no matter what your situation, taking time to care for yourself not only contributes to better health and well-being, but it will allow you to take better care of others too.
For years now, we’ve been facing an epidemic of anxiety and depression, and with the advent of the pandemic, it’s becoming increasingly worse, which means managing stress through self-care is really a must. It’s part of the answer as to how we can all better cope, which is why you’ll want to put these self-care products on your list.
A GRATITUDE AND SELF-REFLECTION JOURNAL
Get yourself a journal and use it daily to get out your emotions on paper, which can be a huge stress-reliever. Afterwards, take time to think about everything you’re grateful for. When you’re focusing on the negative, thinking back to stressful events, or worrying about all of the “bad” that might happen, your body doesn’t know the difference between thinking and doing them. Either way, it fires off stress hormones that create the same effects in the body, physically, mentally, and emotionally, whether or not the event is actually happening.
Writing in a journal about the things you’re grateful for, from the smell of that fresh-cut grass or flowers in the spring, to your boss complimenting you on a good job or your dog happily greeting you at the door. Big or small, it helps you focus more on the positive to fight off the stress of negativity.
ART SUPPLIES
Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, getting in touch with your creative side is a great way to de-stress and boost your mood. You’ll be able to focus on what you’re doing instead of your worries. Get some art supplies, they don’t have to be expensive – whether you prefer to paint, draw, or something else, art can be a great way to heal.
ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER
A diffuser is a device that allows essential oils to evaporate, circulating their scent throughout a room. That scent is then inhaled, coming into contact with the nerves before going directly to the brain. Just using a few drops of essential oil like lavender can help you feel immediately calm and relaxed.
BUBBLE BATH
One of the best ways to wind down for the day and ensure a better night’s rest is to take a nice warm bath. It helps to clear the mind of worries and relieve any muscle aches and pains. A bubble bath is even better and perhaps a fun colour-changing bath bomb with Epsom salts that raise the relaxation factor even more.
A MINDFULNESS APP
A mindfulness app can be a great way to make self-care part of your regular routine. You might download one that guides you through a breathing exercise, a meditation, or simply reminds you to take better care of yourself. For example, the Calm app provides various self-care tools like guided meditations and music that can help you sleep better, along with videos for stretching and mindful movement.
A YOGA MAT
Yoga is a great way to practice self-care, it might even change your life. Used in the morning, you can engage in poses that help you feel more energized for the day. Before bedtime, gentle stretches are ideal for calming the mind and promoting a better night’s sleep.
