It’s important to prioritize self-care as we are in a high-stress environment. If we don’t take care of ourselves, then there will be consequences. We will not have the energy, creativity, or strength to engage in meaningful work. Self-care is essential for our well-being and is an act of love toward ourselves.

The previous year has been difficult for many people, owing mostly to the significant change in our lifestyles and habits. In reality, the Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on our lives, particularly with changes in our professional and personal lives.  Mental health was generally put to the side as important matters such as safeguarding ourselves from disease, job loss, and travel limitations made it difficult to see our loved ones.

The need for self-care and appreciation has been emphasized as a result of the pandemic, and many mental health activists swiftly spoke up and emphasized the need of keeping a healthy state of mind.

Here are some tips on how to increase resilience during these tough times:

Understand that self-care isn’t selfish

“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.”– Mandy Hale

There is a widespread misconception that self-care is selfish. Essentially, if you spend time alone or on yourself, you are neglecting everyone else in your life. This is especially difficult for people who are constantly thinking about how others feel and putting others’ needs ahead of their own. The issue with this is that it ultimately begins to take a toll on our well-being. Then you find yourself feeling stressed, burnout, or overwhelmed, and how are you supposed to be there for the people you love if you’re feeling this way?

It is completely OK to devote time to yourself because you are your priority and deserve it. You deserve it much more if you’re constantly going out of your way for others and assisting those in need. Practice self-care to reward yourself for all of the wonderful things you accomplish.

Establish a Self-Care Routine

Create a self-care routine that you may do every morning and night. A simple routine that you will like because it is your time to relax. This could literally be anything.  Remember Self-care does not entail luxury vacations and expensive spa treatments. In reality, some of the most effective treatments are as basic as getting enough sleep, exercising, spending quality time doing what you enjoy, and eating your favorite nutritious foods. We are all responsible for our own physical and mental well-being.

Concentrate on the good

Make time to recognize and celebrate the good parts of our daily lives, no matter how minor they are. Praise and celebration of accomplishments is a great method to lift yourself and those around you.

When we are happy, our bodies produce dopamine into our brains, allowing us to relax and feel good. Several medical research has shown that our mental health has an impact on our physical health.

Connect with people

Allowing distance to be an excuse for not reaching out to loved ones and checking in on them is a mistake. We are social beings who require a sense of belonging to a social network of others with whom we can converse. We can de-stress and get our anxieties off our chests by talking to loved ones about our day-to-day activities and difficulties.

Recent technological advancements like video calls have helped to bridge the gap between loved ones and bring them closer together.

Do not be afraid to ask for help

Self-care reduces stress and anxiety, therefore it’s critical to seek and analyze mental and emotional well-being on a regular basis to see if professional help is required. The first step toward bettering your mental and emotional wellness is to recognize the signs of being stressed. Do not be afraid to seek assistance.

“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, and transcendentalist