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Self-care essential during Covid-19

As we begin to set our lives in tune with the new normal during this pandemic, things can sometimes get overwhelming. In such a situation, it is important to take good care of ourselves, not just of our outer appearance but also our mental and emotional well-being. It is essential to go easy on ourselves and to take some time out for self-care.

What is self-care? Why is it important?

The term self-care is one of the most searched topics on the internet today. While the world is going through the pandemic crisis, self-care has proved to be vital for the well-being of an individual.

World Health Organisation defines self-care as “one’s ability to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider”.

Taking care of one’s mental, emotional and physical well-being to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote happiness and boost positive feelings within oneself and towards others is what self-care implies. Self-care can be small changes in habits that can have a significant impact on one’s life in the long run.

As important as it is to practice self-care at an individual level, it is equally important for your family and loved ones, especially, during a crisis situation.

Many times, the words self-love, self-care and self-compassion are perceived as selfish and inconsiderate and thus, they tend to take the backseat. However, we say, it is okay to be selfish if it’s doing anything good to you. Showing some self-love can make you a better and more considerate individual. Just how plants need water when the soil feels dry, in the same way, it is important to take a step back and replenish yourself when you feel down.

What must include in a self-care routine?

During these pandemic times, here are a few self-care practices you can opt for:

• Physical distancing- To reduce the risk of infection, it is essential to practice physical distancing along with maintaining personal and respiratory hygiene.
• Mental and emotional well-being- Once you can contain the spread of the infection, start by focusing on replenishing your mental and emotional health. With the uncertainty looming over our heads, it is normal to feel the pressure and get stressed about living in the ‘new world’.
  Many factors can contribute to this kind of stress. It has been months you have stepped out to go to work, meet your friends, visit your favourite restaurant or just go for your daily walk; now, you are mostly stuck inside your home with very little things to do. There is a complete disruption in your routine and now, all you do is spend time in front of the laptop screen or laze around on the couch.
  The key here is to take time out to acknowledge the present. Remind yourself that ‘This Too Shall Pass’. Be grateful for what you have.

• Stay active – It is a given that exercise of any sort can have a positive impact on you. Start by doing simple workouts at home. Keep your goals realistic. Even if you are working out for 30 minutes a day, it’s alright, increase your time to 45 minutes and then an hour daily. Yoga is one of the most effective regimes you can follow for an overall growth – mental, physical and emotional. If you are spending most of your time in front of the laptop, simple desk exercises like triceps dips, arm circles, chair squats, lower-abs leg lifts and neck rolls can be beneficial. There are many e-classes and workout apps that you can resort to.

• Music– Music makes everything better. Make a playlist of your favourite songs. Ask for recommendations from your friends. Soulful and rhythmic music is great for relaxation and it can uplift your mood instantly. Go to online music streaming platforms like Spotify, Sound Cloud or Amazon Music for an unlimited music option.
• Watch fun and creative videos– The internet is loaded with creative minds. People are constantly uploading funny content about pets, pranks, babies and other feel-good videos that can brighten up your day with just a click. Watch them. There are also DIY craft and hack videos. Though you can stimulate your creative juice by learning these crafty things, simply watching them can be so satisfying to the soul. 5-minutes craft and Tucker- the golden retriever are just two examples.
• Get creative – Make time for yourself and learn the instrument you have always wanted to learn. Many musicians and music schools are coming up with online courses. They are easy on the pocket and also quite helpful. There are also YouTube videos that can help you with this. If not an instrument, you can learn a new language or learn coding. Many apps out in the market provide free lessons. You can also look at creative activities like doodling, sketching or giving your home a new look by painting the walls with a different colour.

• Declutter your home– If not now, then never will you ever get a chance to throw out all the junk that has become the permanent resident of your home. The time is now! Start by organising your wardrobe, take out all that you don’t wear anymore. You can choose to donate them to the needy or upcycle them. Then move to bigger spaces in your house like the living room and then the kitchen. Do it one room a day. The final result, look and feel of a decluttered house will surprise you. You will not just discard unused items but you will also discover new things in your house which was perhaps hidden under the pile of junk.
• Gardening – One of the most popular activities people are opting for this year is home/balcony gardening. From sowing the seeds to caring for them, there are a lot of tactile interactions that we indulge in. The time we spend outdoors in nature can have a positive effect on our minds. Many refer to this activity as a therapeutic experience.

• Keep in touch with friends and family – Always keep in touch with your family and friends via calls, video chats, or social media. Updating them about your day and getting to know about theirs can be of a lot of helpful. Share or express your thoughts, problems and best wishes with those who matter to you.

Though Covid-19 has disrupted normal life, it has opened doors to many new possibilities. Self-care is one of them. This is the time you prove how much you love yourself. Don’t feel guilty because you are being ‘selfish’ for showing some self-love and always remember that if you are healthy (mentally and emotionally), you can support your loved ones.

You can leave a comment below or visit www.nobrokerhood.com to let us know how you are planning to take care of yourself.