Mind & Body | Make Time for Self-Care

Woman doing abdominal crunches

Our lives have changed so much over the past several weeks. Today, we’re worried about our health, our families, our work, the economy and many other issues that come in tandem with COVID-19. Information and news about the Coronavirus is all around us. It’s on TV and social media. Our family and friends are talking about it, and it can be overwhelming.

Today, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves. We need to step back and focus on our physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Tips for Self-Care:

  1. Turn off the TV.
  2. Avoid social media.
  3. Sit still and take five deep breaths. Five counts in, hold for five seconds, five counts out, hold for five seconds. Close your eyes and picture a recent happy memory–it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it makes you want to smile. When you open your eyes, take a moment to think about something fun that you’d like to do.
  • Keep it simple—Go on a walk outside, call to an old friend, read a book or soak in the tub. Whatever sounds good to you.
  • Feel the burn—If cardio helps you work the stress out of your system, take advantage of the YMCA’s Virtual Workouts. The virtual workouts are available online, and they’re free to members.
  • Go deeper inside—Check out 20 Days of Live Meditation with Jay Shetty and hear ways to reduce anxiety and find peace within.