Self-Care Routines That Relieve Stress
In a society full of criticism, judgment and unrealistic standards for both men and women - we must remember to check in with what we want for ourselves. We must nurture our minds, our self-respect, our self-esteem, and our self-love.
Often when people discuss these concepts, it is paired with “I don’t know where to start”. A good starting place is figuring out your triggers. Who makes you feel insecure? What doesn’t make you feel beautiful? Whose standards are you reporting to? These answers typically are social media, toxic relationships, trauma, and unrealistic expectations.
What changes can we make as individuals to empower ourselves despite these things?
- Unfollow those on social media that make you feel insecure.
- Limit the amount of time on social media even during a quarantine. (Replace with reading, writing, drawing, etc. engage with YOURSELF)
- Practicing emotional distancing why social distancing, pinpoint relationships that are better apart. These are most likely toxic.
- Get back on a normal sleep routine, 7-8 hours.
- Eat well, cook something new for yourself. Do this mindfully and unplugged.
- Make gratitude lists even in hard situations. Practice making gratitude lists for your body or mind.
- Stretch and move every single day, touch your own skin instead of criticizing it.
- Focus on the here and now. Reflect on your goals and to-do list. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, or what you should be doing, focus on accomplishing things you can and WILL.
- Challenge your self-doubt, what days you can’t do something? Who says your not enough? Your power is your own and no one can take it all from you unless you let them.
- Read daily affirmations. You can find specific ones depending on what you’re dealing with: anxiety, body image, depression, etc.
- Meditate or listen to podcasts.
- Be outside in nature! Vitamin D is essential.
- Practice saying and no & HEARING no. With that, we learn other’s boundaries and our own. We must put ourselves in the position to do both. Reach out.
You’ve made it this far in life. You’ve overcome. So what’s still holding you back from being your true self? Your vibrant self? Your trauma, your feelings, your mental health is all valid - but at what point do we choose ourselves? In times like this, where panic is surrounding us, quarantine orders are in place, we are the one person we have. We have the time to reflect and grow and spend quality time with just ourselves and that is a beautiful thing in itself.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-esteem or self-doubt and needs empowerment therapy, reach out to a counselor at Orlando Thrive Therapy today. To speak directly to the author of this article, contact mallory@orlandothrivetherapy@gmail.com! Keep calm and remember to thrive on!
