Focusing on your well-being is so important right now, but it can be burdensome if you have a lot of responsibilities or are coping with stress, depression, or anxiety. The good news is, there are several simple things you can do to feel better each day and take care of yourself. You might learn the art of meditation or find support online from a group of people who understand what you’re feeling. Defying Shadows is a great place to start if you’re looking for a safe space that allows you to be yourself. You can also learn new ways to keep your body and mind healthy and cared for.
Feed the body and soul.
When you make good choices in the kitchen, it can translate to feeling better overall. In fact, preparing nutritious food can actually boost your self-esteem and help you feel more confident. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to cook using healthy recipes, how to properly read nutrition facts, and how to utilize ingredients you have at home to whip up a delicious, healthy meal. The latter just requires a little creativity — for instance, you might have boxed mac-and-cheese that can be jazzed up with canned chicken or tuna, canned peas, or frozen broccoli. This way, you can still have the foods you want without sacrificing the nutrients you need.
Upgrade your environment.
While eating well is a great way to feel better, your environment also plays a role in your mental and physical well-being. Living in a home with lots of clutter and disarray can leave you feeling stressed, tired, anxious, or argumentative, and if you live with family, those feelings can easily spread and cause tension. A simple fix is to clean up, get organized, and clear out clutter throughout the home. Open the windows — even on cold days — and circulate fresh air. Making positive changes to your surroundings can help you breathe easier and feel better both mentally and physically.
Change things up.
Your home isn’t the only thing that could benefit from a few changes. If you’ve been staying home during the pandemic, you might be feeling bored or uninspired, which can lead to irritability or even depression in some individuals. The key is to find ways to make each day meaningful, and that means something different to everyone. You might engage in a pastime you enjoy, such as painting or playing an instrument, or you might look for (socially-distanced) ways to volunteer at or donate to an organization that benefits your community. You don’t have to go big, which might have the opposite effect if you’re living with anxiety. Instead, look for small ways you can change up your routine and feel like your best self.
Learn something new.
If you want to take things further with changing up your routine, consider learning about something new that’s always interested you. Whether you want to go back to school or simply take some language lessons through an app, there are tons of options to choose from. You might enjoy taking virtual tours of art museums or watching tutorials on how to sew. If you want to balance a healthier lifestyle with a new activity, try your hand at vegetable gardening. It’s never too late to learn new things.
Looking and feeling your best isn’t something that can be achieved in a day — it’s a journey, and it’s okay to try a few things before you find one that works. Look for support from like-minded individuals as you get started so you can stay motivated. Interested in joining the Defying Shadows team? Check out the requirements and fill out the contact form today.
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