Life is overwhelming and can honestly feel like we're gasping for air sometimes, especially during these dangerous and unsettling times where nothing is guaranteed simply because of the pandemic. We're thinking about our finances, our health and families and future possible opportunities so we can keep going. We simply become overwhelmed and anxious. Sometimes, even unhinged.
Sometimes the best self care options are the ones that cost little to nothing, and are the best things to do in a pinch for when you don't have much time to take care of yourself to reset your mind and your nerves. These quick personal care strategies are for people that are strapped for time but are in desperate need for something that will help them cope and readjust without much fuss but can guarantee real results.
- A Grateful List
Sometimes we fall into depression and anxiety because we forget what we're fortunate enough to have and how our situations aren't as bad as they seem. Make a list of five things that you are grateful for so you can remind yourself of how fortunate you really are. After you reach five, keep writing more and more until you feel better and refreshed. - Take Deep Breaths
When we're overwhelmed, feelings of confusion begin to clutter our minds. When we're blinded by anxiety and sadness, we're unable to see what truly matters. One quick way you can reset is to find a quiet place, take a deep breath and clear your mind of all thoughts. This way, you can tackle these things one by one. It's not that you can't handle your life's problems, it's more that you can't handle them all at once. - Wash Your Face
Sometimes you need a quick splash of water to feel refreshed so you can restart. No matter where you are, if you're feeling overwhelmed, find a sink, close your eyes and just let the cold water rest on your face. It's an immediate remedy for spiked emotions and anxiety so you can open your eyes to a somewhat brighter outlook. - Drink Water
We can feel our worst when we're deprived of the nutrients we need, and when that happens, our emotional well being takes a dive as well. When we're dehydrated, we feel a whole host of things, frustration, irritability and migraines. Drinking water and being consistent about it can save you from the mental and emotional turmoil that dehydrations brings, which in turn can help you be more stable during the day. - Keep Your Place Clean
As much as cleaning won't seem like the activity you want to do right now, cleaning actually benefits you mentally and emotionally. The more cluttered your home or office is, the easier it is to get overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. You can take your frustrations out on the clutter and the mess in your space. Treat it like therapy where the end was worth the work. When your space is clean, you won't feel as claustrophobic and suffocated, making you more able to face everyday life when you've got a clean place to lay your head at night.