HEALTH

I think it's safe to say that everyone would agree these past few months haven't exactly been easy. We've all had to adjust to major life changes and, more importantly, have felt the effects it's had on our health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many of these changes aren't going away any time soon, so it's important that we find sustainable ways to cope with these changes in order to stay sane. Here are a few simple tips and tricks that you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve your mental health and help you keep a consistent schedule. 

1) Make your bed

It's a short and simple task that you can do every morning once you get out of bed. You'd be surprised at how much it helps tidy your room and makes you feel more settled and ready to start your day. 

2) Get ready for your day

We often run downstairs for breakfast or jump straight onto our phones to text our friends. But before you even check your Instagram, be sure to make it clear to your body and mind that you're not in sleep mode anymore and that you're starting your day. Get out of bed, brush your teeth and wash your face right away and change out of your pajamas. By following this daily routine your mind and body will thank you as they'll be well aware of what time of day it is. This will also help you fall asleep at night!

3) Eat breakfast 

I know most of us are often in a rush in the morning and convince ourselves that we'll just eat later, but your brain and body can't function at their best if they don't have adequate energy. You don't have to cook up a breakfast buffet. Instead, try something quick and easy like cereal or toast to get you into the habit of making breakfast a priority. 

4) Keep an agenda 

It's easy to forget what day or time it is, especially when everything is at home and from your bedroom desk. Before you get frazzled or miss another project meeting, help your future self out by keeping a detailed agenda that you can check and add to anytime throughout your day. 

5) Take a break and get active 

Screen fatigue has always been an issue, but these days it's more prominent than ever. As hard as it may be to step away from your computer and phone, make sure you leave time for a walk or some exercise to get your body moving and to give your eyes a break. 

6) Pack your back the night before

If you know that you have an early morning the next day or that you'll likely forget to bring that important item to your meeting, plan ahead and pack ahead. This will help you feel more calm, cool and collected and will help you feel prepared to take on tomorrow.

7) Write down your thoughts and plan out your day

Have you ever been exhausted, even though it took you hours to fall asleep? Do you keep replaying the same event over again in your mind, wishing you had said something different? Even when we're tired, our mind often makes it difficult to relax and likes to remind us of all our worries and problems once we turn off the lights. To avoid this, try writing down all your thoughts and concerns on paper so that you can get it all out before your head hits the pillow. And even if the lights are already off, it's okay to turn the light back on to write something down.

8) Meditate

Breath in through your nose...hold for 4 seconds...now breath out through your mouth. You don't have to be a yogi to try meditation. I know it can feel silly at first, but trust me, if you just give it a chance, it can take you from stressed to relaxed in minutes. Try out apps like Headspace or Calm for easy to follow and free meditation exercises. They offer great beginner sessions and even targeted sessions for different feelings or situations you may find yourself in. It's great activity to do right before bed, or even throughout your day if you need to recenter yourself. 

I encourage you to try out all these tips and tricks, but remember everyone has different needs and a routine that works for your friend may not work for you. So don't be afraid to try new things and come up with your own unique routine that keeps you sane and healthy. And remember, if you need support, your friends and family are going through the same things, so they'll likely understand how you're feeling and will be more than happy to help. Don't forget to also check up on them and ask them how they're doing. Everyone needs a little extra love and human connection these days.

by Sara Cathcart | 1/12/2021