5 Self-Care Tips To Help You Through A Stressful Week

By

1. Breathe Like You Mean It

There is a reason why breathing is so important: our livelihood depends on it. Our life begins and ends with a single breath. One of my favorite fitness instructors once said, “Your breath is your one consistent companion in life.” We tend to take shallow breaths, creating tension in our body and increasing stress levels; thus, our overall health suffers. Here is a breathing exercise you can perform: inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. Do this at least three times, breathing deeply. While taking and releasing each breath, visualize your diaphragm and lungs working alongside one another and your belly and chest rising and falling rhythmically. Feel the air coming out of your nose and mouth.

2. Take A Cleansing Shower

Physically washing away the dirt, germs, and bacteria that have clung onto your body is not only a detoxifying action, but it also improves our physical, mental, and social health. Lather up your favorite body wash, lavender scent and all, and scrub away. This can also be a metaphor for eliminating the negative and stressful aspects of your life. Ask yourself, “What do I need to wash away from my life to live my best life?”

3. Nourish Your Body

Throughout the course of a stressful week, we gravitate towards something in the refrigerator that’s quick and easy or head to the closest fast food restaurant. Feed yourself fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins that make you feel good and energized. Cook yourself a hearty meal with your favorite ingredients that provide nutrition. Talk and listen to your body—what does it need versus what does it want?

4. Soak In The Jacuzzi

This may be a luxury for some people and not applicable to everyone, but if you have a hot tub or jacuzzi at your disposal, use it! A jacuzzi can also be substituted with a bathtub, just as long as you’re lying down with your head resting on a soft pillow and your eyes closed. Let your mind drift and your thoughts run their course. This is a moment purely for you to enjoy and relax in your envisioned happy place.

5. Journal With Gratitude

The action of putting pen to paper and writing down your thoughts is powerful. There are 30-day journal prompts you can follow, or you can simply describe the highs, lows, and interesting points of your day. Ponder what you are grateful for today. Your journal is a sacred place where you can express your thoughts as incoherent and jumbled as you would like. I love ending my day in bed with my favorite fine-tip pen in hand, seeking my quiet place.