In today’s world, self-care looks different for everyone. For instance, I enjoy starting my day with hot water mixed with lemon and turmeric to soothe my aging digestive system. You might prefer a morning jog, hitting the gym, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee while gazing out the window.
With the ongoing global pandemic, self-care has become more crucial than ever. But it’s important to focus on the self-care that truly resonates with you, not the generic suggestions floating around online. We’re all navigating a whirlwind of emotions during these challenging times—sometimes it feels like we’re caught in the middle of a cosmic battle. Finding peace might seem like a distant memory, and many of us are struggling in various ways.
Now is the time to put aside comparisons and judgments and seek answers within ourselves. The question, “How can I cope with this?” will have countless responses since we all have our unique coping mechanisms.
However, we all share one common experience: the impact of this pandemic on our mental well-being. You’ve likely encountered an overwhelming amount of information online, from ways to engage your children to the latest home workouts and even baking sourdough bread. While these resources can be helpful, they can also feel like a heavy burden, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
You might have seen numerous posts celebrating new skills or felt bombarded by relentless positivity on social media, which can sometimes backfire, leaving us feeling worse about our own circumstances. My advice? Cut yourself some slack. Your mental health is paramount; trust in that.
Remember, no one is monitoring your home to see if you’ve dusted your shelves or organized your kids’ screen time. In fact, everyone else is likely preoccupied with their own worries about being judged. So let’s take a collective breath and step back.
During these times, your mental health may require you to leave the dishes unwashed or to ignore the piles of laundry. Perhaps you’ll opt for a frozen pizza instead of a homemade meal. Above all, it’s crucial to stop measuring your worth against others.
Your self-care journey is yours alone; it can take whatever form suits you best. There’s no standard to meet. It may not resemble what your neighbor, Sarah, is doing, but that’s okay—you do not live her life, so stop trying to emulate it.
You don’t need to become an expert chef or a master of crafts just because you’re spending more time at home. Your priority should be your mental health and that of your family, especially in the face of unrealistic expectations.
If your daily accomplishment is getting your kids fed and ready for the day, that’s perfectly valid. If you want to embrace vibrant colors in your wardrobe to lift your spirits, go for it! If you strike a balance between homeschooling and screen time for your children, that’s fantastic.
Your mental wellness must take precedence over any self-imposed judgments. From my experience, managing a household is significantly harder when you’re feeling low. Stress can radiate from you, and your family will pick up on it.
So, for the sake of your sanity, take a break from social media, put your phone down, and tune into your own needs. Trust that inner voice guiding you toward what feels right for you and your family.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health in any manner that resonates with you.
For further insights on this topic, you might find it helpful to check out one of our other blog posts here. Additionally, if you’re exploring options for self-care related to pregnancy, consider visiting Make a Mom for valuable resources. Another excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination can be found at Mount Sinai.
Summary
Self-care is a personal journey that varies for each individual, especially during challenging times like a pandemic. It’s essential to prioritize your mental health and not get caught up in comparisons with others. Embrace whatever self-care practices resonate with you, and trust your instincts to guide you.
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