We all lead such busy lives, which means it’s not always easy to put ourselves first. Work priorities and other formal obligations can quickly overwhelm our personal lives, giving us barely any time to catch our breath. This past year has placed many of us under additional stress and strain, which means it’s never been more important to put ourselves first. So, this month – why not make a change?
Here we’ll explore some simple ways you can put your health and your emotional wellbeing first this month.
Keep germs and bacteria at bay
If the last 12 months have taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take our health for granted, and even the young and healthy aren’t always immune from devastating illnesses. To make your health a priority, you should focus on keeping germs and bacteria at bay. As the lockdown restrictions begin to lift, we’ll be spending more time in public places and with more people, therefore having sanitiser spray for hands at your disposal is essential. By ensuring you’re keeping up your hygiene habits, you’re making things safer for you and those around you.
Look after your face and your facemask!
If you’re someone who is struggling with their skin due to long periods of wearing a mask, then you’ll be disappointed to hear that there are no current plans to decrease the use of facemasks in public places. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep yourself protected from the virus and preserve your skin at the same time. Try switching to a silk mask and using a gentle cleanser on your skin after long periods of mask wear. Avoid wearing makeup under your mask – embrace your natural beauty instead! These steps will help your skin in the months ahead.
Try to keep active
It’s not easy to feel motivated when the weather is unpredictable and you’re tired of your current jogging route. While gyms and sports centres have been given the green light to open soon, it’s important to keep as active as possible before you return to the gym. If you’re a little apprehensive about heading back to your old gym, then don’t worry. Switch up your exercise routine and try something new. Skipping, HIIT training, Pilates, weight training… the possibilities are endless. Remember, exercise should be fun and about making your body fit and strong – not used as a punishment for indulgence.
Allow yourself some ‘me time’
Sometimes, we all just need to step back and take a breather from all that life throws at us. When was the last time you felt truly relaxed? Ask yourself what helps you to wind down and allocate yourself some time alone, at least once a week, to let yourself indulge. This is nothing to feel guilty about, we all need a break to recuperate, especially when our lives can get super hectic. So, whether it’s having a long bath and a glass of wine, reading your favourite book in the garden, going for a solo walk with your headphones, make sure you dedicate this time to yourself, without worrying about all the happenings in your life. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to be present, even if it’s just for an hour! If you have kids then see if you can get someone to look after them during this period, because as much as we love them, they are definitely a distraction!
Learn something new
Following on from the above point, whilst we all need our recuperation time, it’s also great to have bouts of continuous learning, to stimulate us. By challenging yourself and trying your hand at something totally alien, you are opening your mind and learning more about yourself. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent for crochet, or you’ll uncover the fact that you remember more from your school French lessons than you thought! Even if you don’t do exceedingly well at a new hobby or challenge, at least you can say you tried and hopefully you got some enjoyment from it. Every day’s a school day!
Check out what you can do locally, whether it’s something creative, active, educational… go for it! Or, alternatively you could see if there are online courses to suit you. You’ll feel much better just for trying, and the possibilities are truly endless. Even if it’s out of your comfort zone, you’ll find that your confidence multiplies as you push yourself mentally, and perhaps even physically.
And finally, ask for help
Whether you’ve been struggling with depression, or you’ve noticed an increase in your anxiety levels, whatever is triggering your mental health concerns could be relieved by reaching out to someone for help and advice. Seeking support from others when you’re struggling mentally, isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, it takes great strength. Put your mental health first and ask for help from friends, family, a trusted colleague or your doctor.
