4 Simple Self-Care Steps - Depression & Anxiety

It is already the middle of September. At the beginning of quarantine, I had talked about how badly I wanted this year to be over. Now, looking back, there are specific moments I wish I could hold onto forever. Funny how that works out, even in the middle of a pandemic when people are sick, losing their jobs and fighting for their lives. I am counting my blessings and thanking the Lord I have found many moments of peace and gratitude during 2020. I have been in a season of loneliness during this year of isolation being at home and trying to adjust to the new normal. Through therapy, I recently discovered, this season has been going on long before COVID hit.

It is no secret I struggle with the changing of seasons, particularly fall. I refer to it as seasonal depression, but the associations I have with fall & winter from my past are haunting & unfortunately, have stayed with me. I love the holidays, especially Christmas and my birthday, but I am just a summer girl. I thrive off sunshine, being outside in nature. I find that I am closest to the Lord when I am in nature, by water specifically. It has taken me several years to get to a point where I have found specific things to help me cope with the transition and this season in particular.

With all that being said, after months of virtual therapy, I wanted to break it down to 4 easy things to do for self-care in the coming seasons. There have been so many articles, blog posts and professionals speaking about mental health and their version of self-care this year, and while it is all helpful advice, it can be overwhelming.

EAT

SLEEP

MOVE

CONNECT

Sleep - going to bed earlier and having a regular bedtime.

Eat - Are you eating? Making sure you have protein at every meal.

Move - Going for a walk. Working out. Moving your body.

Connect: means calling a friend, listening to a podcast, facetime someone, etc. The temptation to isolate has always been strong for me, so I have to reach out to someone. If there is a day where you can only focus on 1, focus on connecting. Right now, for it is most Important to connect with other people that love and care about you.

Most importantly for the “Self-Care” list, add in giving grace to yourself. There is no self-care without grace. You need to give bundles of grace to yourself, to your spouse or significant other, to your family, coworkers, etc., because our new normal isn’t normal. We were not meant to do this life alone, we need each other. I would encourage you to check on your friends and family, but take care of you first.

Xx,