Practicing self-care is always important. But now more than ever, it’s critical to make self-care part of your daily routine. Many people are sheltering in place in the U.S., while still more are stuck at home in quarantine or on lockdown in other parts of the world.
Self-care is something writers need to focus on more than most. Researchers have found that writers are more prone to depression. During this difficult time (and always) I want all of my writer friends (and everyone else) to make self-care a priority.
Here are some simple ways you can practice self care:
1. Physical Methods for Practicing Self Care
- Go for a walk
- Create a healthy diet plan – Drink plenty of water
- Dance!
- Clean and reorganize a room in your home
- Take a relaxing bath or shower
- Practice good hygiene
- Do some light yoga
2. Mental Strengthening Exercises
- Read a book, magazine, or website that you find relaxing
- Detach for a while – turn off all electronics and sit quietly for 20 minutes
- Get creative – draw, paint, knit, build something
- Develop some goals to work on (Just don’t go overboard and overwhelm yourself.)
3. Emotional Methods – Don’t Ignore This Step
- Meditate
- Practice yoga
- Go for a walk with a friend (practice physical distancing if you need to)
- Create a gratitude or inspiration journal – write down positive affirmations, things you’re grateful for, or something that inspires you
4. Spiritual Methods to Improve Self Care
This is not about religion, but rather the overall well being of mind-body-spirit, creating an interior life you can feel good about.
- Talk about forgiveness with someone you trust
- Practice positive talk (and positive self talk)
- Write some thank you letters or cards and send them to the people who have helped you in your life
- Meditate on something that’s bothering you (click here for a short meditation for spiritual awakening)
5. Social Methods for Self Care
These may be difficult until the COVID-19 crisis is over, but there are still ways to stay social from a distance.
- Call or video chat with family and friends (Visit them in person if you can do so safely.)
- Join a group – there are tons of online support groups, hobby groups, working groups, fan groups, etc… Check out some of mine:
- InkWell Spills Writer’s Group – a writer’s club to discuss or promote your work
- The Write Page – a support group for writers
- Plan a lunch date
- Grab a bite to eat with a friend
- Pepare a meal with your family
- If you live alone, video chat with a friend and make a meal together. Compare notes to see who wins!
- Write letters to family and friends
- This is a unique and fun way to let them you care about them
- It’s also a way you can get creative and express yourself
6. Practical Methods of Self Care
Many people tend to get caught up in the frantic nature of everyday life and forget to take care of themselves. These tools should help you develop better habits for practicing self-care.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Norm Kelly
Try some of these self-care ideas out and let me know if they work for you. If you know of additional methods for self-care that you don’t see here, please share in the comments!
