H E A L T H
&
W E L L N E S S
B Y
S h e r r y
K a y
H a l l
The Essentials of Self Care
With the recent crisis of Covid-
19 we have all needed to step
up our self-care game. I want to
share a few tips with you to make
sure you are staying emotionally
healthy during this difficult time.
First, I think it’s important to
think about what your routine looked
like before the pandemic. Did you
get up and get dressed every day?
Did you get up early? Did you eat a
healthy breakfast? Now think about
what you did for lunch or what time
you settled down for bed. It might
be worth your time to write out
your pre-pandemic schedule for
comparison. Most of us will see at
least some change in our routine.
I can say my day-to-day life has
changed tremendously. I don’t wear
makeup, nice clothes, or fix my hair
near as much as I did before this
pandemic. That may not sound like
a big deal, but how many of us feel
better when we wake up and get
dressed before we face the day.
There have been studies through
the years that have shown people who
are depressed can practice techniques
such as smiling or involvement in
activities that at one time gave them
joy and there is a positive effect on
their mood. Although they don’t feel
22 LAKE WEDOWEE LIFE
the joy at first, these activities begin
to improve their feelings of sadness.
Our minds and bodies prefer
routine and can be led back to prior
emotions by familiar actions.
I have also noticed that my caloric
intake has increased greatly. As a result
of overeating I am more fatigued.
There is a definite link between
carbs and sugar and feeling worn
out. Now let’s top that off with
increased responsibilities of working
from home, taking care of and
homeschooling children, and the
anxiety of the current pandemic.
It’s clear that a healthy diet
is an important self-care tool
we can use to help us trudge
through these peculiar days.
So, what about our sleep routine?