Five Ways to Fire Up your Wellbeing

The term ‘self-care’ can get tossed around a lot, or at least it seemed to pre-pandemic. Before our world changed, we might have shrugged it off. We were too busy, schedules too full, with little time left in the day to think of ourselves (work, families and the rest came first). The act of self-care is really a vital act of minding oneself – and it’s taken on a new purpose as we deal with the extraordinary pressures of Covid-19. In 2020, most of us were relieved to have simply ‘made it through’ the year. There was little credit given to the fact that we did a phenomenal job developing coping mechanisms and novel ways of dealing with the weight of such uncertain times.

Different acts of self-preservation will work for everyone, but below we have a few different self-care techniques which might help you get through the next few months. See which will work for you and remember, you can’t care for anyone else if you don’t care for yourself first.

The power of positivity

Positive thinking doesn't mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst. Even during trying times, being positive can ease your mental load. Researchers have long explored the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health, and its benefits include increased life span, lower rates of depression, lower levels of distress and greater psychological and physical wellbeing. It doesn’t mean always feeling happy, becuase that’s not realistic, it’s more a mechanism which will help you see that this too, will pass, and we’ll all be better people for it.

Intentional solitude

This might seem an odd one given the current state of affairs, but it’s making the headspace for even 20 minutes in the morning or evening where you just value time that is solely set aside for you and your thoughts – without any other distractions. As someone who has lived alone, I learnt the difference between solitude and feeling alone – the difference is that solitude brings with it a certain peace. Once your mind is clear and open you feel much more at ease. My headspace is in the evening, just before I turn to sleep – it is my way of meditating and ensuring I wake with a clearer head each morning.

Playing games

I know, but hear me out. Research says that just between March 16 and March 22, at the very beginning of the pandemic in the U.S., video game sales increased by 63 per cent. Psychologists have said gaming helps us cope by allowing us a reprieve from our stress and anxieties and science says video games have been found to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and institute a state of calm. I ordered a second-hand Nintendo DS and in between this and playing virtual games of Scrabble, I can attest, it really works. You’re forcing your brain to focus on a puzzle or task that is absolutely not related to anything pandemic-related and it allows you to totally switch off from life. I know five people who have taken up gaming in the last two weeks alone and our anxieties are much reduced.

Using music mindfully

Being honest, music got me through the whole of 2020. Music naturally gets you feeling energised and kickstarts endorphins (that’s why you’re not advised to listen to it late at night if you struggle to sleep) and is one of the best natural highs you’ll ever get. It also is a tool that can help you to release pent up emotion. Did you shed a tear when listening to Taylor Swift’s twinkling Folklore melodies? (plenty did) or instantly feel your spirits lift at the cheesy song you forgot you loved? Music is a true balm for the soul and once you utilise those playlists more over the coming weeks, you’ll wonder how you’ve coped without it. Here’s our Heyday playlist for January: Songs For Hope - you might like the mix there- the last few songs are especially poignant for now.

Looking to the stars

Astrology has long been something many have taken comfort in and more and more of us are leaning into it through curiousity. Those in the know will tell you that what works for one sign might not work for another and of course it may not be your bag at all, but Horoscope.com’s tips are compiled of self-care based on your sign, so if none of the above floats your boat, perhaps these will.

Jennifer McShane, January 2021