Self Care

As we near, hopefully, the end of our 3rd Lockdown, there seems to be a natural feeling of wanting to start over, start a fresh. Lockdown has given many of us the chance to take stock of where we are and where we would like to go. For most we feel we have been on a constant hamster wheel, missing normality and fed up with the monotony the pandemic has endured upon us. However, in these dark times, hopefully there have been moments of light and clarity, a chance, for once for us all to slow down and reflect. As we look to leave our 3rd lockdown, I have come to the realisation that I’m very fortunate for the life I have and the people I have in it. Throughout the lockdowns I have studied, wrote a book and rested. I still haven’t got to the level of fitness I aimed for, nor have I achieved some of my other goals. Does it matter? No. Even if all you did throughout these lockdowns was survive, then you have done very well, don’t compare your experience, to anyone’s.

For many, we are finding that our energy levels are very low, we tire easy or constantly feel exhausted. There are so many reasons for this, from the disruption from our ‘normal’ routines, juggling working, from home and home-schooling and all the emotions that are associated with the current world we find ourselves in.

Here are some tips to get start increasing your energy and start combating the ‘lockdown fatigue.’

Focus on Creating Positive Sleep Patterns

It is easy when life is a bit like Groundhog Day to let your sleep patterns change and go AWOL. However, it is still vitally important to ensure you are getting enough sleep and having a positive routine. As mentioned in one of my previous blogs, humans thrive on routine. As well as the usual of avoiding screens before bed, setting clear times for going to bed and then getting up can really help our energy levels. Remember it isn’t always ‘how much’ sleep you get rather than the quality of sleep. Continual lay-in’s and binge netflixing at night won’t help your energy or motivation levels.

Get Active

Before you get startled, this does not mean taking part in onerous workouts that leave you feeling even more unfit than before. It is about starting gradually. You may not realise this, but you could be more tired as your body is less active than it previously was. As you start doing less, your body becomes used to this and reacts accordingly leaving you feeling sluggish and lethargic Walking is by far the most effective form of keeping active, being outdoors also helps you take notice of what is around you and have a different focus for a while. You may also start by doing some stretches each day, you will see, overtime you become more flexible and less tense. If you need motivation, there are lots of online groups that you can join to do workouts and get the group support you may need, it also is a form of social interaction, something I think we are all missing.

'You time' is not selfish, but necessary

'You time' and self-care looks different for each and every one of us. For some it is having a bath, lighting candles and switching off from reality, for some it’s a long walk, or reading a book, or participate in an online group. Whatever ‘your thing’ is, it is important that you do it without guilt. Self-care is vital for helping us recharge our energy levels and gain mental clarity.

There is nothing written here that you have probably not already heard. But sometimes we could all do with the reminder.

So remember:

· Have ‘you time’

· Get Active

· Create positive sleep patterns