Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she's not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don't have to mold themselves to conventionality. Learn more about her and check out more of her work at www.emmagracebrown.com.
Have you ever felt like you’ve had it all together, then BAM, some outside force comes along and throws life off balance? We’ve all been there, but going through a pandemic is a whole new source of stress for everyone. Between schedule changes, remote work, and having to self-isolate, balance seems elusive these days, and the consequence is an increase in stress and discord.
Don’t Let Self-Care Slide
The stress of self-isolation comes at us from many angles. We’re trying to keep up with work, school, and hobbies - all while our family members are doing the same things in the same space. The result is that many people feel like they can’t accomplish it all, and unfortunately, self-care is often the first thing they sacrifice.
Stay Physically Active
Sacrificing self-care is a huge mistake because these practices are your best defense against stress. Instead of letting basic self-care habits slide, make it a priority to find solutions to whatever challenges are standing in the way. One perfect example is the need for exercise. According to The Mayo Clinic, exercise releases endorphins, those chemicals in the brain that make us happy. But it isn’t always easy to stay active at home, especially with multiple family members competing for space.
In this situation, consider trying something new, such as cycling. Cycling is one of the best full body workouts, plus it’s inherently calming and meditative. Getting into biking doesn’t have to be expensive either. There are lots of affordable bicycles that are still top quality, like the Schwinn Volare 1200 men’s road bike, or the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire mountain bike for someone who prefers to hit the trails. Or if you have even a small space indoors, you could get an affordable stationary bike, like the ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike With Heart Pulse.
Adequate Quantity and Quality Slumber
Trying a new exercise is just one example of how we can troubleshoot healthy habits that seem harder to accomplish these days. Another common issue people are dealing with is lack of sleep, and this one impacts children as well as adults. Part of the problem is that stress is often a factor that stands in the way of quality sleep, while lack of sleep perpetuates the issues by making stress worse.
If your children are experiencing this cycle of restless sleep and stress, consider a conversation that may help you intervene. You might want to determine whether you have a relaxing bedtime routine or whether your child’s sleep is interrupted by distractions, such as too many stuffed animals for little ones or your teen taking their phone to bed. Even if the problem seems insurmountable, by asking yourself these questions, you may find that it just requires a few easy solutions.
Try New Boredom Busters
Self-care goes a long way towards helping us all feel like ourselves again, but it won’t do away with the situations that lead to stress. That’s why it’s a good idea to find boredom busters that will help alleviate some of those challenging situations. If you have children who are struggling with being stuck at home, you may want to look into the best devices for your child’s age. There is everything from fitness trackers to age-appropriate smartphones available these days, and a little research can go a long way.
Remember that we could all use some positive distractions these days - not just kids. Every generation, from youngsters to seniors, is affected by the struggle to make life fulfilling when we can’t get out of the home. You could always take up a new hobby, but as CNBC explains, all you really need is simple, relaxing activities, like going for a walk or practicing yoga. And don’t hesitate to connect with Crystal Reiki Wellness for energetic space clearing, reiki sessions, and more self-care services.
Now that self-isolation is our current reality, we’re all trying to carry on with life the best we can. That means letting go of what we can’t control, while making adjustments where we can. This is the best way to achieve a new balance in life - a balance that helps bring your whole household back into better harmony.