The following is an adaptation from “7 spiritual tips to maintain your sanity …” by Rabbi Jill Zimmerman
Let’s face it, right now, everything seems to be moving at a rather fast pace, much faster than things seemed to have moved in the past. The news these days can feel overwhelming and many are trying to figure out what the near and far future will be like. Additionally, most of us still have to maintain a healthy family life, helping our children in school, do the necessary housework while working part or full time. Yes, it can feel overwhelming and because our days are so full, it can be hard to find time for self-care, which is essential as a basis to help take care of others. However, the concept of self-care, taking a day off from chores, is old, and in my opinion necessary to soak up some energy. Here are some tips:
- Try to accomplish all chores if possible by Friday night. This way, you don’t stress over the weekend over what you need to do. With that, you will also find more time for the lovely things in live, like enjoying that dinner out or a comforting home-cooked meal.
- “Don’t catastrophize: work with what you know.” Meaning, stay in the here and now and try not to engage in too many moments of possibilities and what-ifs (yes, this is hard).
- Enjoy the company of other people: have a simple get-together, give and take advice, vent if needed. If you like to spend time online, stay away from those who give you bad feelings. Create a loving circle around yourself. It is completely fine to retreat into the bubble that makes you comfortable. It is possible to build community on social networks, even on twitter!
- Remain true to yourself by checking your values and take an inventory (written or mental) on how you live those values. Remember, nobody can force you to abandon your values, because you are the one with the agency here.
- Refer to your spiritual side or religious teachings when you need to and share with others.
- When you feel down, try to remember some of the individuals you admire or. Think about the trials they have overcome (how would they have handles difficulties and challenges) in their lives. Let their values and actions guide you.
- “Take time for beauty.” That does not just mean beautify yourself, if you enjoy it get a pedicure, massage or facial. Men can and should enjoy those too, because most men don’t realize what they are missing here … Take time for beauty also means going outside and enjoying nature, look at some flowers, some pretty animals or just enjoy a sunset or sunrise because light always follows darkness.
- Laugh. They say that laughter is the best medicine. Watch or re-watch a funny movie that you know will make you laugh, or, at a minimum, smile. Watch some funny animal videos on youtube; dogs and otters are great, as are pretty much all other animals (except spiders etc.). Laugh about yourself when you make a mistake. Don’t ever let anyone tell you, “it’s not funny” when something brings you joy and laughter.
- As I write this, I realize it’s Thursday evening, try to and get all chores done by tomorrow night, so you can enjoy the weekend with less stress. If there is something still not done, Monday will be there. Unfolded laundry will still be there.
- My personal favorite: eat Nutella, out of the jar, with a gigantic spoon!