If you’ve been dealing with higher stress levels than usual, you’re not alone—as COVID-19 continues, countless Americans continue to navigate the impact the virus has had on their health, families, and finances. It’s been reported that over 30 percent of Americans say they’re facing negative economic impacts as a result of the pandemic—and those numbers are growing. With ongoing furloughs and layoffs, you might not realize how financial stress can impact your physical and mental health.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re doing what you can to tend to yourself and finding ways to nourish your mind and body. Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be overwhelming, so choosing simple habits you can start implementing today—small acts of self care and nourishment—are a great way to get started. Here are some simple self care tips that can help you increase your mental and physical wellbeing:
Movement and Exercise
You don’t need to hit the gym five days a week to feel like you’re getting enough exercise. Taking a brisk walk on your lunch break or starting the day with ten minutes of yoga can increase your energy levels and stimulate the flow of endorphins, which is a happiness hormone that will have you feeling more positive and optimistic.
Consistent Sleep
While sleep may not initially strike you as a form of self care, the impact sleep has on our mental and physical health is monumental. Besides fending off fatigue, getting enough sleep every night makes it far easier to manage stress. Don’t skip this simple but powerful habit.
Gratitude
Starting a gratitude practice can do wonders for stress levels and your overall outlook on life. When we live life on autopilot, we tend to focus on all the negatives going on in our lives and think about the things we lack, or what we wish we had. By committing to a daily gratitude practice, you reinforce positivity in your life and remind yourself to focus on the good.
These are just a few simple acts of self-care that you can begin implementing to combat financial stress and take better care of yourself today. For a deep dive on the impact of financial stress on our wellbeing, this visual designed by CreditRepair outlines statistics on the topic, along with additional self-care strategies you can try. Times might be tough, but you have the power to take control of your own personal health and work towards becoming a stronger and more resilient version of yourself!
Originally posted on February 24, 2021 @ 10:47 am