10 self care tips for the pandemic blues

The world is chaos at the moment- from snap lockdowns to businesses' dying to never knowing when we may travel again. I work as a receptionist for a hotel and I've noticed a growing amount of aggression and animosity towards myself and fellow co-workers. It isn't just that - you can almost feel the anger in the air. That's why I want to share with you some excellent tips that could help you feel better and then you can help others feel better as well. We are collective after all. 10 Self Care tips for the pandemic blues 1. Meditate Pandemic or not-meditation is the key to creating a better life. It teaches you how to sit with yourself and live in the present moment. I'm not telling you to go rogue and convert to Buddhism or anything, but even just integrating 5-10 minutes of practice in your life can really shift your mentality. My sister-in-law had a brain tumour that was inoperable and started meditating for about 20 minutes a day- this reduced her tumour dramatically in the space of a few months. The doctor was amazed as that rarely happens. The only thing she did differently was meditation. If that doesn't amaze you, I don't know what will. There is a tonne of free meditations on YouTube. I use the Insight Timer and Headspace apps also for free teachings. 2. Call your friends

This may seem like a no-brainer, but when we are isolated it brings on a certain state of mind. We live in an era of fantastic technology- we can call people where ever we want on this planet. I find talking on the phone monotonous at times- but once I've made the effort to speak to some of my fabulous friends, I always feel better than I did before. Better yet why not organise a group chat over the app 'Houseparty'? There you can play games and have multiple friends on one call. 3. Start a new hobby/online course If you get stranded at home due to another lockdown- why not take up a new hobby or start a new online course? I've started about 5 online courses during the pandemic. Have I finished any of them? No. It's the thought that counts. It kept my mind active and focused on something new, other than the state of the world. So switch off the news and go and have a look at Udemy, Skillshare etc. 4. Try a new recipe I often find it hard to be motivated to cook every night but I found if I put a fun spin on things it keeps things fresh and exciting. So every now and again if my cooking life needs a little more flavour- I'll spice it up and try and cook one of my favourite meals like ramen or pho. It tends to keep things interesting for me in the kitchen and when you cook something new and delicious for yourself you feel inspired to cook more. 5. Exercise Have you met my great friend Mr Endorphin? He's here to make you feel on top of the world. Creating a regular workout routine has so many health benefits and can help with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. During one of my many lockdowns, I did many yoga and HIIT workouts and I don't think I would have been able to make it through without sweating out my anger. There is a great deal of YouTube videos to peruse. The app I used mainly was Down Dog, which has multiple workout apps connected to it. Definitely worth a look. 6. Write away your worries Of course, a writer is going to suggest that you should write- but seriously start a journal or even just have a little notepad next to your bed so you can jot down thoughts, feelings, ideas- you name it! When I can't talk to anybody, I write all of my frustrations and desires down. I find it interesting to look back on it all like three years later, so I can see how my state of mind has changed. It's a great reminder of how far you've come. So do it- no one else will see it. Unless you of course you want them too. 7. Try and change the way you talk to yourself

You must be well acquainted now with the voice in your head. Thanks to hours of therapy and life lessons learnt, I figured out that you have control of that voice. I never would wake up and look in the mirror and say 'I love you Monique' or congratulate myself for the smallest achievements. Since I've started doing simple things like that, I've started to become my own best friend. Self-loving kindness is an ever-blooming flower, which you must water every day. 8. Masturbate Time to make yourself feel sexy. Light some candles, dim the lights and get in touch with yourself- literally. Masturbation can release a treasure trove of yummy hormones that can leave you feeling oh so great. There is no shame in masturbating- it is basically making love to yourself and don't you want to love yourself? 9. Call a shrink If you are really struggling, or just want someone to talk too-get a shrink. It has changed my life for the better. You have to want to change and be ready- it also doesn't happen overnight. Now I understand psychologists can be a little on the pricey side, but there are mental health care plans you can sort out in certain countries to help out. A lot of countries will have free counselling meetings and even there are some great online platforms where you can reach out for help. 10. Listen to yourself The sooner you do this the better. Listen to your emotions, process them and then let go. Listen to your moral compass, she'll guide you into making sound decisions for yourself. Don't deny feelings for too long otherwise, they will only get stronger and remember not to listen to anxiety. Anxiety is your ''self-identity role" that you created for yourself. Don't listen-you are perfect just the way you are. The truth is if you just live in the moment as much as you can, and feel, love and all of the rest- you will have a more fulfilling life. Well, I hope you enjoyed today's self-care tips for the pandemic blues. These are what I consider to be some great things to spend your time doing for a more fulfilled life. Is there anything missing from this list? Don't agree with something? Please reach and out and let me know what you think. With love always, Momo