Life is dynamic, not static.
Change is happening whether we wish for it or not. If two years of these extraordinary times have taught us anything it is that we can be resilient and can adapt to change, even when it's dramatic.
I hope we can all take that resourcefulness and use it to make a difference in our self-care. The action towards self-care can be small, but see if you can chose one that you can keep up with.
Journal a few sentences in the morning. Do a one minute meditation/breathing cycle. Take a walk around the block. Put down your phone for the first three bites of your meal and just focus on the taste of your food and the way your body feels as you eat. At the end of the day think of three things that you are grateful to have experienced. Make your bed a place for sleep and affection but nothing else.
If you start with one goal and it doesn't feel "good enough" after a week, try another.
The point is to take a small incremental action that you can integrate easily into your day (or night.)
Here's a start: When in doubt---breathe in, breathe out.
Take good care.
To feel in the pink, think green (or ocean blue or woodland brown).
The multiple physical and mental health benefits of a "nature connection" are well-documented in numerous public health research studies. Here's one that was touted in journal, Scientific Reports. The title says it all:
"Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing"
(Mathew P. White, et al., Scientific Reports, June 13, 2019; v. 9; art. 7730)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3
The results apply to all age groups and the process requires very little other than some access to a few trees or shrubs, an expanse of grass or garden, a path near a lake or pond. 120 minutes of outdoor time each week is ideal, but, please don't be intimidated if that seems out of reach. Just like any other change that you want to fit into your lifestyle, you can start low and go slow to get to your goal.
Plus, you don't have to go it alone. Instead of meeting friends at a restaurant or bar, invite them to a stroll in the park or even packing a lunch or takeout for a park bench mini-picnic to get your minutes in. Just two hours a week, by yourself or with a friend, child or family member.
After 18 months, pandemic fatigue is setting in for many of us.
As we change seasons, we can change our ways of taking good care of ourselves.
Until next time, wishing you good health, a good autumn and a good time with Mother Nature.
