Healthy Habits to Prevent Burnout: Self-Care!
Lauren Follett
"Self-Care" is one of the phrases I've heard the most in the last year during the pandemic. It's a tad repetitive I know, but we have to constantly be reminded to take care of ourselves because it's usually one of the first things to go when we're busy. Maybe because it feels self-indulgent? Self-care doesn't have to be extravagant, take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Here are a few simple ideas for self care:
One of the simplest things we can do is make time for a break, even if it's 20 minutes. Resist the temptation to scroll through Instagram, and do something that will increase feel-good chemicals and hormones like:Â
Dopamine: go for a walk in the sun while listening to music, meditate for 10 minutes or practice box breathing
Serotonin: do one of the online fitness classes offered in the community that will raise your heart rate!
Oxytocin: do an online yoga class, give someone a hug, a kiss, or...😄, give/get a massage (remember massage trains?!) or tell someone you love themÂ
Endorphins: eat dark chocolate (try my Kapow Chocolate recipe!), dance (check out DJ Raphi’s dance tutorials with or without your kiddos!), laugh, create music or art
Remember, you can't help others if you're not taking care of yourself - put your own oxygen mask on first!