Flexibility to set your own routine while working from home can be exciting but it is still important to establish a schedule that includes eating regular meals to be productive and promote your overall health. With World Health Day today (April 7, 2020), it’s the perfect reminder to take care of your health and stay committed to maintain a happy and balanced life. Whether it is changes to our diet or lifestyle, we could all do with some transformation to our schedule. Little changes can go a long way toward permanent and lasting routines of self-care, so here are three simple ways to practice self-love.
1. Have a Mindful Morning
While working remotely, it might be tempting to roll straight out of the bed and get to work, practice a self-care routine from the moment you get out of bed. This routine can be different for everyone but might include gentle yoga, a short meditation or some positive visualisation. Part of morning mindfulness is slowing down to nourish your body. And it doesn’t have to be an elaborate or time-consuming meal! Try prepping make-ahead overnight oats as breakfast that combines bananas, oats, and heart healthy walnuts to create a tasty and satisfying way to start the day.
2. Take a Midday Break
When you get busy with your to-do lists and responsibilities, taking a real break can feel like a luxury, but it’s about so much more than satisfying your hunger pangs. Skipping lunch can take a toll on our productivity and even our wellbeing, so give rest to your brain by taking a midday break. Use your midday break to nourish both your body and your mind! Enjoy a wholesome lunch or smoothie and reflect on the positive things that have happened in your day so far. Add just a handful of walnuts to supercharge your meals and enjoy that healthy nutrition with your dear ones.
3. Wind Down Well
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to catch up on your favourite shows in the evening or recap what happened on social media, but challenge yourself to some screen-free fun for a few hours! Consider doing something that puts you in the present moment, like playing with a pet, doing a puzzle, taking a bath, or journaling. As you relax and unwind, try to use positive self-talk and uplifting language in your mental dialogue. Even if you didn’t complete your to-do list for the day, give yourself credit for what you did achieve!
Finally, no matter how you spend the evening, prepare for a good night of sleep by putting all screens away at least one hour before bed. This will help signal your brain that it’s time to start winding down and will help you mentally review your day. A restful night of sleep might be the ultimate act of love for your body!
Be kind to yourself! Self-care is just as important as caring for everyone else. Patterns and routines take time to develop, so be kind and gentle as you learn to let go for a few minutes a day! One place to start is by caring for your heart by eating a handful of walnuts every day.
