Simple Steps To Take Better Care Of Yourself This Autumn

To say that we have all had a hard time over the last eighteen months would be a dramatic understatement. The pandemic has been brutally difficult for all of us and has presented us with a seemingly endless series of issues to worry about. We have been worried about our job security, as many of us were put on furlough or forced into redundancy. We have worried about the health of ourselves and our loved ones, and we struggled with not being able to see our friends and families during lockdowns. What’s more, there have been looming issues emerging into the news that are not pandemic related, such as the signs of climate change that are becoming impossible to ignore.

In short, it has been easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. When things seem so difficult the world over, we start to feel isolated and begin to struggle with self-care. However, we all need to remember that hard times pass. We still need to look after ourselves even when things are hard, and we need to look after ourselves when things start to get a little easier too. The last few months have shown us that there won’t be a snap return to normal. But things are getting better as more and more people get their vaccines. We’re seeing our friends and family again, we’re going out and having fun, and we’re even going on holiday. Now is the time when we need to start thinking about how we can start treating ourselves with a little more kindness. Here are a few tips to help you take better care of yourself in the months to come.

Don’t Be Ashamed Of Taking Time For Yourself

Anyone with a family will tell you that marshalling a household and keeping them happy and healthy during the pandemic has been a full-time job. There has not been much time to step away and take a deep breath when you are worrying about making sure that everyone has their masks and hand-sanitiser, not to mention trying to figure out if you can keep working full-time when you also need to home-school your kids.

Now that things are looking a little brighter, you need to remember that you need to look after yourself too. Think about carving out a few days in your calendar that are just for you. Book in some time at a spa, go to the cinema by yourself, or arrange a few days away with friends. And why not spend a night at a hotel with your partner while someone else looks after your kids?

Keep An Eye On Your Health

When things are so tough and if you are responsible for other people, it can be very easy to lose focus on your own health. It is vitally important, especially as we head into the colder months, that you take care of yourself and watching for warning signs is a big part of that. Don’t forget to book your flu jab, make sure that you are getting enough sleep and that you are doing the right things when it comes to your diet (lots of water, less caffeine, less sugar).

One of the most important things when it comes to keeping an eye on your health is to remember to book in for regular tests. As we get older, we all need to be more vigilant as there are several illnesses that can become more and more of a risk. No one likes to think of cancer as a possibility but sadly it is a very common and very serious disease. A full body scan will look at the major organs and keep you updated on any warning signs. If you’re looking for a private option, this company offers a fast, accurate and radiation-free scan. Ezra can help to spot cancer early to give you a better chance of fighting it.

Keep Getting Outside

It’s always easy to get out into the fresh air when the sun is shining and the temperatures are nice and balmy, but when autumn comes rolling in, the temptation to stay inside on the sofa gets strong. Getting outdoors, getting some fresh air, and getting some exercise is not just a good way to make sure that you’re looking after your body. It can have a real impact on your mental health too. And let’s face it, we could all use a mood boost right now!

If you are finding that you are spending more time indoors than you’d like but you’re finding it tough to get back out there, then try getting into a routine. Set a time of day that is outdoor time, even if it’s just going for a walk on your lunchbreak. Think about exploring somewhere new near you as something a bit more ambitious on the weekend and ask a friend if they’d like to come with you. We all need a little extra nudge sometimes and a bit of company could be just the thing.