Take screen breaks: When busy workdays keep your gaze glued to the screen, it can leave you feeling achy and irritated. Be sure to sneak in some much-needed self-care during a long day. After the virtual meeting, take a short break. When you’re feeling groggy, get up from your chair and do some gentle yoga stretches to get the blood flowing and relieve tension. Finally, a quick session of “daylight therapy” is good for a serotonin boost and a pop of alertness. Seek out a sunny nook to sip your matcha tea or head outside for a brisk walk around the block. Date night: Date nights may look a little different this year, but getting in some quality time with your partner is a great way to unwind and brighten up your mood - whether you’re ordering takeout or cooking a homemade dinner! We may be spending more time than usual with our partners. Because of this, a date night or special one-on-one time is especially important. Get your beauty rest: Let’s talk about getting your best sleep! An hour or so before bedtime, make sleepy-time self-care a priority. Put away the screens and cultivate a peaceful state of mind. A brief meditation session lowers the heart rate and stress level, so you can turn in with a blissful state of calm. If you’re a beginner at meditation, start by setting a timer for five minutes, and just use the time to do nothing but focus the mind on your breath. Breathe in, hold for a beat, then release. Keep a dream journal at your bedside table, so you can be sure you’re getting adequate deep REM sleep, which is needed to optimize your mood, learning and memory.
help clear your mind and reduce stress. Many gyms and personal trainers are offering fitness classes or custom workouts online. Seek advice if you need to: Many of us are feeling overwhelmed these days, it’s been a long year. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to seek professional help if you’re feeling unusually low or depressed. If you have been experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression: • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism • Irritability • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness • Decreased energy or fatigue • Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Moving or talking more slowly • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Changes in appetite or weight •Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment Talk to your health care provider or doctor about these symptoms. Be honest, clear, and concise—your doctor needs to know how you feel. He/she may ask when your symptoms started, what time of day they happen, how long they last, how often they occur, if they seem to be getting worse or better, and if they keep you from going out or doing your usual activities. It may help to take the time to make some notes about your symptoms before you visit your provider.
To give your morning an aromatic boost, energize your bathroom routine with fresh natural scents - such as rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and anything in citrus - that can be dropped into a small portable diffuser to invigorate the senses and relax the body. Work out: With many of us spending more time at home, being able to squeeze in a quick workout can help reduce stress and anxiety - as well as get our bodies ready for a more restful night’s sleep. Regular workouts will keep you fit and
SPRING 2021 www.pei-living.ca
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