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We all have been there with the Sunday scaries. Many people refer to the Sunday scaries as the anxiety that sets in on Sunday nights with the upcoming return to the office, school, or work. We often forget to
take the time to ourselves. During long work weeks, our body and mind deserve some time away from computers, phones, and textbooks. Whether it is every day or once a day, self-care is an important activity to do to lead towards a more balanced and overall healthy life. We all have to remember to enjoy life because life is precious and so is the time you spend!

Why is Self-Care So Important?

Self-care can help you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself mentally and physically. Taking time out of your day to take care of yourself allows you to transmit your good energy to friends and
family around you! A saying I like is, “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first”.

6 Ways to Start Practicing Self-Care

  1. Find a Hobby. Whether it is painting, playing a sport you enjoy, singing or cooking, spending time doing something you enjoy can really refresh and clear your mind.
  2.  Talk To a Friend. Friends are important. Having a friendship ignites a part of our brain that makes us feel good! Talking to a close friend can help us release any thoughts bottled up in our heads.
  3. Go outdoors! Being outside is my favorite way to destress. Being outdoors and seeing the trees, flowers, and scenery can actually lower your blood pressure and decrease anxiety levels.
  4. Taking a Hot Bath. Not only can a nice hot bath help you sleep better but taking a bath can help create a nice relaxing environment for meditating and can give you some time to escape from everyday stressors.
  5. Meditate. There are many benefits to meditating. Try taking just 15 minutes out of your day to do a quick meditation. Meditating can benefit you emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and mentally.
  6. Limit screen time. Spending time away from your phone, laptop and TV can give you more time to be outside, reflect, and get some exercise. Cutting down screen time is said to improve your happiness and sleep.

Written by GUADS member Kathryn, with contributions from health.cleavlandclinic.org and www.thefader.com/