Travel Tuesday - MIndset - 5 Self-Care Tips to Help You

Just because you have a life that’s usually fast-paced, dominated by travel, adventures and constant highs, doesn’t mean that you can’t suffer from the January blues. The blues can reach out and wrap itself around anybody.

If you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to stay afloat in the New Year, don't worry—you're not alone. It may feel like it, but really you are not alone.

Taking time for self-care is one of the best things you can do to deal with your struggles.. Here are seven simple self-care tips that can help you feel a little bit better this January.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

It’s no secret that when we don’t get enough sleep, our physical and mental health suffers. Sleep is an essential element in our lives and the lack of it can be truly devastating to us.

During the month of January, it can be hard to maintain healthy sleep habits with colder weather, less daylight, and stressful life events. To help you tackle the January blues and reduce anxiety, make sure you practice mindful sleeping.

Start by establishing a regular bedtime routine, and allow yourself to have an abundance of sleep time. Aim for at least 8 hours each night, but don’t be afraid to give yourself more if needed. Creating a calming and comfortable sleeping environment will also make it easier for you to get the restful sleep your body and mind need.

If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, consider limiting your use of electronic devices before bed, avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon and evening, and avoiding naps. Getting enough sleep is an essential part of self-care and can help you feel better during the month of January and beyond; so if your sleep issues are long-term, seek professional help.

FUEL YOURSELF

It's great being able to show up for work, prepared (wherever you are - home or away) focused and ready to perform, but if your foundation is a mess you can’t expect to be able to function efficiently.

Start with the basics - review your diet. Do you need to switch things up and make different healthier choices?

Eating well and exercising are vital aspects of self-care. Eating a nutritious diet full of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other healthy foods is essential to help you maintain both your physical and mental health.

MOVE YOUR BODY

If you don’t like formal exercise try alternatives. Exercising in or outdoors can also help alleviate stress and anxiety. Whether it's going for a walk, doing yoga, swimming, or playing a sport—find something that you like and do it on a regular basis. Doing physical activity is a great way to focus your mind and release endorphins that will help improve your mood.

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

Staying connected with friends and family can be an incredibly effective way of managing stress, anxiety and the January blues. When we nurture our relationships with those we love, we can access a sense of abundance that helps us to cope with whatever is happening in our lives.

It’s important to remember that connecting with loved ones doesn’t have to be a big or elaborate affair – it can be as simple as having a phone call, texting, or even engaging in shared activities like watching a movie together.

Much as we’d all love to keep in touch in person, it’s not always possible. Luckily for us there are plenty of online apps and resources like video chat apps, forums and social media platforms. Making use of these digital tools can help to bridge the gap between physical distance and remind you that you are not alone.

Being around people we love can also create an atmosphere of abundance in our lives. This feeling of abundance can make us feel more resilient and able to cope with any difficulties we may be facing.

Remember to take time out of your day to reach out to loved ones and make meaningful connections. Doing so can help to lift your mood and allow you to get through the January blues with ease.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

For many of us, the January blues can be difficult to manage on our own. Admitting that can be a really scary place to find yourself in. If the feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety start to become overwhelming, it’s important to seek professional help. Talking to a trained mental health professional can help you make sense of where you are now and how to move forward.

When you are able to get yourself seen and up and running within the system be ready with questions, as your

Your primary care physician/mental health provider should be able to work with you to go through therapeutic services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies, and see whether they may work for you.

These types of therapies can help you learn new ways of thinking and responding to stressors that can help alleviate your symptoms. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed if needed.

It is important to remember that asking for help doesn't mean that you are weak or incapable of managing your feelings on your own. Making a stand for your own well-being by seeking professional help, is an act of courage and self-love and is an important part of looking after yourself during difficult times.