With COVID restrictions easing all across the country, there’s a whole lot of change coming and not a lot of clarity on what to expect.

Sure, we’re excited for the hustle and bustle to return, but there’s also a lot of anxiety and stress that’s bound to come with that. And while we think it’s amazing that we can once again make plans to spend social time with our loved ones, we also don’t think you should feel obliged to say yes to everything you’re invited to.

Although self-care might seem a little “2020” we’re here to say that we think that right now, it’s more important than ever. After a year full of Friday nights in, (and every other night too, mind you) we recommend taking it slow, and being gentle with yourself.

Here are some tips on how to handle the ebbs and flows of our “new normal”

~ Make a plan.

Start using a calendar, a diary or a planner, and write out your plans for the week ahead. Assess how many social and work engagements you have to know how big of a week you’re in for. This helps us think ahead and avoid overwhelming ourselves unnecessarily. Then on those heavily scheduled days (you know the ones where you find yourself drowning in meeting after meeting, and then have to back it up with a big family dinner…) you will have enough time to prepare yourself mentally for it.

~ Make time for yourself.

We’ve felt the pull to say yes to any and every invitation, but it’s important to make sure you’re leaving time for yourself. Have a look at that planner we mentioned earlier, and actively leave time to do something for your mental and physical health. Book yourself into the yoga class you’ve been wanting to try, run yourself a bubble bath and put on a face mask, do a guided meditation or just sit on your couch with your fave TV series. Whatever it is you decide to do, it should be for YOU.

~ Listen to a podcast.

Although we were pretty reluctant on the whole podcast thing, we’ve recently gotten into a few great programs that have had us do a complete 180 on that. Ask your friends, family and colleagues for recommendations and you’ll find something that suits you perfectly. Listening to someone talk about their own journey through similar issues is incredibly calming and affirming. Chances are there’s someone out there who’s been in your shoes and has now made it out the other end of the tunnel. Keep an eye out for some of our podcast recommendations, coming soon!

~ Get happily active.

There’s nothing like a good sweat sesh to refocus on what’s important. It clears our head like nothing else! If you’ve got a big week coming up or you’re stressing over something at work, get your heart rate up for at least 15-30 minutes, and you’ll be feeling like you again no time.

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