Self-Care: Spend Less, Receive More
With heightened feelings of stress, uncertainty and isolation due to the lasting effects of the pandemic, many, for good reason, are focused on self-care. But are we investing in the right self-care? As of April 2021, McKinsey and Company estimated that the global wellness market is valued at more than $1.5 trillion. This tells me there is often a monetary value attached to feeling well.
Yes, the facial, organic salad, skincare products and apps that can track just about anything are often mood boosters. But is this encouraging us to take on self-care as an expensive personal mission? I think at times, yes. I’d like to offer accessible alternatives that often cost less yet make a lasting positive impact on our overall health:
1. Take a 30-minute walk, jog, or other activity of choice, completely disconnected from technology (yes even music) every, single, day. The fresh air, sunshine and calm help boost endorphins and regulate your mood (Belvederi et al., 2019).
2. To boost feelings of connectedness, take part in your community in a way that suits you. Ideas: go to your local farmers’ market instead of the grocery store a couple of times a month. Introduce yourself to the lovely barista who makes your coffee and ask their name.
3. Let yourself be bored. Truly bored. Technology has created incredible opportunities to be connected anywhere and everywhere, but constantly consuming information is draining our brains. Neuroscientists agree that boredom can positively impact social connections, creativity, task engagement and productivity. As further explained in this article, boredom allows your brain to put together strategies and solutions that have been there all along (Robinson, 2020). On your next commute or evening free, challenge yourself to fully disconnect. Look out the window, doodle, journal, whatever suits you. You’re allowing your brain to process and recuperate.
4. Ask for help in any area of your life that is challenging you. This can be hard, especially when we are spread thin. Consider if asking for help means you are a burden to others. What if you saw asking for help as a way to truly connect with others and allow them into your life in a meaningful way? If this is challenging for you (like it is for me), therapy can be a wonderful opportunity to work through these beliefs.
Where can you spend less yet receive more?
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References:
Belvederi Murri, M., Ekkekakis, P., Magagnoli, M., Zampogna, D., Cattedra, S.,
Capobianco, L., Serafini, G., Calcagno, P., Zanetidou, S., & Amore, M. (2019).
Physical Exercise in Major Depression: Reducing the Mortality Gap While
Improving Clinical Outcomes. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 762. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00762
Robinson, B. (2022, September 2). Why neuroscientists say, 'boredom is good for your brain's health.'. Forbes. Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2020/09/02/why-neuroscientists-say-boredom-is-good-for-your-brains-health/?sh=5a39ddb18427
