It’s looking like it could be a bit of a challenging fall and winter. However, there’s a lot you can do to make sure you manage to look and feel your best despite the stress. Finding ways to feel good about yourself can go a long way toward helping make a difficult time that much easier.
Clean and Redecorate
Did you know that your environment has a massive impact on your well-being? It’s true — studies have shown that a messy or ugly environment can bring down your mood, while, conversely, a pleasant environment can boost it. In that spirit, now is the perfect time to tidy up, organize, and redecorate your home.
Not only will this make your space look better, but it’s also a really good way to let go of any built-up negative energy from the last year. It’s been a stressful few months, and odds are good you’ve started to make some negative associations with your home as a result. Giving your space a facelift will reset those associations and help you take on the world.
Revamp Your Wardrobe
This is a great time to take a look at your wardrobe and update it to suit your style. We tend to hold on to old clothes that don’t really suit us or match how we’d like to present ourselves. Maybe they’re out of date or raggedy, maybe they don’t fit, or maybe they just don’t match the look you tend to go for anymore. Whatever the case, these clothes are just wasting space in our closets. Go through your wardrobe and donate anything that’s no longer you.
You can also take this chance to pick up some new items. In general, you should focus on getting things that are both stylish and practical, such as a waterproof trench coat. High-quality outerwear is a huge asset coming into a fall and winter where many social gatherings are likely to be held outdoors. Something warm and cozy can make sure you stave off the colder weather while looking your best.
Focus on Healthy Living
Another valuable tool for taking care of yourself in stressful situations is overall healthy living. When we’re stressed, we tend to turn to junk food and give up on healthy habits like exercise. However, this creates a vicious cycle that just produces more and more stress.
That’s why taking time to really pay attention to your diet and activity levels can make such a big difference when it comes to overall anxiety. Start by keeping an eye on how you’re eating. Ideally, you should be eating regular healthy meals throughout the day. Try to get plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats and proteins. Unless you’ve been told to by a doctor, don’t cut out any food groups or make any dramatic diet changes – just try to make sure you’re eating a variety of foods, using healthy portion sizes, and not going too long between meals.
When it comes to exercise, thirty minutes a day, five days a week is a great starting point. If you can manage to hit those activity levels, odds are you’ll give your body the movement it needs to thrive. You can do this by running, going on walks, taking an exercise class online, or more. Try a few things out until you figure out a form of exercise you really like and are willing to stick with.
Lastly, make sure you’re paying close attention to your oral health, as this can have a dramatic effect on your confidence and health. Taking care of your teeth is as easy as brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as scheduling check-ups with your dentist. However, if you suffer from a problem such as misaligned teeth, you may have difficulty keeping your teeth clean. Look into at-home teeth aligners that can help adjust your teeth, thus making them easier to clean. Many at-home aligners come in day and nighttime options, the latter of which allows you to realign your teeth without having to wear an aligner throughout the day. However, the nighttime option will require a longer treatment time, so make sure you choose one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Whenever you’re facing a stressful situation, basic self-care can go a long way toward keeping your emotional state manageable. Focus on finding ways to give yourself a break, and treat yourself with kindness. You deserve it!
If you feel you need to speak with someone during these times of stress, reach out to Path to Hope Counseling. We can help you live a mindful life. Get in touch today by calling 984-500-2021 or dropping an email to pathtohopec@hushmail.com.
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