I am sure many of us are well into acting out the resolutions, goals and visions we set for this year, though there might be some re-strategizing as the weeks have gone by. As we enter the second month of the year it is time to consider some essentials for 2022, including developing effective self-care techniques. We can start implementing some of the suggested techniques during reading week, as there is no better time than when scheduled classes aren't taking place!
Self-care essentially can be integrated into different aspects of our lives:
Physical wellbeing
Since many of us are still working and studying from home, there is a tendency to get lax about engaging in various activities like going for walks and exercising. Working and studying from home has made it so that the only form of commuting you need to engage in is walking from your bed to your desk (but who doesn't love that!). However, the downside is that we must then take intentional steps to keep physically active.
This could mean walking to the grocery store rather than driving or taking transit. Now this firmly depends on the weather (hello Alberta!), but also the distance from a grocery store to where you live, as well as the quantity of groceries you plan on buying. If you really want to commit to it, you can plan to do a few grocery runs a week, and that way you are forced to go out and take those walks. This is also important during reading week, especially when you hit a roadblock with a project, assignment or whatever is due the next week. Changing your environment and engaging with the real world can offer a breakthrough and perspective shift that can change the trajectory you are on.
Skincare
We all know how trifling Alberta weather can be in the winter, but it is important to take care of our skin. No matter what your budget is you can engage some skincare products to ensure your skin is moisturized and taken care of. Of course, don't neglect to use SPF or a moisturizer with SPF. SPF is an essential even in winter and is necessary for all skin types to help block against the harmful UVB rays emitted by the sun.
Skincare doesn't have to be expensive or complicated, you can start with affordable/drugstore products and a simple routine. and add to it as you learn which products work best for you. This will also depend on your skin needs and skin type.
I was recently gifted these skincare products and plan on trying them out during reading week to see if it'll work for my skin type and skin need!
Diet
What we fuel our bodies with can really determine how far they can take us. Ensuring you are intentional with eating fruits and veggies like citrus fruits, kale, spinach and all that good stuff will boost your immune system and supply you with energy, and you can plan to use Reading Week to prepare meals and recipes you are interested in trying but have never had the chance to. Now's the time, no more excuses! 'Tis the season of smoothies! Why not pamper yourself and actually attempt all those smoothie recipes you've saved online and in all those productivity vlogs.
Plan which recipes you'd like to try out for the whole Reading Week for something to look forward to and that will bring some joy and excitement to your week. Having plans towards your eating habits could help increase your productivity and assist in completing those assignment goals!
Emotional wellbeing
Look into getting a plant. Plant parenthood is a real thing and there have been several articles written on its benefit to our mental health. Plant care can be low maintenance and relatively easy if you get the right type, and you might find that you tend to take more care of yourself when you have something that relies on you for its own care. Caring for something or someone else helps keep you in check because you want to ensure you're in the best frame of mind to do so. I bought a small foliage plant that doesn't require much care and attention, but still gives me something to look forward to taking care of. You can check out your local homeware store like Canadian Tire, Home Depot or any grocery store for plants looking for homes!
Have an awesome month of February and remember that it is important to take care of yourself in order to achieve your goals and perform as your best self!
