Some days don’t light up. These days are harder and more difficult to function. It’s not easy to get off from that slump. But there are simple things you can do to alleviate your mood, even by just a bit. Self-care is important now more than ever, and people are trying to find the best way to improve their well-being. Here are some unconventional but effective ways to start self-care.
Guided Meditation Through Housekeeping
Sometimes, what you need is to clean your environment. Cleaning and rearranging your surrounding can help you think and meditate. This can be done through focus and being mindful of the task at hand. Concentration heightens mindfulness and allows you to be in the moment.
Most of the time, we tend to be overwhelmed with many thoughts, and processing them can be challenging. By focusing on a single task at hand, be it sweeping the floor or washing the dishes, you can train your mind to concentrate and process thoughts one thing at a time. Sure, housekeeping is a never-ending chore, and it might not be that exciting for you. But try it and see how it can help your mindfulness.
If not, then why not get some help? You may look for a housekeeper for a day to help you out with the cleaning, especially if there’s so much to do. If you have piles and heaps of laundry, you can even look for a reputable laundromat near you. Whether on your own or with help, cleaning and housekeeping can be a therapeutic way to meditate.
Decluttering Your Life as Self-care
Another activity that you can do to change your mood or disposition is decluttering. To those who are interested in or practicing minimalism, decluttering is essential to do. But you do not have to be a minimalist to practice decluttering. It also has benefits to your well-being as well as your home.
Why decluttering Is good for you? It is a way to practice self-care. Self-care is taking essential steps to prioritize your health and well-being. It’s easy to see why some would confuse self-care with leisurely activities like having a manicure, spa massages, and the like. But it isn’t only about fun activities. Sometimes, self-care is difficult to do but is necessary, like having to go to a checkup regularly or exercising and eating the right food.
Retail therapy can be considered self-care. However, owning too many things can also be detrimental. A home that is filled with too much stuff takes time and space. And it can even take away your peace.
Clutter caused by all the things you have accumulated will take more time to clean and maintain. Cluttered homes are also discomforting and generally suffocating. Most people will find it difficult to be at peace in such a place. As such, it is important to rid yourself of these things. It may be difficult to let go of the things you have acquired, but it is necessary for your peace and sanity.
Decluttering allows you to be free from the excess that you are holding on to. It frees so much space in your home, and it will take less time to clean. There’s also a drastic effect on one’s quality of life after decluttering. You’ll find that it is easier to be relieved. Peace of mind is easier to attain in a home that makes you less stressed.
Breathing Exercises
Anxiousness and restlessness can be triggered in the most unexpected time in the day. On such occasions, the easiest way to calm yourself down is through breathing exercises. Deep breathing sounds easier said than done, especially if you haven’t done conscious breathing.
The first thing to do is to start minding your breath. Deepen your inhales and make sure that you feel them in your stomach. Prolong your exhale and make sure you get all the air out. Repeat this for a few more minutes until relaxed. The flow of oxygen in the body calms the nerves down. It’s an easy method to ease anxiety attacks.
These are just some activities that you can do for free. If you need an instant boost or if you need to calm down, you can try them. They are and therapeutic and actually fun to do. But they are still not a replacement for seeking help professionally. If you still feel anxious and off your usual group, it is not a bad idea to seek professional help. Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.