Self Care and Safety Tips
The colder months have started to slowly trickle all around the United States. During this time, some of us may find yourself in a seasonal slump. The temperatures drop and the lack of sunlight can really do a number on our mental health and not just ourselves but the rest of our family as well. To help you take care of yourself, and your family members, there are a few self-care tips for the months that many of us might need. Below are a few tips to not only help you through it but also keep you safe in the process.
Having A Routine In Place: One of the biggest challenges many of us face is having a routine when the weather gets cold. With days off from school for your kids, parties to attend and various errands to run many of us find ourselves waking up and going to sleep at different times every day. This can really ruin your sleep pattern and make you feel your worst instead of your best. Having a lack of routine can also increase your stress and anxiety during the cold months. If you have a set and established routine, this can help you thrive and also regulate an effective sleep pattern to feel your optimal alertness throughout the day. The same goes for your children as well who might still be in school e-learning during this time.
Leave The House Every Day If Possible: I know many of us don’t feel safe during our global pandemic but leaving the house doesn’t mean you need to go shopping or running errands. A simple walk with your family can be a great adjustment for you and everyone. You can also bring your child with you to the grocery store for a chance of scenery for both of you. If you stay inside in your pajamas all day, you might feel worse than you would if you got yourself dresses, walked around your neighborhood with a friend, or went to a local park with your kids depending on the weather.
Take Mindful Breaks: If getting outside might be too much for you, especially if you live in a location when the temperature can be under 0 it doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t take a few minutes to refocus. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply while you look out the window. Be mindful of the nature that you see and focus on details such as the leaves, the sizes of the snowfall, texture of the clouds, or counting the colors you see. Give yourself a moment to be mindful of nature to help reduce your stress. This is also a great exercise that your children can do as well. You could even have them try a scavenger hunt of what they see from the window to write down and share with you at a later time.
Check Your Fire Alarms/ Security Systems: Did you know that it is recommended to check your smoke and fire alarm systems at least twice a year or every 6 months? One of the ways we check is by using daylight savings time as a reminder. Some of us might just wait until the battery dies to check but that can be the worst thing to do. If you’re currently reading this, now is the time to go through your home and ensure that they are working properly before it’s too late. If you didn’t install your own, be sure to call the company that installed it for you to make sure everything is functioning correctly. Did you currently just move into a new home and don’t know where to find a proper security system or fire alarm to help? If you live in the New Jersey area, you’ll want to call a reputable company called Alpha Fire and Security Systems. They come highly recommend and offer you electronic fire and safety monitoring to put your mind at ease. They are one of the top Fire Alarm Systems in the NJ area so that makes me feel incredibly lucky to have them nearby. The equipment is second to none and can be alerted through a signal to their central station to dispatch the fire department immediately. You also aren’t tied to one fire alarm supplier so this means it is not costly. You have the freedom to choose who your carrier is as well as have the lower cost option on the equipment. Furthermore, having these systems in place allow you and your family to be protected from burglars and fires thanks to them.
Expose Yourself To More Light: One of the biggest struggles for self-care is exposing yourself to light. Perhaps think of purchasing a lightbox to install which can expose yourself to bright light in the morning or in the evening. This can help reduce depressions and keeping your shades and blinds open can also add more natural light in the rooms.
Are there any other safety or self-care tips you have for you and your family members when the weather turns colder? There are several other ideas but I think these are the top 5 that many people should consider.
