Life in 2020 has been anything but easy. As many of us have shifted to spending more time at home, the lines between work, home, school, and everything else have been blurred. This reality has challenged our wellbeing and stay at home self care has become increasingly important. 

Holistic health encompasses 8 dimensions: physical, environmental, social, emotional, spiritual, financial, educational, and occupational wellness. It’s fair to say that each of these dimensions have been impacted this year, but they can also be tended to with good stay at home self care practices. 

Physical Stay at Home Self Care:

• Move regularly – take breaks every hour and go for a walk if you’re able. 
• Drink water – aim for about half your body weight in ounces each day. 
• Stretch – get out of your chair and take a few deep breaths while working out the kinks. 
• Eat plenty of vegetables each day – about 5-7 servings.
• Limit processed food – minimize the consumption of foods that are in a box or bag. 

Environmental Stay at Home Self Care:

• Reduce plastics – opt for reusable shopping bags (if allowed) and refillable water bottles.
• Choose earth-friendly cleaning products – create a toxic free home.
• Create a compost pile – allow nature to do it’s thing.
• Grow a garden – just a few herbs in your window sill is a start. 
• Replace your air filter – make sure you’re breathing fresh air.

Social Stay at Home Self Care:

• Call a friend – talk to a family member or friend every day.
• Connect with co-workers – schedule lunch breaks or happy hours to chat.
• Be selective about online social connections – choose life-givers.
• Choose face-to-face – be on-camera as much as possible.
• Take a break when needed – it’s okay to step away when you need to.

Emotional Stay at Home Self Care:

• Breathe – when you feel your stress or anxiety rising, take 5 deep inhales and exhales.
• Talk to someone – share your struggles with a trusted person.
• Reach out to a professional – it’s okay to not be okay, but make sure to ask for help.
• Meditate – take time each day to spend time in solitude.
• Journal – putting your thoughts on paper gets all the “stuff” out of your head.

Spiritual at Home Self Care:

• Tune in – select a worship service to watch on the weekend.
• Read your Bible or holy book – take ownership of your own spiritual growth.
• Pray – spend time listening and talking to God.
• Connect with others – bring your family together to pray and worship.
• Be still – allow space to be silent.

 Financial Stay at Home Self Care:

• Eat at home – buy your own groceries and cook at home.
• Create a budget – if you did it earlier this year, it’s time to revisit and adjust.
• Shop wisely – resist the urge to shop online as a way to pass time.
• Be generous – seek opportunities to help others in need.
• Keep saving – put the saved gas money or budgeted travel spending into savings.

Educational Stay at Home Self Care:

• Find an online class or certification course – use this time to continue to learn.
• Read – find a book that will make you better at what you do and dive in.
• Subscribe – opt-in to publications that are informational and inspirational.
• Embrace remote learning – look for opportunities to see the bright side of online learning.
• Take ownership – be responsible for your work and reach out if you need help.

Occupational at Home Self Care:

• Get dressed – shed the pj’s for comfortable clothing.
• Prioritize your day – focus on your top three to-do’s and complete that work.
• Check in with your co-workers – schedule regular 1:1’s to connect with one another.
• Designate work space – if possible, dedicate a space in your home for work.
• Minimize distractions – turn off phone alerts and social media temptation.

If you are in need of some stay at home self care, choose one of these tips and get started. Even small shifts in your daily habits can lead to better wellbeing.