Not taking care of ourselves leads to all sorts of health-related conditions, including eczema. Take a step back and focus on making self-care a number one priority. Here are some ideas for self-care to manage your eczema.
Sleep
As a nation, we're burnt out, stressed, and not receiving proper rest. In order to heal and repair our bodies, sleep is essential. Let’s fix this by getting to bed at a decent hour, not binge-watching Netflix, and investing in proper bedding. There are apps such as Sleep Cycle to track your sleeping patterns. It's time to recharge our bodies with sleep.
Reading
If Bill Gates can find the time to read a book a week, so can you. Reading is one of the best exercises as it expands your mind, allowing you to grow and evolve. Whether you dive into the latest New York Times bestseller or an article in Cosmopolitan, carve out some time to read.
Stretching
There’s nothing worse than waking up to a sore back and a stiff neck. Luckily, stretching studios are popping up all around the country, becoming the new spin class. By stretching daily, you'll keep your muscles flexible allowing for a smoother range of motion and preventing injury. If you don’t have a studio near you, opt for YouTube or download an app such as Sworkit. It puts a whole new meaning on knees and toes.
Date yourself
Clear your clutter
Ready, set, declutter! The KonMari Method is all about minimalism, in a materialistic world. This isn’t a new craze, this is a way of life. KonMari focuses on discarding what you don’t want. Then designating a home for the things you do want. If an item doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to let it go. You’ll find that getting rid of clutter will bring a sense of clarity and help simplify your life.
Unplug
Unplugging is important for productivity. Research shows that we operate on an ultradian rhythm. When this rhythm is disrupted we suffer from poor work quality. One app dedicating to taking a break is Time Out. By customizing a timer on your laptop, it will remind you when it’s time to step away from your computer for a bit. Use this time to walk around, stretch, or close your eyes and rest.
Nature
Anytime you’re immersed in nature, you’re reminded of the simple necessities to life: water, food, clothing, and shelter. Nature allows us to connect on a more spiritual level, reflect on life, and benefit our mental and physical health. A stroll in the park or an hour hike is great for heart health. Some apps such as Charity Miles and MapMyFitness are even encouraging you to walk by paying you per mileage.
Meditation
In the words of Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen,” “let it go.” At some point, you have to let go of this notion that everything has to be perfect. It will never be perfect and that’s ok. Life is all about being uncomfortable and breaking down barriers. If you feel anxiety, learning proper breathing techniques are a great way to calm. Apps such as Headspace will help guide you through those negative thoughts.
Hobbies
It’s never too late to tap into your inner Picasso or learn a new language. With websites such as coursera.com and udemy.com, it's easier than ever to get started. If you’ve always wanted to master a skill or craft, make time for it. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish within days, weeks, or even months.
Self-evaluation
Throughout the year, track your process and goals. Just like your credit score, self-evaluation is a process and constantly needs to be worked on. Evernote is my go-to for assessing my progress throughout the year.