SELF-CARE DURING COVID-19: WHAT DOES IT MEAN, AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

Whether you’ve been directly or indirectly impacted by COVID-19, you probably feel some level of fear, stress, anxiety and helplessness over the whole pandemic situation. You may also worry about what the future will hold in terms of work, health, finances and the economy. While it is completely normal to worry in times of such uncertainty, it is so important that you do not let your worry consume you. To keep that from happening, make it a point to practice self-care on a daily basis.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care is a broad term that differs for everyone. In a nutshell, however, self-care refers to anything you do to treat yourself well. Whether that means scheduling a round of golf on a Sunday morning while the kids stay with Grandma, indulging in chocolate and chick-flicks after the kids fall asleep, treating yourself to a peaceful nature hike or simply taking 10 during the weekday evening chaos, it’s important that you integrate a bit of self-compassion into your life to prevent burnout. Before you say you don’t have the time or the resources to pamper yourself, consider the benefits of making the time to do so.

The Benefits of Self-Care

Self-care has several substantial benefits, each of which relate back to your overall health. Below are the top benefits of treating yourself kindly:

• More Fulfillment: When you’re constantly on the go and doing things for others, it’s impossible for you to set aside adequate time to focus on the things that truly matter, such as your work, your hobbies and your family. By slowing down and saying “No” to things that do not fulfill you, you can slow down and enjoy life as you are meant to.
• Increased Productivity: Though “doing less” and “productivity” seem contradictory to one another, the truth is that when you have less on your plate, you can concentrate more on the tasks you choose to say “yes” to.
• Improved Immune System: Research shows that self-care activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers the body’s resting mode. When in resting mode, the body fortifies the immune system, meaning you will experience fewer cases of upset stomach, colds and cases of the flu.
• Enhanced Self-Esteem: By carving out time to care for yourself, you’re telling your brain you matter. By regularly sending this message to your subconscious, you can quite your inner critic and reduce negative self-talk.

At AAA, we understand the importance of self-care, but we also understand that these are trying times. So that you can treat yourself without compromising your finances, we offer dozens of discounts and rewards to all AAA members. From shopping to personal services to entertainment and dining, there’s a deal for just about everyone. Check them out to start showing yourself some love today.