These are tough times; I don’t need to tell you that. Between COVID-19 and the unrest in the country, so many of us feel like we’re walking on eggshells. The conversations and situation are getting tougher by the day.
Will we be okay? The people we care about and our businesses, will they all survive these times? On some days, despite our best efforts, it doesn’t take much to be sucked into the doom and gloom.
Now more than ever, we need to take good care of ourselves. We cannot ignore the importance of self-care for entrepreneurs amidst the multiple crises at-hand. If you don’t step up your self-care regime right now, your financial, emotional, and mental health recovery will become challenging when the storm is over. Here are three ways to do that.
Purposefully disconnect.
People consume social media differently. One can’t deny that at this time, there is mass hysteria and misinformation about coronavirus. With the ongoing violence and tension across the country (and many parts of the world), we might find ourselves glued to the screen more than ever. Social media can be a source of information and respite, but it’s a slippery slope if you don’t know when to stop browsing the internet. It’s important to have a voice and share your opinion where it matters. It’s equally okay to think about your needs, disengage, and walk away from social media every now and then to take care of yourself.
Move your body.
Working from home under the pressure of an epidemic and political unrest can create unnecessary food cravings because of anxiety, boredom, and displaced routines. Exercising helps us make healthy food choices. It adds to a good night’s sleep, impacts our mood, boosts immunity, and has a powerful impact on our mental health. Exercise also lowers stress and anxiety, helps tap into creativity, releases happy hormones, and aids in relaxation.
Stay honest.
I am an optimist and all for the school of gratitude. I believe that if you have food on your table, a roof over your head, good health, and a loved one (family, friend, or pet) with you in these times, you should count your blessings. But by the same token, like many others, my business and I are showing receding income, and don’t know if and when I will recover. Emotional honesty isn’t something that we promote within South Asian culture. “What will people think?” is the mantra deeply embedded in our cells. The pretense of “all is well” can be exhausting. South Asian women, especially, are taught to prioritize others over their own needs. Now is not the time. You aren’t pizza or samosa, and it is definitely not your job to keep others happy. It’s okay to feel frustrated, grateful, and disappointed in the same breath. It’s okay to not be okay.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Audre Lorde
Sweta Srivastava Vikram is an international speaker, best-selling author of 12 books, and Ayurveda and mindset coach is a wellness columnist for SEEMA and committed to helping people thrive on their own terms. As a trusted source on health and wellness, most recently appearing on NBC and Radio Lifeforce, Sweta has dedicated her career to writing about and teaching a more holistic approach to creativity, productivity, health, and nutrition. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and other publications across nine countries. Sweta is a trained yogi and certified Ayurveda health coach and holds a Master’s in Strategic Communications from Columbia University. Voted as “One of the Most Influential Asians of Our Times” and winner of the “Voices of the Year” award (past recipients have been Chelsea Clinton), she lives in NYC with her husband.
DISCLAIMER: Information in this article is presented for the sole purpose of imparting education on Ayurveda and the information isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or lactating, please consult a health professional. Before making changes to your diet or routine, it is recommended that you speak with your physician.
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