After what has felt like an endless amount of time spent waiting indoors for things to get better, we can finally get back to something approaching normal.
We have waited, holding our breath, as the lockdown restrictions slowly eased until the point where we could see our friends and family again. We went back to the pub, we went back to the cinema, and our social lives resumed some semblance of normality. Hey, some of us even slipped in a holiday.
All of these things seemed almost impossible a few months ago, and it has been an incredible relief to be able to breathe out, take it all in and enjoy ourselves again.
That said, it’s perfectly understandable that a lot of people out there still feel anxious. We’ve all learned to be cautious about good news over the course of the pandemic, and even if we’re not suffering from post-lockdown anxiety ourselves, it is certainly easy to see why it continues to affect so many.
What’s more, with global news filled with troubling current events and future uncertainty, the prospect of the ‘post-pandemic world’ fills some with a certain sense of foreboding.
It’s essential in the coming months, as the days get cooler and the nights draw in, that you’re taking the time to look after yourself, both in terms of a renewed focus on self care and by organising any pressing appointments that you’d previously been putting off.
With that in mind, here are 5 self care activities and appointments not to put off this autumn.
STAY HOME, IF YOU NEED TO
‘Freedom Day’. England’s sometimes inglorious, sometimes illustrious run to the Euro 2020 final. The resumption of festivals and sporadic bursts of sunshine…FOMO has never gripped the country so hard.
That fear of missing out can be a powerful force, made all the more potent by social media’s omnipresence. Now the summer is drawing to a close (did it ever even begin?), don’t feel bad about clearing some space in your calendar just for you.
Invest some time in yourself, to indulge in your hobbies, enjoy a spot of pampering, learn a new skill or simply sit back and do, well, nothing. Doesn’t that sound like a treat after such a high octane summer?
DON’T PUT OFF PRESSING MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS ANY LONGER
At the height of the pandemic, it was reported that patients were avoiding contacting their GP and were putting off making non-urgent appointments due to concerns about burdening the NHS. In fact, a poll published in the Guardian in September of last year suggested 40% of patients had done so.
But now that things are back open again, it’s high time that you got any nagging concerns seen to, and organised any annual checkups you missed last year.
This is perhaps most pertinent at the dentist, many of which had to close entirely during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have toothache, if you are noticing that you have sore or inflamed gums, or if you think a wisdom tooth might be on its way through, then you should make an appointment as soon as possible.
The Fulham dentist group Fulham Road Dental recommend that routine check ups should be happening between 3 months and yearly, and this is because ‘’a dentist not only checks your teeth but will also carry out cancer screening.’’
The same goes for GP appointments. Though many are still carrying out initial assessments over the phone, doctors are trained and sensitive to your description of symptoms, and can invite patients in for a face-to-face appointment should they feel one is necessary. Don’t put things off.
TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR DIET
There is absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself every now and again, and in the deepest, darkest recesses of Winter 2020, comfort eating certainly provided plenty of solace.
The problem is that healthy eating is habitual, and once you’re out of the groove, it can be tough to remember to enjoy your five-a-day, keep disciplined about saturated fat consumption, ensure snacking is nutritional, and cook your meals from scratch regularly.
It’s no secret that our diets play a major role in our overall health and wellbeing, but you only need to make minor adjustments to your eating habits to get your healthy eating goals back on track. Check out these 6 small, sustainable diet changes to help you eat healthier for more on that.
GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
One of the best ways that you can look after yourself is by making sure that you’re getting enough good quality sleep.
There has been a lot written about how insomnia has been a real issue for people during the pandemic. So much so, in fact, that the phenomenon has been nicknamed coronasomnia. If you’re having trouble sleeping properly, then think about cutting down on caffeine and alcohol as they can lead to restless nights. Blue light has been listed as one of the reasons why people are having trouble getting to sleep, too, so try to turn off your devices at least an hour before you go to bed.
If you are one of those people who finds that they begin to ruminate after settling down for sleep, then why not think about investing in a meditation or mindfulness app?
Alternatively, you might find that switching out your bedding could have the result that you’re looking for. For example, a pillow that provides proper neck support could help with any muscle pain. Weighted blankets have become incredibly popular recently because they provide a sense of security and comfort while you sleep. A white noise generator could help to drown out the sounds of the street outside. What we’re saying is that there are lots of options available to those struggling to sleep, and sometimes, a little trial and error can lead to a more fulfilling night’s zzzeds.
KEEP THE EXERCISE UP
When the sun is shining and the temperature mild, exercise is easy, whether that’s taking yourself for a run, embarking on a long stroll or getting down the gym in one, dry piece. Autumn can bring about a very different approach to exercise, when the temptation of the sofa is often too strong to get you in your gym kit and out the door.
During times like these, it’s important to remember just how hugely, immeasurably beneficial exercise is, for both the body and mind, with the NHS recommending 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, to boost mood, health and wellbeing, as well as keeping a whole host of issues at bay.
There really is no reason not to. Not even the drizzle and chill in the air.
*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first*