Ask Carolyn
Self-care can make it to the bottom of the list some days, especially during a divorce. Between the demands of work and home and possibly caring for children, other family members, or even pets, it can be difficult to make time for yourself.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking time for yourself can help you to balance life better. During May, we celebrate national Mental Health Awareness, and there is no better time to add something just for you to your routine. It can help boost your mood and help you to focus on something that enhances your life.
There is a national organization, Mental Health America, that offers resources that can benefit anyone who would like to have a healthier outlook on life. Their website emphasizes the importance of having routines to help you navigate life. Three tips for success in creating healthy routines that I especially like are:
- Plan ahead. Take time once a week to jot down five things that you would like to include in your self-care routine that week.
- Find things that YOU enjoy and incorporate one or more of these into your life.
- Reward yourself. Did you follow through on a new routine? Treat yourself to something special.
What have you dreamed of doing that is fun? From hiking to trying out a yoga class, there are many options to explore new things and take some time for you! Now that the mask mandate has been lifted in North Carolina and spring has arrived, it can be a good time to look at your routine and add in something healthy.
Greensboro offers a trail system that can be fun to explore alone, with a friend, or in a group. There are garden trails, park trails, and hiking trails. To find a trail to explore, visit the City of Greensboro Parks and Recreation website at https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/trails-greenways. There is even a free Park Locater app to help you find a great trail to explore.
There’s a yoga class for everyone and every body. Our community offers many options to explore yoga safely and in a variety of settings. You can often find group yoga classes going on in the summer in downtown Greensboro at LeBauer Park. You can also find classes on Zoom, at a studio or gym, or even search YouTube to learn more.
While you are on YouTube, visit the Woodruff Family Law Group channel and subscribe to stay updated through our growing library of family law information other topics that may be of interest. https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodruffLawFirm
These fun activities can brighten your outlook and your day. I hope you will join me in trying something new this summer and expanding your self-care routine.
Visit Creating Healthy Routines | Mental Health America (mhanational.org) to learn more tips for creating your best routines. See you on the Greenway!