Self-Care During Difficult Times
Monday, December 7, 2020

It's that time of year when we are used to celebrating and surrounding ourselves with holiday festivities and tradition. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, this year has brought challenges, changes, and even tragedy to many. What we are left with can be very depressing and scary. Now, more than ever, practicing some self-care is necessary for sustaining our mental health, as much as physical health. Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup, so nourishing yourself with some extra attention, will help you cope and care for others in the future.
Here are some simple, self-care ideas to help lift your spirits during difficult times and make your holidays a happier and more hopeful experience.
Breathe, Stretch or even Scream!Anything you do to open your heart and lungs is a good thing. Sometimes stretching can activate blocked chakras and have a very physiological effect on your emotions. Go ahead and scream or cry if that is what your soul needs in the moment.
Pamper YourselfAn “at home” Spa Day or even an hour doing some self-pampering helps. Exfoliate your skin, take a warm bath, do a face or hair mask, paint your nails… whatever it takes to make you feel beautiful and happy.
Get OutsideBrisk walks, on even cold days, help wake you up and become more in the present moment. When in the present moment, you are more likely to appreciate all the gifts around you and keep your mind out of the past or the future. Breath in the fresh oxygen and connect with nature’s beauty, whether it be a tree, bird, clouds, sunshine, or the air.
Get OrganizedAlthough it’s often hard to get motivated if you’re already feeling down, taking on one small project a day, or even week, can do wonders for your mental well-being. Pick a drawer or small space in your house or apartment to make better. Think of creative ways to make the most of your space and write them down. Do one thing at a time.
Taste and SeeUse this quarantine time to try a new recipe or lots of new recipes. You have plenty of time to perfect them for when you are next able to host a dinner or party. Remember that this is all temporary and soon you will be surrounded by loved ones again.
Have HopeBetter days are just around the corner. Make a list of all the fun things you want to see and do that spark joy in your life. It won’t be long, so stay strong!
Hi, Yogis!
These are challenging times, but with the support of each other we have so much to be grateful for. Effective now, Illinois enters into Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations, which means we will pause our in-studio yoga classes. Our amazing NEXT yoga instructors will continue to teach virtual classes.
Because it’s difficult to replace the heat and humidity in our homes, we will host a few “Private Instruction” Traditional Hot classes which are limited to 5 students. Please look at our temporary schedule at next-yoga.com
VIRTUAL CLASSES - NEXT yoga virtual on-line classes will continue throughout the day.
TRADITIONAL HOT “Private yoga”- We are permitted to lead “Traditional Hot Private Instruction” with a maximum of 5 people at our Wheaton Studio with the heat lowered to 100 degrees & humidity at 35.
MASKS - Masks are mandated to be worn at all times by teachers and students. Due to the rise in the positivity rate in the DuPage area, the only acceptable face covering will be a face mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Thank you for being a part of our community. You and our teachers have made NEXT yoga the premier studio that it is. We are thankful, grateful and truly blessed.
Stay healthy & safe,
Debbie & Lauren
https://www.next-yoga.com/schedule