This past year has been overwhelming for us all, to say the least, and while self-care can at times feel like nothing more than a social media buzz word, it truly can mean so many different things to different people. At the end of the day, we believe self-care is essentially what you make it based on what you need it to be for your own well-being. In fact, self-care originally started as a medical concept as a way for patients to treat themselves, often under the guidance of a health professional. Simply stated, self-care is important, and it’s more than just a fad.
Whether you can practice self-care solo, or want to include family and friends, we have some obtainable ideas and locally-based recommendations below that can help you start – or continue – your self-care journey into 2021. Let’s make 2021 your year of self-care!
EXERCISE and MINDFULNESS
Creating an exercise routine is a huge self-care first stop! It can help you take care of your physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual health. Whether you walk or jog around your neighborhood, set up a routine at home using free apps like FitOn , and/or join a local community-based wellness center (see below for some recommendations!), exercise can offer numerous benefits to both your body and mind.
- Citizen Yoga I Multiple Locations
With multiple studios in the Metro-Detroit area, Citizen Yoga offers both in-person and online OnDemand classes. Citizen Yoga is aimed at empowering the individual by teaching a safe, alignment-based practice.
- Ohana Fitness and Wellness I 51705 Schoenherr Rd. Shelby Twp. MI I (586) 359-3089
A women’s only studio, Ohana is focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment to build your strength and confidence from the inside out. Ohana offers a variety of fitness classes, including online.
- Bodhi Seed Yoga & Wellness Studio I 81 Macomb Pl, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 I (586) 469 – 9642
With a mission to empower their clients through yoga and therapeutic modalities, Bodhi Seed offers yoga classes, massage therapy, and workshops.
TRY SOMETHING NEW and MAKE IT A HABIT
Is there a new hobby you’ve been thinking about picking up, or a new goal you’d like to set for yourself? This too, is self-care! Trying something new doesn’t have to be an indulgence. In fact, it can be a simple act that after time can turn into a healthy habit.
- Set a reading goal. Whether it’s 5 books a year, or 50, websites and apps like GoodReads and Litsy can help you track and manage your reading lists. If you’re interested in e-books or audiobooks, Libby is a great way to borrow from your local library for free.
- Take a new route to work. This will help you get more familiar with your neighborhood and keep your brain healthy by mixing your routine up in different ways.
- Engage your Hands. Art and/or crafting is a great way to try something new that can become deeply personal. Whether it’s painting, knitting, or refinishing old furniture, there are plenty of DIY sites, like Crafts by Amanda or Artists Network that can get you started, or check out your local art center – like Anton Art Center in Mt. Clemens – to research what virtual or in-person classes are available.
FIND NATURE
Nature-based self-care is associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. There’s plenty you can do locally to take some time out for yourself. Plus you’ll reap the benefits that connecting with nature can provide.
- Visit the Metro Parks. Michigan is home to 13 Metroparks, which cover almost 25,000 acres and serve over 7.3 million visitors annually, on average. Take yourself, and/or your family, to check out the scenery, beaches, walking trails, and wildlife that make up these beautiful parks.
- Take a Hike. In addition to trails within the Metro Parks, there are plenty of other hiking trails available in the Metro-Detroit area that provide great opportunities to mentally check-out from the hustle and bustle.
- Test the Waters. It’s no secret that Michigan is the Great Lakes State – but you don’t need to travel far to enjoy the water. Whether you’re relaxing on the shores of Lake St. Clair, enjoying water sport activities in Waterford, or taking solo day-trip to sit on a park bench with a book in the Blue Water area, there are plenty of ways to explore the blue waters of Michigan.
RE-CONNECT WITH FRIENDS – AND FIND NEW ONES
Friendship is one of the most important forms of self-care that you can invest in. Crying together, laughing together, and working together to create community are all ways you can be both seen and heard as an individual. Whether you connect with a long-distance friend via Zoom, take a daytrip with a friend, or find a community-based group with likeminded interests (see below for ideas!), taking time out for friendship and human connection are important in more ways than one.
Find a local group, coworking space, and/or wellness center.
- Honey I 3138 Hilton Rd. Ferndale, MI 48220 I (248) 232-2555
With a mission to hold the space for you so that you have the confidence to grow, birth, and rise your child(ren) in a way that is right and true for you and your family, Honey is a wellness center providing support groups, therapy, and educational opportunities for parents.
Detroit Mom is a locally-focused parenting resource offering 16 different online community groups where you can connect with local parents.
- Bea’s Detroit I 1533 Winder Street Detroit, MI 48207 I (313) 919-0590
If you’re self-employed or a remote employee craving interaction and community, Bea’s offers private spaces and work areas with plenty of amenities to help your business – and you – flourish.
If you’re looking to connect with local volunteer opportunities and groups in your area, VolunteerMatch.org can help steer you in the right direction.
FIND A NEW (FURRY) BEST FRIEND
Having a pet might not be for everybody but, if it’s for you, studies show that having a dog, cat (or even a lizard!) can bring wide-ranging benefits to their human counterparts. If you’re finding that 2021 is the year to bring a new family member into your household, there are plenty of local rescue organizations that can help you find the perfect match for you and your family. If you’re not sure where to start, Petfinder is a great resource to find animal welfare groups in your area. Yes, even a furry friend is self-care!
HIT PAUSE ON SOCIAL-MEDIA
There are many wonderful sides to social media, but there can be benefits to “unplugging” as well. If you find that after spending time on social media that you are feeling anxious, depressed, restless, or like you can’t possibly live up to the unobtainable images you’re seeing in front of you – taking a short (or long-term) break can give you time to reflect on both yourself and the tangible things in your life that bring you joy. This is one of our favorite self-care practices here at Meadows Realty Group. Give it a try, today!