Strategies to love and care for yourself

Thinking about loving yourself could sound selfish initially, but caring for yourself enables you to care for others. During this particularly challenging time, it's essential to focus on self-care. To recharge and reinvigorate, try these time trusted strategies.

Be thankful - Just the act of saying thank you can enhance your mood. According to the school of positive psychology, when we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel 'good'. They enhance our mood immediately, making us feel happy from the inside.

Help someone - While it may sound counter-intuitive, helping others can actually help you feel better about yourself, while serving others and your higher purpose.

Relax more - Take a break from everything to recharge your battery. Turn off the phone and computer. Play your favorite music or simply sit in silence and meditate. You'll notice your shoulders drop, your jaw soften, muscles relax as you intentionally rest.

Spend time with your favorite people - socializing with others helps to refocus and enjoy life more. A walk or dinner with your friends can be the needed time to soak up the goodness of others and enjoy yourself.

Spend time doing your favorite activities - Nothing beats the solitude of working on a hobby or special project. This is another great way to refocus and recharge. I like to call it active meditation.

Pray/Meditate - reconnecting spiritually whether through prayer or meditation creates space within ourselves to handle the stressors of life. Developing a spiritual practice or routine can help ease depression and anxiety, and according to research, establishing a prayer or meditation practice can help calm your cardiovascular system and reduce your stress.

Exercise - We all know how exercise can help us in so many ways--physically, mentally, as well as spiritually. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous or hard to be effective. Taking a brisk walk several times a week can result in huge benefits and improve one's outlook.

Eat Well - Take the time to nourish yourself with every meal. Choose foods that are wholesome and clean and avoid highly processed foods that are full of additives and unhealthy ingredients.

Sleep Well - If you don't get enough sleep your ability to problem-solve and make sound decisions could be impaired. Getting a full nights sleep allows your body to recharge, reload and restart for the next day.

Plan your future and set goals - Set your short term and long term goals and establish an action plan to get you to the next level.

Work and Be Well.