By Shanakay Osbourne
Everyone has experienced burnout or has been in a situation that has caused them to feel stressed at some point in their lives. Over the years, I have learned some new ways to reduce my stress level and prevent burnout. A few years ago, I learned about the Eight Laws of Health. These laws consist of nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest, and trust in God. This method was created by Ellen White to promote well-being. Hopefully, after reading, you will be inspired to find new ways to practice self-care.
Nutrition
Focus on maintaining a healthy diet. Whether you are a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan, you can find different ways to keep a balanced diet. At the time of writing this, I am a vegetarian and hope to eventually become vegan. As a vegetarian, I usually make substitutes for my meals. I use tofu, beans, quinoa, soy or almond milk, oatmeal, nuts, spinach, fruit and vegetable smoothies.
Exercise
How you exercise is completely up to you. For those who don’t like the gym, there’s home exercise. All you would need is a yoga mat, dumbells, proper workout attire, and water. For a simple in-home exercise, you can follow along with workout videos that can be found on YouTube. You can go at your own pace by creating a workout plan or following a premade plan. For example, if you’re trying to do a 30-day workout challenge, on day one, you could focus on working on your legs by doing squats. On day two, you could work on your abs by doing floor planks, on day three, you could focus on your arms by doing push-ups, and so on.
Water
Water is so essential! Water helps with having clear and smooth skin. Most importantly, water helps to prevent dehydration. There are various opinions on how much water we should drink daily; the most common one is 8 glasses of water a day. However, an effective way to measure water intake is by your weight.
Your Weight X 0.67 = Water Intake
For example: 150 X 0.67 = 12.5 Cups, 2.96 Liters
For more information and to use a water intake calculator visit https://www.slenderkitchen.com/article/how-to-calculate-how-much-water-you-should-drink-a-day
Sunshine
A good way to make sure that you are getting your vitamin D is to keep the blinds and curtains open on a sunny day. If you have a porch or deck, you can try to spend at least 10-15 minutes in the sun.
Temperance
In times like these, social media is easily overused. If you find your self constantly scrolling through social because you are bored or stressed, try to find some alternatives. You could limit your time spent on social media. You could listen to music, listen to a podcast, read a book, journal, draw, paint, or call someone that you haven’t talked to in a while. Think of all the things that you wanted to do when you were busy, now that you have some free time you could pick up a new hobby!
Air
Fresh air is good air. It is good to keep air circulating in your current environment. This could simply mean opening up the windows. Another way to let in air is to do some Spring cleaning. Changing out the air filters from in the vents of your home is especially helpful.
Rest
Many of us live busy lives. We have different responsibilities such as school, work, or providing care to others. I remember at one point in my life I had two jobs, school, an internship, and personal responsibilities, so I know it can be hectic at times. We are normally recommended to get eight hours of sleep, but sometimes that just sounds impossible when you have so much going on. I learned that time management is essential when you have a busy schedule. A way to keep track of your responsibilities is by using a calendar and setting alarms for reminders. At least try to get 6 hours of sleep or take a 30-minute nap during the day! Also, avoid blue light from your devices.
Trust in God
This area enhances the spiritual aspects of someone’s life. Whether you enjoy praying, participating in bible studies, or any religious activities, you can find different ways to increase your faith.
My personal message to you:
Whatever you may be going through right now, just know that someone loves you. You might not be in the best mood or the best situation but know that you can overcome it! Surround yourself with positive energy. Call your friends and family, maybe you haven’t talked to them in a while. Be Safe. Keep Calm. Protect Your Peace!
For more self care, check out our Motivational Mondays event, running April 13 – May 11.