According to a 2020 survey conducted by The Harris Poll for Samuel Integrative Health Programs, eighty percent of U. S. adults say they will be more intentional in self-care activities post-pandemic. This study also found that most Americans wished they had more guidance and support for their physical and emotional health.

During the pandemic, we were forced to explore creative ways to care for ourselves. For example, many of us learned how to use technology and new ways to stay in touch with friends and relatives. We also re-engaged in hobbies and recreation activities that we had left behind in our previous hectic lives. We learned to reconnect to the outdoors and to appreciate the beauty of nature.

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As we are returning to a new normal, many people find themselves falling back into old habits and patterns that may not be in alignment with what is best for our whole health. If you would like to re-energize your self-care activities, consider goals in these five areas:

Taking care of your physical and psychological health
Managing and reducing your stress
Supporting your emotional and spiritual needs
Developing and sustaining your relationships
Prioritizing areas of your life that are important to you

Creating plans around these goals will help you create a more holistic approach to your well-being. While each of us will have different self-care priorities and activities, it is critical to be intentional and make self-care an integral part of your life.

As you create your self-care plan, start small with simple changes that you can make to support your mental and physical health. It might be as simple as getting a good night’s rest, eating healthy foods more often, or engaging in brief activities, such as breathing exercises during the day or taking a 10-minute walk. These things can add up in a way that allows you to grow from small steps into a more robust self-care plan.

For more ideas on how you can build your personalized self-care plan, order a copy of Thriving During a Global Pandemic and Beyond.