Dr. Misti Mueller: Top Five Tips for Self Care

#SOESupportsYou in a time of need

A woman painting on a canvas.
Looking for ways to practice self care during the COVID-19 pandemic? Tap into your creative self and devote time to a hobby you enjoy, or explore one that you’ve always wanted to start. (Pexels Images)

Misti R. Mueller, Ed.D., is an assistant professor in the VCU School of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning. Her research interests include examining the connection between health, wellness and exercise to academic success. Below are her Top Five Tips for Self Care during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the acronym B-WELL.

Misti Mueller Square
Dr. Misti Mueller

1. B – Breathe.

Take time to pause each day. Be in the moment, be present and be free of judgement.

2. W – Wonder.

Tap into your creative self. Think of a craft or hobby you enjoy or have wanted to begin. If now is a good time, give yourself the gift of wonder!

3. E – Eat.

Feed your body. Remember, a calorie is not a calorie. 100 calories of almonds fuels the body very differently than 100 calories of cookies.

4. L – Love.

Practice love. Practice a random act of kindness. Let the people you love and care about know how you feel. Sharing kindness is good for the soul.

5. L – pLay.

Keep moving. Find something fun to do that keeps your body moving. Make time to play. Do something you enjoy, not something you dread. Exercise and physical activity have a positive impact on stress, anxiety and an overall sense of wellbeing.