Self Care

2020

So, if you didn’t know, this year has been full of surprises. I can’t say that I’ve been taking each day in stride, it’s been challenging. I think for me it really hit when the pandemic reached the U.S. and we were all told to stay home. I’ve never really been a germaphobe, just cautious and health conscious, but the initial outbreak was a lot to take in. I wasn’t at the stores fighting over toilet tissue, I just remember being concerned about the emergence of the pandemic. Soon after accepting what was Covid-19, social unrest came to the forefront. The first part of the 2020 chaos I remember feeling so extremely tired from all the worrying and trouble sleeping.

New Normal

It’s taken me months to adjust to this new normal, to be my best self for me and my family. I’m a wife and mother of two, and I think I can only show up for them if I first show up for myself. So, taking care of myself mentally, physically, and spiritually has become more of a priority for me this year. I can’t get by without self-care rituals anymore. Without it I kind of lose myself, I lose sleep, focus, and energy. I want to share a few super simple ways I’ve been able to take moments to check in with myself. I feel like these moments help me reflect on the vastness of my Creator, and just stop constantly doing and just be.

Self Care

1. Journaling: So, for me journaling is just writing down my thoughts and prayers. It’s simple, I just sit down with a pen and paper and write whatever I’m thinking or feeling. It’s such a great way to just get it all out and process my thoughts which tend to be all over the place especially when I’m stressed. When I’m journaling I feel like I’m writing myself free. Journaling brings me clarity of thought. “Keeping a journal helps you create order when your world feels like it’s in chaos.”
2. Get Outdoors: Getting outside with my kids always helps me get through the day by changing the scenery and getting active. I like to jog with my daughter in tow and my son on a bike or scooter, or just an easy stroll. “Regular exercise may help ease depression and anxiety by: Releasing feel-good endorphins.”
3. Warm Bath: Soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath has become my oasis. I’d always preferred showering up until about three years ago. Now, I see bath time as a whole experience meant for cleansing and rejuvenation. Why Epsom salt? “Healthy magnesium levels can boost brain neurotransmitters that are responsible for inducing sleep and reducing stress. Magnesium may also promote melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.”

By no means have I mastered this routine, but I stride towards consistency each day. Some days I need to be reminded to take care of myself, but that’s what a good support system does. Whether it’s a friend, partner, or therapist, good support empowers you to take care of you. This is me telling you that you’re worthy of self-care. I hope to encourage you to carve out time, even if it’s only 10 minutes a day, to do something that grounds you. If you’re like me only about 6 years ago and don’t know what helps you relax, just try stuff until you find something that sticks. What have you done to take care of yourself this year?