You are wonderful and worthy. Every piece of you is loved. If there comes a day, though, that you forget how much of a jewel you truly are because you're filled with worry and stress, follow these 10 suggestions. I invite you to treat yourself like royalty and always know how treasured you are.
1.Treat yourself to a grand, giant cup of coffee.
Those magical, life-giving beans will take care of you, my friend. They have never once, in all my 20 years, failed me. Coffee is a hug in a mug that will take away all worries, even if only for one fleeting, glorious moment.
2. Actually, write down your to-read or to-watch list
How often do we say we’ll add a book or movie to our to-do lists? Let’s be honest, those lists do not exist anywhere on physical, from-a-tree paper. They, instead, take up an alarming amount of space in your mind. Your brain is already too full to keep track of books and films, so write them down! This will be therapeutic and productive.
3. Call family
There is nothing like a reminder from your roots about how strong you are. Even if the phone call lasts for two minutes, let the people who love you unconditionally bring you back to where you need to be.
4. Go outside and see what surrounds you
Stop and notice the way the breeze gently wisps or the miniature ant that marches diligently along the sidewalk. It may seem simple. It may seem mundane. But, when you allow yourself to notice beauty over worries, the sun shines a little bit brighter and so do you.
5. Watch a Christmas Movie
Seriously, tell me watching Elf or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation doesn’t make you smile. If you tell me that, though, you are plainly lying. Put in the DVDs and let them work their Christmas magic.
6. Turn on your favorite song and shout all of the lyrics
Whether it be old school rap or down-home country, let loose and groove. No one is watching. You will not be judged for this or thought to be mildly loony. You will only reap the benefits. “Bennie and the Jets” is always a good choice; it is equal parts nonsense and perfection. Try it.
7. Look at old photos
When your current reality is full of stress, sit down with a few old photos and travel back in time. The nostalgia of faded sepia tone and smiling faces from a simpler time heals you.
8. Color
You’re in luck. The grown-up coloring book industry is booming and has just what you need when you’re overwhelmed. Focus on the colors, the patterns and the rhythm. You will escape your worries while making something beautiful. It’s a win-win!
9. Run, practice yoga, or lift weights. Go take care of your precious self.
Amid homework, jobs and personal lives, the greatest challenge is often simply remembering the importance of you. You are worth so much. Pay attention to your body and mind; it is crucial. If you put yourself last, everything else suffers too.
10. Give yourself a hug. Sometimes you just need one.
And that needs no further explanation.
