This time of year can be particularly stressful with final exams, Christmas gift shopping, the coming of winter where sunny days become primarily absent.
Not to mention the shit show front and center of the world that is 45's presidency; we are on the brink of losing net neutrality, losing our healthcare, taxes increasing for the middle class and the threat of a potential war with North Korea. Also, it's apparently okay for Nazis and Pedophiles to get away with heinous crimes. What a fucked up year it's been.
I think we can all agree that the year 2017 has been the equivalent of getting your foot ran over by a car or falling down a flight of stairs. It's been brutal. I am frightened for what 2018 has in store and there's no way of knowing what events will unfold. We can only hope they include a revolution and impeachment.
Okay, time to take a deep breath. If you've been stressed out by mundane things and not so mundane things, stop and breathe. We can't control what is occurring at the national level, but we can control what is going in our lives and we can control things like our health and well-being. This is where self-care is critical.
If you're like me and on the brink of a nervous breakdown, then check out these 10 self-care tips:
1. Turn off the damn news.
Seriously, listening to or watching the news is stressful AF these days. It's best to take a break from it because of how terrifying and depressing it's become. Make sure you turn off news alerts on your phone too.
2. Unplug from social media.
We all know that social media play a role in increasing depression and anxiety. Whether you're going down a rabbit hole of comparing yourself to other people or your stomach drops at the next depressing news story, just shut off your phone, laptop, etc. and finish a book or make a craft.
3. Exercise.
Exercising has been proven to decrease stress and anxiety. Simply going for a 30-minute walk, doing yoga or any form of physical activity can lead to a better mood, improved mood and of course, better health.
4. Take a shower or a bath.
Feeling sad, stressed or anxious? Take a bath or a shower. Baths can reduce stress, improve your mood, are good for your skin and can reduce muscle pain. Showers can also reduce stress, ease your mind and help with body aches too.
5. Have sex - either solo or with a partner.
Getting down and dirty is great for your health. Sex has been proven to lower stress, blood pressure, lead to a happier mood and even decrease menstrual cramps. Whether you have a partner or go solo; either way is great for your health.
6. Spend time in nature.
Spending time out in nature is great for your physical and mental health. Taking a walk out in the woods is beneficial for your mental health and your physical health, as it can boost your immune system and lower your blood pressure, according to BETTER by NBC News.
7. Express gratitude.
Doing something as simple as keeping a gratitude journal can remind you of all of the good things you accomplished in your life, causing you to focus on the positives instead of the negatives.
8. Take a "TREAT YO SELF" day.
Need to take a day to yourself to go get your hair done, go shopping or take a mini vacation? If you have the time and can afford it, then pull a Tom and Donna and TREAT YO SELF.
9. Take a nap.
Sometimes all you need to do is take a nap. Make sure it's a short one or else you're going to wake up groggy, grumpy and not be able to sleep at night.
10. Be creative.
Get in touch with your creative side and create something; whether it be painting a picture, baking a batch of cookies, sewing, crocheting, etc. Doing something you love or picking up a new hobby will keep your mind off of things that stress you out and give you something to do.
