In the words of online content creator Nanea Hoffman, "Sometimes self care is exercising and eating right. Sometimes it's spending times with loved ones or taking a nap. And sometimes it's watching an entire season of television in one weekend while you lounge around in your pajamas. Whatever soothes your soul." I really couldn't have put it better myself; everyone takes care of themselves in different ways and has their own unique escapes from the stresses of everyday life. Here are some of the most effective ways that I have found to clear my head of stress and make more space for positive thoughts:
1. Journal or Plan: My friends call me a nerd for it, but I am absolutely, completely, in love with and obsessed with my weekly planner. Laying out my life in a visual space allows me to push everything that is cluttering my mind out onto the page, eliminating that haunting feeling that I'm forgetting about something important. Really, call me a nerd all you want, but there is nothing more therapeutic than spreading out an array of colored pens, stickers, and post-it notes on my desk and setting attainable goals for the week (and don't even get me started on how satisfying it is to cross things off the list...ok maybe I am a little bit of a nerd).
2. Treat Yo Self: This one's pretty self-explanatory. Drink a milkshake and don't even think about how many calories it's packing, or buy that shirt you've been eyeing for a long time. Recognize that your hard work deserves payoff in some way or another, and that you should never feel ashamed to be kind to someone as ass-kicking and wonderful as yourself.
3. Learn to Stop Negative Self-Talk: I really can't emphasize this one enough. For years, I would beat myself down for the simplest of things; If I took a wrong turn while driving, I would turn to my passengers and say something like "oh, don't mind me, just being an idiot as usual." It took me a long time to realize it, but I'm not an idiot (just easily confused), and by talking down to myself I was only tricking my mind into believing that I was. Thankfully, I have a really cool brother who has helped me to quit this destructive habit by scolding me every time I say something negative about myself (shoutout to you El) and I couldn't be happier that I have begun to love myself, easily-confusedness and all. Positivity is key, people - be your own best friend!
4. Declutter: I don't know about you, but I absolutely cannot be productive if I am working in a messy or cluttered space. It is an unbelievable weight off the shoulders to sort through old items and consider "does this item bring me joy?" (shoutout to my mom for this advice - if you couldn't tell I have the coolest family members in the world). If an item doesn't bring you joy, get rid of it. Simple as that.
5. Educate Yourself: What is something that truly interests you? Take that and run with it. Research the hell out of it, get lost in the webs of its Wikipedia articles, and feel your horizons expanding. It is incredibly liberating to research something on your own volition, and not because you are required to for school. (Suggestion: look into conspiracy theories, I could probably watch conspiracy documentaries for 75 hours without getting bored). Your mind is incredibly powerful, give it a workout every once in a while.
6. Make a Vision Board: Hop online and compile a bunch of pictures or quotes that inspire you or speak to you. Print them out, hang them up, and let them serve as a daily affirmation of your goals and values. Let them be the first thing you see when you wake up and the last thing you see before you go to sleep.
7. Ditch the Electronics: I know, we live in a digitally-centered society and this can be difficult, but just take a few minutes out of your day to exist apart from your devices. Social media comes with a lot of toxicity and comparison, and it is easy to lose yourself among all the visual stimulation. Take a moment to breathe and be.
8. Make a List of The Things You Like About Yourself: Do it. It is not selfish or narcissistic. At the end of the day, you are the only person you will always have by your side. Learn to love even the messiest and unruliest parts of yourself.
9. Do Something for the First Time: Although I definitely admit to finding comfort in routine, it is always refreshing to push your boundaries and expand your horizons. When routine becomes dull, do something to surprise yourself, as little or as big as it may be -- maybe go out of your way to make conversation with the person in line next to you at the checkout line, or try out a new workout class that you've previously been scared to sign up for. Whatever it is, the results might surprise you.
10. Blast Music and Dance: Bump your favorite music like there's no tomorrow. Really, music is the most overlooked antidepressant, and you have to admit that there's nothing more cathartic than obnoxiously singing along to your favorite song. Listen to something that makes you feel everything, or nothing at all if that's the kind of escape you are looking for. Make a playlist of the songs that make you feel alive and sing your heart out (I may or may not be blasting Frank Ocean while writing this article).
Take care of yourselves, readers! Have an awesome week.
