4 Of My Favorite Self Care Methods
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

4 Of My Favorite Self Care Methods

When life hands you a hectic schedule, count backwards.

11
4 Of My Favorite Self Care Methods
Pinterest

Life is busy. Like, it's really busy. Now that I've finally gotten somewhat of a routine down in my new life, I feel like I don't ever stop. Even my down time is plagued with thoughts of what I should be doing. My newfound hectic lifestyle, while it feels very fulfilling, is very anxiety inducing. After all, I have classes and rehearsals to attend, jobs to be at, homework/studying/projects to do, and relationships to maintain. During these hectic times, self care is important to me in order to keep my sanity and keep my life running smoothly. These are my favorite self care methods.

1. Breathing Exercises

Even though this is more of a coping mechanism, it is still my favorite and important to acknowledge. When I first realized I was suffering from anxiety, using breathing exercises to subside the attacks was one of the first and most efficient coping mechanisms I learned. It helps me when I can't sleep, or when I'm getting overwhelmed at work, or even when I am in a social situation where I am not quite comfortable. Deep breathing is an important exercise, not only to keep yourself calm, but to keep your body from hyperventilating, which can be potentially dangerous. Usually while I'm doing breathing exercises, I count backwards from 100 and by the time I get to zero I am calm and mentally grounded. If I am not calm by the time I get to zero, then I take it up a notch and count backwards by three's. 100, 97, 94, 91...

2. Positive Affirmations

Complimenting yourself can sometimes be a very tough task. When I'm feeling particularly low, reminding myself why I am so great can be fun and very helpful. Positive affirmations can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. One of my favorites is that famous quote from The Help "You is smart. You is kind. You is important." I find myself repeating this line every once in a while. If you're having a hard time thinking of something nice to say about yourself, try thinking of some things your best friend would say about you.

3. Journaling

I am a firm believer that getting thoughts, positive or negative, out of your head is a great way to expand on them. For me, journaling is a safe place for me to reflect on my thoughts and ideas. It gives me the space to ramble without worrying about boring or offending anyone. Usually, I try to include some positive affirmations at the end of each journal entry or even just listing a few positive things that have happened in the day. Bullet Journaling is a trend that I have been looking into, which could be a time saving alternative to writing whole entries.

4. Be Selfish

Sometimes you just need to be selfish, and there is nothing wrong with that. Say no to the favor someone asked of you that doesn't fit in your schedule. Take a stay-cation from work. Take yourself on a date and go to dinner and a movie alone. Carve out time to make sure you are taken care of. You'll be surprised how refreshed you feel after that small bit of time.

With how hectic life can get, having small, positive things to practice that will keep your mind in check, can be very helpful. What are some of your favorite self care methods?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58117
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37435
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959080
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192743
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments