I think it's a fair assessment to say that there is a lot of unknown going on in the world right now that is resulting in a lot of stress, worry, and anxiety for most. Between the recent time change and the hours of daylight getting shorter, COVID-19 cases continuing to rise throughout the world, and the upcoming election—there are a lot of reasons to feel like you need to take a breath. I’ve been doing a lot of things in my own life to help me cope with what feels like impending doom as of late. Today I couldn’t get my mind off the election. I was so distracted throughout the day I was finding it difficult to focus on work.
When my workday was over, I decided I wanted to set myself up for doing and seeing things that bring me joy. I spent the entire day and night cleaning my apartment from top to bottom, not only was this a great distraction from what is going on in the world, but I feel amazing now that everything is insanely clean. I also ended up pulling out my Christmas decorations and doing my full-blown decorating on November 3rd (tree and all). I am personally not one to decorate this early, however, Christmas decorations and my flannel sheets bring me joy. So, depending how this election goes, I may need extra happiness, so I said why not.
I realized today that keeping myself busy with things that I like to do or with tasks that bring me happiness long term, I want to keep doing these things– and doing them more. There are a lot of legitimate reasons to feel uneasy about a lot of things right now. It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re checking in with yourself, making sure you’re okay, and assessing what you can control that can make you happier, less anxious, and calmer. It's crazy how much better I feel after all that I accomplished today so I want to keep this going. But guess what? I know there will be days I don’t want to accomplish anything, and that’s okay too. I wanted to pull together a self-care list that is brief and straightforward so anyone can reference it when they feel like they just need to take some time for themselves, away from the world, and just relax.
1. Do an at home Mani/Pedi – Alison and I shared our favorite at home nail products in our blog titled “Current Favorites” check it out, it was a game changer for salon quality manicures!
2. Read a Book – this may sound unoriginal, however, creating a cozy nook in your house or apartment to read a good book is such an easy way to escape. I love lighting candles and reading in bed at night to unwind. It helps me fall asleep without the nighttime overthinking. Another tip is to read a book you LOVE. Life is too short; read books you can’t get enough of from start to finish. With all that is going on in life right now, picking an uplifting one might help!
3. Change over your bedding – I switched all my bedding today to my winter comforter and flannel sheets and boy do I feel like a new woman. There’s just something about freshly cleaned sheets that makes you feel amazing. This is such a simple but great mood booster!
4. Give yourself a facial – Add a little extra step to your skincare routine and do a nice face mask or chemical peel. I personally LOVE Peter Thomas Roth masks; I use the Cucumber Gel and the Irish Moor Mud Mask most frequently.
5. Watch your favorite show UNINTERUPTED – I find when I’m watching TV that I'm on my phone most of the time. Watching your favorite show whether it be The Bachelorette or a True Crime, enjoying it uninterrupted is so much more relaxing. Not to mention, staying off your phone and social media for an extended period is always a good way to take a break from what is going on. This brings me to my next point.
6. Moderate your social media use – take a break or timeout when you need one.
7. Have a cup of tea and write lists or journal – I personally get super relaxed by drinking tea, whether it’s before bed or to unwind midday. I find that writing lists of things that make me happy or things I’m looking forward to are really good ways to boost my mood. Seeing a note on my desk that says “walk with Teagan” or “Dinner at Alison’s house” always make me happy and gives an extra boost of serotonin because they are things and people that bring me joy. I hate my own handwriting but the act of writing positive and cheerful things down while enjoying a cup of tea is just a very simple thing that destresses me.
8. Go for a walk – Pre-quarantine I used to despise when people suggested going for walks to de-stress or clear your mind. I don’t know why, I just felt like this suggestion wasn’t thoughtful or even useful. However, I found a new appreciation and love for getting outside and going for a walk. I will either call a friend or my grandparents or listen to my favorite album while I walk around the Charles. Good views are easy to come by in Boston and I find that appreciating and NOTICING the scenery relaxes me and helps me find perspective.
9. Be mindful of people you interact with – I have had to distance myself from friends, family, and colleagues that I find either negative, overbearing, or too opinionated. When it comes to the election and the pandemic, sometimes taking a step away from people who make you feel chaotic, stressed, helpless, or hopeless is the best thing you can do when caring for your own wellbeing—and there is nothing wrong with that.
10. Take a bath and pour a glass of wine – when all else fails, crack open your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy a glass (or two) in the bath.
It's important to remember that we are all trying to navigate uncertain times right now. I think we are constantly being reminded the importance of being kind to one another. However, I want to remind everyone who may be reading, to be kind to yourself. I hope this simple list helps those of you who may need it in the days and weeks to come– I know I will!