During this pandemic I think we've all reached a point where it felt as if we were going through the motions being that we were in one area, surrounded by the same four walls for a year and some change now. It has been a challenge for all of us nonetheless but here we are, still making it through and still managing to stay sane for the most part. When the pandemic first started I thought I would be okay being that I'd be in my room most of the time, unbothered and spending time with myself which is something I've always enjoyed doing, but boy did I get a rude awakening. During the first part of it all, I was quite depressed because I had quit my job, I felt lost for many reasons, school was stressing me OUT and I was also going through that part of the pandemic alone. So yes, that was a hectic time in my life. I felt so alone and depressed that I really needed to be around love and I had no way to get to my family because I was more than a thousand miles away from them and again I was broke lol. So, I decided I’d make my time alone worth something and at least get something out of all the spare time I had. I had a lot of time to think about where I was headed, my future, my energy, what I contribute to this world and just me as a whole. I was freshly twenty-one and I felt like I haven’t really got a chance to know myself or my purpose. I was with myself so much and away from the social life that I was constantly lost in my thoughts, and we all know how being lost in your thoughts could be, and it is not pretty. I decided to try new things to keep myself sane during those times and show myself a little TLC. I must say, trying new things and making a new routine for yourself every now and then turned out better than expectEd and it was definitely life saver. I learned that showing love to yourself whether it’s times of a crisis or just because is always a necessary essential.
Here are some self care tips that helped me:
1.) I know waking up early isn’t for everyone, but some studies say that when you wake up earlier, you‘ll have a better and productive day.
2.) Every morning I would check in with myself and repeat affirmations to myself. Giving yourself daily affirmations and pep talks are more influential than you may think. Your affirmations can be verbal, mentally or just physically writing them down.
3.) Writing down my daily, weekly or monthly goals helped me a ton and actually gave me more motivation than I thought I needed. Setting yourself up with the right manifestation and motivation will always turn into success. Others even make vision boards because they’re more motivated with the visions of their goals rather than simple ink on paper.
4.) Reading mindfulness books or self-help books such as “The four agreements: A practical guide to personal freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz can be very inspiring and surprisingly, listening to self healing podcasts while cleaning, cooking or even writing can be very therapeutic. 5.) I would find apps that would send inspirational quotes that comes directly to my phone everyday.
6.) Believe it or not, but tea will make it a breeze! Yogi tea or green tea is great for some relaxation or to get your day started. You really could drink any tea because I believe they all have the same great benefits, giving you great energy and also giving you great immune digestion.
7.) MUSIC, MUSIC AND MUSIC! I love all genres of music because if it’s a great song, I listen. But my main go to is neo soul. Primarily Jhenè Aiko when around these times because her music focuses on different chakras. (I also have playlist here and if you want any of mine feel free to contact me!)
8.) Abstract painting is a great way to get in touch with your creative self, it really helped me. It's a great way to express yourself and possibly have yourself some new wall art.
9.) Yoga or a simple 30 min cardio session will give you an amazing rush and relax your mind.
10.) Meditating. I would listen to music and focus on my breathing. When meditating you want to end with a clear mind and heart so this is a great time to let go of everything. Stress, worry, anxiousness... everything. I recommend meditating to any and everyone.
11.) And last but certainly not least. PRAYING. No matter how good or bad your day is going you can never forget to pray.