One thing I have learnt this year is that life comes at you pretty fast. With that in mind, it is so easy to get engrossed in projects, goals, caring for others that we forget to take care of ourselves; selfcare. We all have different ways we take care of ourselves
I decided to share some of my favourite selfcare practices and look forward to hearing some of yours.
- Detaching: For the last few years, I have taken a break from family and friends without any warning. What can I say, as much as I love them, dealing with people can be downright stressful (myself included) and people can sometimes push you to your breaking point. To take my mind off the fact that I am not on speaking terms with the people I hold close to my heart, I channel all my attention to working on myself- (this involves a lot of reflection and quiet time). Personally, I think this is a good practice as I always come back feeling a lot better to deal with and care for the people I love. I need to begin to inform people just before I go ghost on them. PS: The most I have gone is 3 days without talking to friends and family.
- Getting off Social media: Social media can be stressful and time consuming. I enjoy deleting my social media apps to create time to just unwind and actually live my life, offline. It is really important to live in your own moment, and not focus on the false or even true realities of others. A lot of people these days live their lives watching the lives of others, and this can get really unhealthy for the spectator. A social media detox ensures I don’t lose a sense of myself and I am not focused on the lives of others.
- Taking a bubble bath: One thing you may not know about me is that I treasure my baths! (I used to call them bubble baths as a kid. My mum used to spoil my siblings and I with baths, and that tradition has stuck with me.) With lit candles, a bottle of wine and a movie, my bubble bath is bliss. There’s something very calming about a bath that helps me clear my mind and relax. Random story: One time the hot water broiler in my old apartment was down and I couldn’t have a bath, so I went to a friend’s apartment at about 10pm just to have a bath because I needed one and hadn’t had one in ages.
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- Spoiling myself: This includes taking myself out on dates, buying myself wrapped up presents with notes and occasionally pampering myself. To be honest, a lot of my solo dates are usually in the spur of the moment. However, I am a firm believer in treating yourself how you want others to treat you. I actually enjoy my own company a lot and sometimes, just hanging out with me is a great reminder that I am awesome. On pampering myself, I take time out to do my nails, my brows, cut my hair and the likes. I’m all for saving and DIY but sometimes, it feels great having others pamper me even if it is at my own expense.
- Doing something I have always wanted to do: This goes hand in hand with spoiling myself. Last year, I got a haircut that I always wanted, and I also sang at an open mic, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time now. I felt very liberated having accomplished those two, and it was like I could do anything in the world. I mean singing in front of people was a little overwhelming and I can still feel the heart palpitations. But that doesn’t matter anymore, because guess what? I DID IT! The excitement I felt that period was what I needed to power through that season of my life.
- Being in touch with my feelings: I cry, and this helps me let things out. Crying really helps me express my feelings and is a way for me to release stress. I also talk about my feelings, although these days I prefer to write them down. It’s all a part of my process and more often than not, letting things out actually helps me resolve the issues, move on and get right back on the saddle.
- Journaling: I document my experiences and plan for the future. I don’t know but there is something about journaling that not only mutes my current worries and fears, but also gives me hope for the future.
- Going to the gym: I try to make it to the gym at least 3 times a week, usually at the end of the day. My time spent there alone helps me unwind and clear my thoughts– yup buddy, we may not be able to go the gym together that often.
That’s all I can think of at the moment. As always, I look forward to reading some of your selfcare practices and hearing your thoughts too.
Talk Soon,
AwahShasha 