Okay, so by no means am I an expert.
In fact, I think I’m quite the opposite. I’m currently writing this after a week long travel binge in Ohio and am now in Toronto for another week long trip. I also am writing this sick as a dog with some sort of gnarly cold. And as I type, I’ve come to some sort of self-realization:
My body is telling me to SLOW THE HELL DOWN.
It’s clear that your body and mind often play different roles in what you want and what’s best. And obviously, it’s my body’s turn to say that I need to chill the F out and take a minute. Easier said than done. I teeter between a Type A personality where I let ambition (sometimes) take the best of me and Type B where I am pretty patient and enjoy life.
I absolutely LOVE doing all the things I currently have goin’ on, but it’s time to “check myself before I wreck myself.”
So if you’re looking for some ways to slow down, chill out, and practice self-care, here are a few things I’ve been loving as of late.
For the love of god, take a day off: Whether it’s from work or school, it’s OKAY to take a day to sit back and relax. Or hell, do whatever you need to. Whether that’s taking a yoga class or just sleeping in. It helps and in the end, allows you the space to truly “let loose.” If you’re like me and feel guilty for taking days off, TRUST ME – DO IT. I’ve also realized no one cares. Well, unless you’re taking a ton of time off and then that’s not great.
Get a massage/acupuncture: Okay, so maybe this is a little indulgent. I don’t care – it helps! It relieves stress, pain, pressure, and can even help you sleep better! Hell yes!
Walk for 30 minutes at least once a week: I’ve said this hundreds of times, but I walk to work 3 days a week and for real, it’s one of the better things I do for myself. I usually double up on activities and walk to work/listen to a podcast where I can move, not think, and have 30 minutes to prep for the day (or decompress!).
Go to therapy: Luckily, therapy has been SO de-stigmatized over the last few years and I couldn’t be happier. Initially I thought therapy was only reserved for people who couldn’t handle “it”, but as I got older and life got busy, I started to give it a go. I can’t tell you how “therapeutic” it’s been for me and how helpful it is to talk to someone (who doesn’t really know me) about ANYTHING. And seriously, it can be anything. From how I’m feeling to my future to what I had for lunch. lol.
It’s okay to say no: This one is probably the hardest for me. Understanding that I have fomo and want to help more often than not, I get trapped saying “yes” so much that I often can’t do the “yes” activities to their fullest since I’m jumping from one thing to the next. It’s okay to skip out on going out with friends on a Friday or even strategically saying no to a work trip. You deserve to be kind to yourself and give yourself the same love, patience and passion that you give to the world. This is also one where I feel guilty more often than not. Please don’t put that pressure on yourself – even though it’s so easy to do. You can’t be everything to everyone.
What are some of your self-care tactics? I’m eager to learn a few more so please let me know!