We’ve all seen them – the mud mask selfies and glittery bath bomb boomerangs. Even though the concept of self-care is the necessary act of taking time to focus on your well-being, social media makes it seem indulgent and frivolous. It can be hard to relax while you’re binging Netflix shows or opting for retail therapy when the things making you crave self-care in the first place are still top of mind.
On your next “me day,” try one of these sensible self-care practices:
Money can be a huge source of stress and anxiety builds from adopting the, “I’m not going to look at my bank account” approach. Sit down and survey your finances, then make a plan you can stick to. Whether it’s getting out of credit card debt or saving enough to visit an old friend, creating and sticking to money goals will put your mind at ease.
You know that feeling of crawling into bed with fresh sheets after a long day? There’s nothing more therapeutic. Wash your sheets and make your bed to earn a sense of accomplishment – the coziness is an added bonus.
This might be the most important step, and often the hardest. On those days where it’s all you can do just to get out of bed or off the couch, challenge yourself to simply stand up. Once that’s done, you’ve already accomplished the hard part and going for a walk outside or running an errand doesn’t seem as daunting.
Take the time to reflect on the good things in your life by writing thank you notes to friends and family. This active practice of gratitude will remind you that your network is there to support you, and will show those close to you how much you appreciate them.
The gut-brain connection is more impactful to your mental health than you might think. Nourishing your body correctly has a proven positive impact on how your brain functions. Pick a new, healthy recipe to try instead of sticking with your go-to dinner plans. Your brain and your belly will thank you.
Don’t put it on silent, don’t put it in another room, completely turn off your phone. Disconnecting, even if it’s only for an hour or two, is like a mental reboot button. When you’re not focused on scrolling, you can regain focus on yourself and your real-life relationships.
Whether you choose to try this approach or stick to mud masks, any method of caring for your body and mind is a step in the right direction. Self-care looks and feels different for every person, but the goal remains the same – engage in activities that make you feel good inside.
]]>I found solace in an unlikely friend.
My battle with mental health began in my teenage years. A few months ago, I was going through a bad bout of depression and was starting to feel hopeless.
I had just moved to a small town where I knew no one. I tried to utilize what little entertainment I had around me, but most nights I would spend alone in my apartment watching Netflix.
On Friday nights, though, I would go bowling. I stopped going when I bowled a turkey (three strikes in a row) and realized there was no one around to celebrate with me. Experiencing that little bit of joy and not having anyone to share it with seemed to bring me down more than before I arrived at the bowling alley. To avoid that feeling again, I started spending Friday nights at home, alone, where everything was at least predictable.
After a few weeks of not bowling, and feeling like crap, I took a walk around town. It was late, so the streets were mostly empty – I just wanted to clear my head a bit.
As I rounded a corner, my head down, someone passed by me. I didn’t look up until I heard them say “Hey!”
It took me a second to realize who was talking to me. To be honest, I didn’t recognize them until they asked me, “why haven’t you been at the bowling alley?”
The woman speaking to me worked where I would bowl on Friday nights. I didn’t really know how to respond, seeing as I was hesitant to open up to her, a near stranger. But there she stood, smiling, waiting for my response.
I made something up quick, using my work schedule as an excuse. She smiled and nodded, we made small talk and then she asked me how I was. Part of me wanted to just say “good” and leave it at that, but another part wanted to be honest.
I told her that I had been down, feeling lonely in a new town where I had no friends. She said something along the lines of “I’ve been there, too,” and told me I should come bowling again.
Did she save me from my depression? No, but she treated me like a human being. Even though we had very little interaction prior to that night, she acted like a friend.
Small acts of kindness go a long way. The old saying, “you never know what someone is going through,” rings true. While she didn’t save me, I wasn’t looking to be saved. All I wanted was someone to notice me and to care. She was able to provide me with a spark of hope, a hint of companionship, a little bit of care.
Making sure your friends are okay doesn’t take much effort. It requires listening, empathizing and simply being there for someone. A friend can be found in unlikely areas, such as bowling alleys in small towns in Middle America.
]]>I like opening up conversations with honest and direct questions so I can dive right in to the deep and important stuff instead of small talk.
Hunter is the co-founder and creative director of MSYFAO. Through his use of exceptional photography and storytelling through cinematography, he brings life to set to capture the most natural moments.
Follow up on something I saw them post on Instagram to open up the conversation. Once the person feels comfortable talking with me, I like to ask who has made the biggest impact on the person they’ve become.
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