Self care is so IN right now. There’s a whole cultural movement that’s popped up around sheet masks, bath bombs, and pedicures – but taking care of yourself sometimes needs to be deeper than the surface. When I’m in a funk, there’s a few ways I know will eventually pull me out.
Instagram-able? Maybe not. Functional? For me, yes.
1. Do something alone.
When I’m feeling off, the last thing I want to do is be alone with my thoughts, but it’s often what I need to work through whatever’s set me off. I like to take walks or drives, without music to distract me. A personal favorite for me is going to the art museum, where there’s stuff to look at, but I’m forced to be quiet and introspective.
2. Make a meal.
The process of making food is therapeutic, plus you’re left with with a (hopefully healthy) meal to nourish your body as well as your mind. It doesn’t need to be complicated, but following steps of a recipe (read: not Easy Mac) are often distracting enough to get my day back on track. I get an extra rush from taking a picture of my plate and sending it to my mom.
3. Clean something.
I’m not saying you need to Marie Kondo your whole room, but the act of physically clearing out clutter, wiping down the bathroom sink, or Swiffering the room floor really hits the sweet spot of satisfying and productive for me. There’s probably a psychological connection of organization a space and organizing your thoughts, but all I know it that it feels so much better to go to sleep in a made bed than a messy one.
4. Have a good cry.
Doesn’t it feel good to let it out? Your body loves a good sob, where you release some toxins, clean out your eyes and your nose, and overall relieve stress and improve mood. Plus, there’s something to be said for acknowledging your emotions with such a physical response – I can’t pretend I’m fine when I’m having an ugly, snotty cry on my couch. I’m forced to take a look at my emotions, and I’m usually better for it.