I know these past few months have been difficult for many of you, but that does not mean you have to wallow in despair. You are a strong, confident woman, capable of many amazing things. With the world slowing down amidst a pandemic, perhaps now would be the perfect opportunity to focus on you by diving into the world of self-care. Really set yourself above others without feeling any guilt. You are a valuable person too! Never forget that. Taking the time to care for you is just as important as taking care of a loved one. I wish to offer you a few words of advice on how to care for yourself and hopefully learn to love yourself along the way.
You are not your negative thoughts. We all have that tiny voice in our head that we constantly fixate on the moment it spews out a negative thought. It does not leave you alone, and you start to believe its words. I want you to know that you are not your thoughts. You are the actions that you commit to. Those negative ideas that keep popping up in your head, whether they are discouraging words about yourself, or maybe an insult you did not mean to say, just ignore them. Let them pass through and move forward.
Invite positive thoughts through a solid mantra. During my days as a student, if I ever had a day that was a bit hectic or stressful, I would tell myself “if I can make it through today, I’ll be OK.” These words calmed me down and gave me enough courage to carry on with my day. Eventually, I came to realize that I could pretty much tackle anything life threw at me. By telling myself positive words, my outlook on life has become less pessimistic.
Pamper yourself. While self-care is about focusing on your mental wellbeing, I also encourage people to treat themselves to a little bit of pampering. Soaking in a hot bath helps relax your muscles. A face mask can help you feel refreshed and hydrated.
Do the things you love. You get to live one life on this amazing earth; please do not squander that chance on doing things that fail to bring you joy. What is a hobby you enjoy doing? Or maybe there is something you’ve always wanted to try, but never got around to doing it because your negative thoughts deterred you. It is time to let go of your inhibitions, and really allow yourself to enjoy life at its fullest!
Pay attention to what you are absorbing. From the food you eat to the media you consume, ask yourself if what goes into your body and mind is good for you. Earlier this year, I made the decision to delete a few apps from my phone as a means to declutter my mind from toxic online environments. I subscribed to more positive YouTube channels, and I made sure to follow Instagram accounts that inspire me to live a happier life. For food, it is true what they say: you are what you eat. If you are constantly filling your body with unhealthy foods, it will certainly reflect on your mood and mindset (not to mention your physique!) Take care of your body, you only have one, so make the best of it! A little daily 30-minute exercise does not hurt either.
Self-care comes from a lifestyle change. The key to successfully applying the advice given here is through developing a routine and sticking to it. There will be times when you will feel discouraged, but that is OK. You will get through it and become a stronger, more balanced person.
