self-care 101

As it’s World Health Day, I'd like to focus on the little things that make my day positive. Yes, it’s good to open up and be honest about our feelings and events that may have happened to us, which I think I’ve done enough of in some of my recent posts, but what really matters is how we deal with those thoughts and emotions in the moment.

I guess you could call this a guide, or helpful tips to take on, but it’s also a reminder for myself to look at - a bit of pre-planning - whenever I’m feeling down and don’t have the energy to think for myself, let alone do something to help me. 

A list of things to make me happy:

• Pampering sessions - this usually consists of a shower, face and eye masks, mini pedicures or doing my nails. I love to use oil on my face, sometimes I’ll oil, or cream, my scalp for the whole day before I shower (if I’ve got the day ahead of me.)

• Taking a walk - this will always be one of my favourite things to do to clear my mind, as well as get my blood moving and heart pumping. 

• Put on a movie - Breakfast At Tiffany’s is my go-to when I’m feeling down, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy feeds my soul otherwise anything that takes me back to my childhood, such as Disney films.

• Puzzle books - this one is dangerous for me because I could end up sitting all day doing crosswords and then probably regret being inactive. But they really help with distraction as well generally training your mind.

• Window shopping - or at least going to a supermarket just to browse.

• Bible study - obviously this isn’t for everyone and could be adapted to studying something you’re passionate about, but for me when I study the Bible I feel a sense of calmness and positivity spread within.

• Doom scrolling - similar to puzzle books, this is great for distraction and taking your mind elsewhere but it’s very easy to waste time as well as easy to fall on something that could trigger you. Thankfully my algorithm mainly has animals and pranks.

• My cat - yes, I’m heavily reliant on my pet whether she agreed to it or not but just realising that this tiny living thing is in my presence and we actually live together is pretty amazing when you think about it. Realising that we’re not the only animals on this planet is grounding.

• That one person that makes you smile - there will always be one person that makes you smile when you're feeling down. Just don't be afraid or feel ashamed to call them, which is what usually delays me from picking up my phone. Trust me, they totally understand and I'm grateful to have this person in my life. After speaking with them I have this sense of I'm not alone and find that I continue my day with a better mindset.

Rhéa x