Life throws us curveballs more times than we'd like to admit. Life also allows us to get a bit lazy which makes it easily forgettable to keep up with self-care. And sometimes we just have an off week— we can't help it, we're human.
During those weird times in our lives, we can really feel the toll it takes on our mind and body. Constant headaches, achy muscles and bones, and just a feeling of being two steps behind really can creep up on us and make us feel worse than we need to.
With a little restorative energy and a little refocusing, we can become the best versions of ourselves again.
1. Hydrate or die-drate
It's a life motto, guys. Water floods our cells with moisture, helping us feel restored and helping the body do all of its jobs a little bit easier. Yes, the peeing every hour is annoying, but it's worth it.
2. Get active
I hate the gym as much an anyone else, but I still peel myself off my couch and go to my yoga class during the week. Exercise gives the body endorphins and serotonin, which make us happier, more awake, and really feeling the "workout high." Even if it's just 15 minutes on the elliptical or knocking out a Blogilates video, you'll feel better afterward
3. Crystals
I've mentioned crystals in my previous articles before, but they really make a difference when you use them consistently. They're natural stones that each have a purpose: calming, bringing luck, grounding, loving— the list goes on. Crystals help align our chakras, which are energy centers within the body.
This article is great if you want to dive deeper into chakras and crystals and how they work together!
My favorite crystals that I use to help recenter and work the kinks out are white quartz, carnelian, amethyst and lapis lazuli. White quartz cleanses your energy while giving you overall protection. Carnelian helps ground me and my root chakra. Amethyst provides a softness in emotion and a gentle energy, so I can be more accepting, honest and calm. I feel this mainly in my throat chakra and my heart chakra. Lapis lazuli helps open my third eye chakra and helps me focus on an intention that I set for myself, whether it be to be more accepting or to take a day of self-care or remind myself that I'm a lot stronger than I think I am.
4. Fancy showers
I know, this may seem excessive and wasteful, but I've found that when I splurge on really nice skincare and shower/bath products, I take my time and have a literal soul-cleansing shower. Showers, for me, help clear my mind— like the steam carrying my stressors away as it rises higher from me. By using a really nice body scrub, a new bath bomb, a shower oil, even new shampoo; my mind focuses on the new, shiny, good-smelling things and not deadlines and Excel spreadsheets. I use my shower as a pamper and therapy session all at once.
5. Journal it out
Sometimes your mind can empty out and process life when you put your thoughts on paper. Grab a journal and write. No, Microsoft Word doesn't count. Physically write. It's a reminder to your body that you're processing and starting from square one, not just typing like every other day.
6. Skincare
There's no better feeling in this world than after you've done your 10-step skincare routine full of face maks, oils, moisturizers, rosewater spray... shall I go on? Just like taking a fancy shower, doing an extensive skincare routine can really benefit the body. My motto is, when you look good you feel good. Skincare is one of the essential parts of life and it's just an everyday part of being human.
Caroline de Maigret once said, "Enjoy the face you have today. It's the one you'll wish you have ten years from now." That's the key essence of skincare. It's the essence of self-care and finding your balance again. You take care of your skin because you love it.
7. Tarot time!
Tarot cards are a really unique and insightful look at what's around you, what's inside you, and where you can be guided. Go to a tarot card reader that is trustworthy and legitimate. It can be so easy to get a reading and have everything apply to you because the tarot reader applies phrases that can be used for any person in any situation
8. Fresh air
Spend some time outside. Go hiking. String up your hammock. Paint alongside a creek. Even if it's just sitting and observing nature around you, being outside helps ground us and bring us back to reality. It reminds us of how small our problems are when we put them into perspective.
9. Tanning
I know, it causes skin cancer and completely goes against everything I said about skincare, but hear me out.
The UV rays help keep my pores clear of acne-causing bacteria and I personally like to have a bit of color on my skin at all times, or I automatically default to pasty white. Since I'm from South Florida, the sun/sunbed puts a little step back into my soul. To have any inkling of what it feels like to be on the beach when outside of the bed it's 19 degrees and blizzarding— PRICELESS.
10. Support
Life is hard. But it doesn't have to be as hard if you've got a good support system. We all need to let off steam sometimes, and you always need an ear to vent to (judgment free!) or an outlet to fuel your recovery into. There are people out there that want to help you and hear what you say. Call an old friend. Talk with your grandparents. Go to a counselor/therapist. Omegle chatrooms even probably have an outlet you can talk to you if you need! Reassurance helps clear the mind and make sure that you're not going crazy.
