Self Care
By Nova Krasner
In the age of Covid-19, self-care and wellness has become a big integral part of the lifestyle. Now, two years into the pandemic, we still have taken these aspects of taking care of ourselves. But what happens when we hear the same 5 things? “Read a book”, “Take a bath”, “Go to a farmers market” are all things that you may have seen before in other articles. But what does self-care look like to you personally? As we found freedom at home, we also had the time to find things and hobbies we enjoyed. We were able to “reset” in a way, to be able to look back on after quarantine refreshed and ready to live a normal life again.
Wellness and Its Benefits
For most, wellness is something that most people had practiced before Covid. But because mental health was a huge part of quarantine and that time alone with your families and yourself. Now, two years into the pandemic, we still have wellness in our daily routines. More stores and brands mention the idea of self-care more especially now, through trends and more relaxed and simple clothing.
Importance of Self Care
Self-care helps us to keep accountability of our feelings and the feelings of others. Self-care offers time to focus on yourself and what you currently need at that moment. With other commitments we may deem more important than self, like our jobs or school, it's vital our mental health becomes a priority and that we take time for ourselves.
Personalize your self-care! Here are some specific activities you can do that can help you mentally relax:
1.) Breaks from work or school. Sometimes, the workweek is too much of a load. Society pressures us to always be present at school or work, but what if you mentally cannot focus enough to get anything done? (NOT saying skip work for a week! ) but a day off besides the weekend to revitalize you could help greatly.
2.) Take up a new hobby. Paint, Cook, Crochet! Hobbies can help us find a small space in our day to just be with you and that certain activity. Get away from your phone and learn something new!
3.) Cleaning. It’s not everyone’s favorite thing, but physically removing clutter may feel like you’re clearing out your mental clutter as well.
4.) Swap out coffee, juice, or tea for water. Instead of that mid-day coffee, let’s do some water! Lubricating your body is also lubricating your mind to think more clearly.
5.) Plan an outfit! It is always fun to look through your closet for that one body-con dress we all forgot about. Maybe use that newfound outfit this weekend!
6.) Pick up a new read! Ask a worm book friend for their favorite read and try it out for yourself. You never know if that book will be the next Twilight saga.
7.) Have a park day. Go hug a tree and tell it all your problems. Bring a blanket and lay out! Soak up the sun.
8.) Affirm yourself. Listen to an affirmation podcast and repeat those words. Affirming yourself can lead to feeling mentally better about life.
9.) Write, Do a video diary, or dump your feelings out somewhere someway
10. Plan out your next wellbeing check. Whether it’s for 20 minutes next Saturday morning or tomorrow night after you get ready for bed, make sure you plan out some extra time for you. Use that time to check-in!
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Models: Willow Adler, Monica Robles, Zainabu Kangethe
Stylists: Devin Trice, Luna Abreia, Willow Adler
Photo: Shea Baasch
Hair and Makeup: Gillian Tokar