This has been a very challenging year for us all in so many components of our life, both individually & as a society, in our communities, statewide, and nationally. I was going to list all of the things going on, but I am confident we all are aware. Now with this election, everything is politicized, even down to mask wearing (which is nuts to me), the tension & stress is ultra-high in this first week of November. I’m going to be honest with you all: I am anxious as hell with everything going on. My weighted blanket, which I purchased over the summer (prob top 3 best purchases EVER in my life), gave me the inspiration for this post. Yes guys, a blanket gave me all the inspo I needed to create everything you are about to read, you read that correctly.When I start a blog, I usually brainstorm ideas on the topic I’ve chosen, and then google the definition or whatever I’m discussing. When I googled this topic, the very first thing that popped up was off the cdc.gov website, “be kind to your mind.” I love that. Be kind to your mind. That just about sums up this topic, so I guess I’m done here…Just kidding, even though it is the central mantra of all suggestions to ease stress. There are different ways to be kind to your mind. Between what has been working for me (and what hasn’t), and what I’ve learned through reading a plethora of articles, I put together some ways that might help with your self-care. There’s no doubt that at some point we all have struggled during this pandemic & sometimes we forget to feed ourselves (and others) some self-love & kindness.

1. Take breaks from the news. I have been recommended this by friends & it has been in basically everything I read while researching. For me, what that looks like is, understanding that I can’t look at headlines all day long, since it adds on depression. I’ve been watching late night shows to add humor to the news & reading headlines only twice a day. Whatever that looks like for you, give it a try. Maybe taking a day or two break from the news & focusing solely on other things might be something you can try.
2. Take care of your body. Making sure your body is healthy is extra important
   1. Exercise! This is important for many reasons: can help boost your immune system, positive endorphines get released through exercise (aka it puts you in a better mood), improves various areas of your health, helps with sleep (which is another way to take care of your body) and once you get used to it, can actually be very enjoyable!
   2. Eat properly! Having a balanced and healthy diet is another way that will make you feel better all around. I know that for me, when I eat a lot of junk food, I feel so weighed down and not good at all. Cooking, is a great way to make sure you eat a healthy diet, in addition to being a fun hobby you can pick up! I’ve also been taking more supplements in my diet to improve my health– immune boosters, mood boosters, etc. They really have made a difference for me.
3. Pick up a new hobby! Now that we have more time being spent at home, this is a great time to pick up a new hobby. I mentioned cooking (which can be artistic, as well as nourishing), reading more, adult coloring books, arts & crafts, learning something new & whatever it is that you are interested in! The possibilities are seriously endless.
4. Find what it is that makes you feel relaxed! Lately I have been taking a hot bath most days with either a bath bomb or salts & reading for at least 30 minutes; escaping into a book has been one of my favorite things to do. Other ideas are: lighting a candle, finding skin care routines that make you feel good inside & out, drinking a cup of tea, organize & clean your living space (it is a very cleansing feeling to organize), have a special treat once and a while, foster a pet (without cats idk what I would have done this pandemic), essential oils & diffusers, buy yourself something special to relax occasionally (doesn’t have to be expensive, can be a $5 face sheet mask at sephora or an aftershave lotion). Whatever it is for you, make sure you nourish your soul with calmness and relaxation. I guess here is where I mention my weighted blanket. It has been a game changer– you can find more affordable ones at bed bath & beyond and nordstorm rack.
5. Reach out & stay connected! This can be a very isolating time. Make sure you are staying connected to friends and family. Now with things like facetime, zoom, etc. being able to virtually see your loves ones is even easier. I know it is not the same as being in person with someone, but if the only way we can see certain people safely is through technology, it’s a great alternative.
6. Therapy! Therapy does not mean you are weak or there is something wrong with you. I think it’s actually the contrary: it is brave & a strong thing to be able to reach out and seek help when you are overwhelmed. There are many things we cannot control during this time, but there also are things we CAN control. Take advantage of resources available to you and controlling the things you can. Working on yourself is the best way to get a better reign on how you are feeling over all. Sometimes when we suppress our emotions, we may not even fully be aware of some of these things.
7. Spread Love & Kindness! It has been feeling like the word is crueler than it ever has been as of late. The only person we can control is ourselves. Spreading love & kindness is your way of doing your part to making this world a better place– and it also makes you feel better!! Helping others & respecting those around you actually helps you feel better about yourself!
8. Have a daily routine! Having a daily routine helps us not get stuck in a rut, and it gives a sense of meaning to your day-to-day life, and helps you stay on a schedule.
9. Mindfulness! It is important to try & not let fear control your life. Trusting that things will work out is very freeing. I practice prayer and meditation, & gratitude to help me get back to a place of peace. Journaling is another way to process feelings.

I hope this helps guys, I know some things on this list seem so little compared to everything that is going on, but trust me when I say that all the small things add up. This is such a scary & unknown time. The unknown is scary in and of itself! While doing all these things won’t make everything go away magically, they can make things dramatically more manageable for you mentally. Please remember: It’s ok to not be ok & it’s also ok to ask for help from others! Be safe you guys & we will get through this together ❤