Spring semester is always difficult for me, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because fall semester is the start of a school year, so everyone is a little more energetic–and spring is when we start to lose that energy. Maybe it’s because, as the weather improves, being inside a classroom is the very last thing I (or my students) want to be doing. And maybe it’s because spring reminds us of new beginnings right at the moment many of us are wrapping something up, which makes us feel like we’re under some weird kind of pressure that can’t be easily resolved.
Whatever the reason, this is very often the time of year when I have a crisis of some sort or other. This year, though, I’ve decided to head that off by practicing intentional self care on a regular basis–if not daily, then several times a week. Today’s Five for Friday is devoted to identifying some ways that you can do the same, when you feel like you’re right on the edge of sanity.
1. Do something you really enjoy. Even if what you’re doing serves no practical purpose beyond having a good time, just do it. Don’t think about all the other things you should be doing. Just take an hour or two and enjoy yourself.
2. Write. I’m not a dedicated journal-writer. I’ve tried to be, at various points in my life. But when I’m really struggling to figure something out, writing almost always proves to be helpful. When I wrote this post about simplicity, for instance, I had a little epiphany that made me feel much better about a number of things that I didn’t even realize I was struggling with. Studies show that journal writing can improve your immune system, help you deal with chronic health problems, and reduce stress–so what do you have to lose? Whether or not you write every day, writing your way through a rough spot can be a very effective kind of self care.
3. Read. If you aren’t a person who enjoys diving into a novel, just picking up a magazine that interests you is a great distraction from your own life–and that mental vacation might be just what you need to gain some perspective. If you don’t have a stack of magazines waiting to be read, like I do, then go to the store and buy one that looks interesting. Maybe it’s an old favorite that you rarely see anymore; maybe it’s a new one you’ve never seen, but it looks intriguing. Buy yourself a cup of coffee or a giant Diet Coke. Find a comfortable chair. Take a mental vacation for less than $10.
4. Meditate. I really love the Stop Breathe & Think app (available for both iPhone and Android), which is on my phone to remind me to take a moment to do those three things every day. My favorite feature is the self-assessment it prompts before you begin a meditation exercise; then it guides you to a particular meditation that will help you adjust your frame of mind. Some meditations are free; others can be purchased; some are shorter, others are longer. I always feel better after meditating, even if I give it only 5 minutes.
5. Do something active. We all know exercise is good for us, but we sometimes forget that simple physical activity is an excellent way to deal with stress, anxiety and depression. And you don’t have to go to the gym to get active–just take a walk through your neighborhood. Or mow the lawn. Or work in your yard. Doing something with your hands is actually good for your brain–a topic I’ll be writing more about in the next few weeks–and being active doesn’t have to mean being engaged in a formal exercise routine. (Although that’s also a good idea, of course, and another excellent way to practice self care.)
As women, we’re socialized to look out for others before we take care of ourselves. But this weekend, give yourself a little bit of the time and attention you lavish on others–you’re worth it, too.
See you Monday!
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