Things I've Been Doing For Self Care

Recently, I have noticed a significant shift in how I prioritize my own well-being, and I must admit that I haven't been looking after myself in the same way I used to. In the past, before I met my fiancé and before my father's health began to decline, I made it a point to focus on self-care and to put myself first as much as possible. During those times, I was actively engaged in maintaining my health; I was losing weight in a healthy manner, indulging in pampering sessions that made me feel rejuvenated, and consistently carving out time in my busy schedule for activities that brought me joy and relaxation. However, recently, this nurturing aspect of my life has fallen by the wayside, and I have found myself neglecting my own needs. I deeply love my dad and my fiancé, and it has always been my instinct to prioritize their well-being above my own. Their happiness and health are incredibly important to me, and I often find myself putting their needs first, sometimes at the expense of my own self-care. It is indeed possible to care for my loved ones while also ensuring that I am taking care of myself. With this newfound understanding, I have decided to reintegrate some of the self-care practices that I used to cherish into my daily routine. I plan to bring back those activities that once filled me with joy and relaxation, whether it be engaging in regular exercise, or. setting aside time for meditation. I want to start showing myself a little more love and kindness, recognizing that my own well-being is just as important as that of my father and fiancé. By nurturing myself, I will not only improve my own mental and physical health, but I will also be in a better position to support and care for my loved ones. This journey toward self-love and self-care is one that I am eager to embark on, and I am hopeful that it will lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life for all of us.

Yoga

I used to practice yoga on a daily basis, incorporating it into my morning routine with great enthusiasm and commitment. Each session was not just a physical exercise but a holistic experience that set a positive tone for my entire day. The gentle stretches and mindful movements allowed me to awaken my body gradually, providing a sense of vitality and energy without overwhelming me or leaving me breathless.

Yoga offered a unique blend of physical activity and mental clarity, allowing me to cultivate a focused mindset as I transitioned from the tranquility of my practice into the busyness of daily life. The rhythmic flow of breath and movement created a meditative state that helped clear my mind of clutter and distractions, enabling me to approach the day ahead with intention and purpose.

I have been reflecting on how much I miss that fulfilled feeling I would experience after each session. The sense of accomplishment and serenity that accompanied my yoga practice was invaluable, and I believe it played a significant role in enhancing my overall well-being. I am eager to reintroduce yoga into my mornings once again, as I believe it will not only help me regain that sense of fulfillment but also contribute positively to my mental and emotional state.

Meditation

Combining yoga and meditation enhances my practice. I incorporate breathing exercises at the end of yoga to transition into a meditative state. Meditation, especially after a busy day, helps clear my mind and serves as a mental detox, preparing me for sleep. However, sleep is elusive due to bad habits and anxiety, making it hard to fall or stay asleep. Waking up early on days off disrupts my sleep cycle, leaving me exhausted. Meditation is crucial in finding balance and achieving restful nights.

Reading before bed

One of this year's New Year’s resolutions is to cultivate a healthier bedtime routine by dedicating time to reading before bed, rather than being glued to the television screen or scrolling endlessly on my phone. This shift in habit is particularly significant for me because I used to engage in those screen-focused activities extensively, often losing track of time and neglecting my own well-being in the process. The bright lights and constant stimulation from screens would frequently keep my mind racing, making it difficult to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

As I embarked on this resolution, I committed to setting aside at least thirty minutes each night for reading. This deliberate choice not only helps me disconnect from the digital world but also encourages a more peaceful and reflective mindset as I transition into sleep mode.

Already, just a few weeks into the new year, I have noticed such a significant change in my sleep quality. The nights spent with a book in hand have fostered a sense of calm that I hadn’t experienced in quite some time. Instead of the jarring end to my day that often accompanied binge-watching a series or scrolling through social media feeds, I now find myself drifting into a more tranquil state of mind. My sleep feels deeper and more restorative, and I wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.

Having weekly pamper nights

I often find it difficult to let myself relax, so I used to have weekly pamper nights. These included long hot showers, face masks, painting my toenails, enjoying a good book or my favorite movie, and indulging in some of my favorite snacks. When I met my partner, I began pampering him and neglected my own pampering time. Now, I intend to continue pampering my fiancé, but I also need to focus on pampering myself. I believe my fiancé and I should dedicate one day a week to enjoy a hot shower, give each other massages, apply face masks, watch a movie, and cuddle together.

Doing my make up

Recently, I have made the decision to start doing my makeup, a practice that has been a significant part of my daily routine and something I have always been deeply passionate about. Makeup has always served as a creative outlet for me, allowing me to express myself artistically while enhancing my natural features. The process of applying makeup has always been more than just a means to an end; it has been an empowering ritual that makes me feel confident and beautiful. I have always loved the feeling of having my makeup done, akin to transforming a blank canvas into a vibrant work of art. Each brushstroke and application is like a stroke of paint, contributing to the overall masterpiece that I create on my face. For many individuals, makeup is perceived as a necessity, a way to cover imperfections or boost self-esteem. However, for me, it has never been about feeling inadequate without it. Rather, my relationship with makeup is rooted in the joy of experimentation and exploration. I relish the opportunity to try out new looks, play with various colors, and discover innovative products that can help me achieve different effects. The thrill of seeing what new look I can come up with is exhilarating, and I often find inspiration in the world around me, whether it be the changing seasons, art, or even the latest trends in the beauty industry. Each time I sit down to apply makeup, I feel like I am embarking on a new adventure, one where the possibilities are endless and the outcome is entirely up to my imagination and skill. This creative process has allowed me to develop a unique style that reflects my personality and mood, making makeup a truly personal form of self-expression.

Eating healthier

In the past three years, my eating habits have deteriorated; I've consumed a lot of junk food and not enough of my favorite foods, which are vegetables. This change is partly because my partner is a picky eater, and I've fallen into a lazy routine of not including vegetables in my meals.

Writing a journal

One thing I haven't been doing is writing in my journal. As someone with anxiety and depression, writing down my thoughts and feelings each day has always been helpful. Over the past couple of years, I haven't been doing this, which has led to bottling up my emotions. Consequently, my family member and fiancé have borne the brunt of my outbursts because I haven't allowed myself to feel. From now on, I'm going to ensure I spend 10 minutes at the end of each night reflecting on the day's events and acknowledging my feelings so I no longer bottle them up.

Going on walks

I've always cherished the simple yet profound joy that comes from going on walks. It has been an integral part of my routine, a way for me to connect with nature, clear my mind, and enjoy the rhythm of life around me. However, in recent times, for reasons that I can't quite pinpoint—whether it be a creeping sense of laziness or an underlying fear—I have found myself retreating from this beloved activity. The truth is, I haven't been stepping outside my house as much as I should, and it's becoming increasingly clear that I need to make a concerted effort to reignite this passion for walking.

In the past, I would take my dog on long, leisurely strolls that could stretch for miles. Those walks were not just about exercise; they were an opportunity for me to immerse myself in my favorite music, allowing the melodies to accompany the rhythm of my footsteps. Each outing was something I eagerly anticipated, a cherished routine that brought me joy and a sense of freedom. Unfortunately, that sense of excitement has been replaced by a heavy dread at the mere thought of stepping outside the safety of my home.

This shift in my feelings towards going out can be traced back to a distressing incident that occurred about a year and a half ago. During one of my walks with my dog, I experienced a terrifying moment when a man attempted to attack me. That encounter left a deep scar on my psyche, instilling a profound fear of venturing out alone. Since then, I have felt increasingly anxious about leaving the house without my fiancé by my side, which has led to a troubling situation where my poor dog suffers from a lack of exercise and socialization.

As a result of my fears, my dog has been unable to enjoy the walks he so desperately needs unless my partner is home. This has inadvertently placed an added burden on my fiancé, who works hard all day and deserves to unwind and relax when he returns home. I realize that my hesitation to go out not only impacts my well-being but also affects my dog's health and happiness.

Recognizing this cycle and its consequences, I've decided that instead of remaining cooped up at home and waiting for my partner to return, I will take proactive steps to change my situation. On my days off from work, I am committed to taking my dog out for daily walks, regardless of my apprehensions. This will not only ensure that both my dog and I receive the fresh air and exercise we so desperately need, but it will also help me reclaim my love for walking and gradually rebuild my confidence in venturing outside.

By reestablishing this routine, I hope to foster a sense of normalcy and security, allowing me to enjoy the simple pleasures of life once more. It’s time to embrace the outdoors again, for the sake of my well-being and for the happiness of my furry companion, who deserves to explore the world just as much as I do.