The Sun Also Rises

Motivation. It is a strong word defining our movements through-out the day. Whether it is something as simple as pouring a hot cup of coffee to get your morning started, or setting a timer to help us keep track of time while completing a task. We motivate ourselves in small ways whether we realize it or not. Yet, I find there is a shift in motivation when we are asked to do something for ourselves. Why is that? Especially as a woman, I find it is so easy to prioritize work, the needs of our loved ones…or even doing my chores! However, when I want to do anything for myself, I simply…forget? It is a strange paradox.

“I’ll set up my hair appointment tomorrow.”

“I’ll reschedule to meet with my friends next week.”

” I’ll get on the treadmill tomorrow.”

It may seem like poor planning to miss out on opportunities where we can best take care of ourselves. I even agree to think that at times it is incredibly easy to make up excuses. At the same time, I understand the perspective of those who struggle to maintain their self-preservation when our baggage is just too full. Especially, when our work deadlines loom over every moment or thought in our mind. When we worry whether our children are getting everything they need day in and day out. Or if we remembered to pay the bills on time. All of these things can take up space and we can easily forget about our wellbeing. I say this, because I have fallen for this trap many times. To this day, I am still not perfect and I know I cannot expect to BE perfect. As I’ve mentioned in my first blog post (you can find it here), wellbeing (in my opinion) is about finding balance. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t hard on myself at times for not being “perfect” at finding balance. Life happens and it’s understandable when we let our needs go. It’s even more understandable to find that we can get incredibly frustrated in ourselves.

You may be experiencing difficulty finding that balance especially if you have obligations where time is simply not on their side. There are situations where one person is forced to work 8-10 hours at one job, only to prepare to work an additional 5 hours at another job. All in the name of making ends meet. Everyone’s situation is so different that we may not always know how to help ourselves. Unsurprisingly, developing self-preservation may not be something to consider. So, why am I writing this article? HOW can we achieve self-preservation if we feel incredibly torn between so many facets in our lives.

Below, are small habits I’ve developed to better create wellness and balance in my day to day life. All in which, have motivated me to pay closer attention to my self-care routine.

1. Create A List

Yes, create a list! Please go beyond including your daily tasks. Try to add activities or opportunities, however big or small, that will bring you relaxation or comfort. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or luxurious. It doesn’t have to cost you anything! Add things that you know will bring you some form of joy. For me, I’ll include going out for a walk. Or doing an at-home hair mask. Anything small to get me feeling a little lighter through-out the day. This is YOUR list and you can do whatever you want with it! You can personalize your list with pretty little images. You can do it on your phone while you are out on the go. Or you can make a mental note of things you wish to do.

When I write something down, I am more inclined to get up and do it. Hence why I recommend writing on a physical piece of paper. In fact, creating a list on a piece of paper prompts you to get it done and you are less likely to “forget about it”. But if you don’t have the opportunity to do so, complete your list in whatever form that works for you! Try not to overload yourself. You can add 2-3 activities that mold around your schedule. You can do this while you are on a quick break, or when you get home from a long day at work. These tasks are just for YOU. You’ll find the more you do this, the better you’ll feel. If you notice that you are able to, you can add activities that require more planning. This could be going out of town for the weekend. Visiting a friend and going out for a cup of coffee. Maybe going on a date with your loved one. Make it fun! You have full control of what you write on your list.

Try it out. Let me know how it has worked for you in the comments below.

2. Listen To Music

I find when I am feeling particularly stressed or I’m having a slow start to my morning, I’ll listen to music to get myself going. It’s an instant release and a positive outlet for healing. As I’ve mentioned, self-care does not need to be elaborate. Small things really make a huge difference. If your job allows it, try listening to music while you work (if you don’t find it to be a distraction). Background noise can ease your mind if you are noticing an elevation in stress. In my opinion, decreasing my stress by listening to music (although I am not always successful), has changed my mood from feeling down some days to feeling more content. I’ll listen to music on my drive home, while I work out, or even while I cook dinner.

Not only does music gear you towards feeling more relaxed, but it can ease your anxiety. If you are feeling particularly anxious on a given day, sometimes closing your eyes and listening to music can help prevent a panic attack, or it can also ground you. Sometimes our thoughts can get the best of us. Listening to music helps remind me that thoughts are just thoughts. I do not need to engage in them and nor do I need to let it consume me. If you suffer from anxiety, you’ll understand what I am talking about. If you are looking for specific genres, I recommend the following:

• Lo-fi (There are different styles of Lo-fi. I particularly like this one.)
• Brown Noise (a frequency designed to calm your racing mind)
• Delicate Steve (Groovy instrumental)

The above are just suggestions! Take the time to figure out what works for you! I’d love to read your discoveries in the comments below.

3. Exercise

I know the topic of exercise appears repeatedly on many blogs, youtube videos, and podcasts. I have to agree with all statements made about exercising. It will instantly make you feel 1000x better. You do not need to do a rigorous 60 minute cardio workout in order to have “self-care”. You can keep it simple by going out for a light stroll in the evening or do 20 minutes of yoga. Even stretching for 15-20 minutes a night can improve your wellbeing. Add it to your list! Whatever you do, try to aim to do some form of movement a day.

Try:

• Yoga with Adriene
• Pop Sugar – Stretch and Roll

Final Thoughts

I hope you find these suggestions helpful. If you feel like you are struggling to get started, I hope this article gave you some ideas of where you can start. Self-care does not need to be complicated. I’ve learned that I can incorporate completing small wellness tasks at a time. Ultimately, I formed positive habits that geared me towards relaxation and a calm mind. I encourage you to take the opportunity to comment below! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I look forward to reading your experiences or answering your questions!

*Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist or psychiatrist. I am simply writing about tricks and tips I personally learned that have helped me take better care of myself and my needs. Feel free to agree or disagree! I am more than open to suggestions or feedback. 🙂 As I mentioned in the tagline, this blog is meant to help us learn and grow together!