It’s Self-Care Sunday, and it’s also day 3 of my blogging challenge. Now that I can finally do some unwinding with school being over for a bit, I wanted to take the time to share some of my favorite things I do to relax. Maybe you can relate to me on some of these things, or maybe you’ll be encouraged to try something new today.
Journaling
I’ve said time and time again that I identify myself as a writer, so this probably doesn’t come as a surprise. When I go shopping, it takes some willpower for me not to reach for a new journal. I always have one on hand so that I could write all my thoughts and feelings. It also makes me feel a little less alone and manages to give me peace of mind by validating my feelings. The one I have right now is a bit worn down, but I decorated it with pink stickers way back when. It’s almost completely filled with my notes, so I’m due for a new one soon. I’m looking forward to it for sure.
Masks
My two favorite things right now are hair masks and face masks. Last year, I spent my time getting into Korean skincare, and I’m now hooked for life. It’s a nice ritual to have at the end of the day, and I reserve a face mask for when I’ve had a particularly long day, or when I’ve just worked hard. It’s nice to just sit and relax as I take care of myself for a good twenty minutes in my day.
Hair masks I use a little bit less, just because I haven’t found any I really love yet. I’m currently using a Not Your Mother’s Matcha Green Tea and Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Hair Mask that is pretty good, and I adored the results of a Cha-Ching Hair Mask I got from Mane Club. I’m still testing the Not Your Mother’s product out, and while the Cha-Ching Hair Mask did wonders, I wish they had a jar version I could buy so that I don’t have to constantly order the little sachets. Feel free to recommend any hair masks you love in the comments below so that I can do more of these.
Walk My Dog
Since quarantine, I have needed a routine to ground me a little bit so that I don’t lose track of time. Starting and ending my day with a walk has become that routine, and I think I become a little grumpy when Damian decides he just wants a short walk at the end of the day. Honestly, I enjoy any amount of time I spend with my dog (Recommended Read: Why Damian is the Love of My Life). The walk is good for us because it’s exercise after time I spent probably sitting around, and it gets us out of the house. The sunshine is nice, but I prefer the light spring chill that is only going to be out for a little while longer.
Reading a Book
I’m constantly saying how I wish I could do more of this. Quarantine has given me that time, especially now that classes are over. What I love about reading is that, in order to enjoy the book, my mind has to be totally focused on it. I can’t be distracted, and so reading gives me a form of escapism. I can invest in someone else’s life, someone else’s thoughts, and live someone else’s adventures.
I’m currently reading Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, along with House Rules by Jodi Picoult, but they aren’t pictured because I have them on my Google Books app. I’m also getting ready to read The History of Living Forever by Jake Wolff, which I’m really excited about.
Watching Movies and Living Vicariously Through Television Shows
Long header, but I think it captures what I’m trying to say. For the same reasons that I love reading, I also love books and television shows. However, I don’t subscribe to the idea of “binging” a show, because that effects how well you remember the show long term. You remember it better when you consume it a little bit at a time. Since I learned that, the only shows that I let myself binge are the ones that I’ve already watched.
Currently on my watch list is Ella Enchanted, because one of my sisters hasn’t seen it yet. We just finished all of the Tangled: The Series, and I highly recommend. I’m in the process of re-watching Younger, and we have just finished re-watching Girl Meets World. Next, I’m probably going to catch up on all of The CW shows that I’ve fallen behind on because of school.
Laughing and Laughter
There was once a time where I was self-conscious about my laugh. I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t really care about what anyone thinks about my laugh. That’s because laughing makes me feel good. I am definitely one of those people who subscribe to the idea that laughter is good for the soul.
I make myself laugh when I do silly dances in front of my grandma. Or I’ll put on a stand-up comedy special. Social media is also filled with silly things, but sometimes social media stresses me out, so I try and stay away from it when decompressing.
Catching Up with Friends
Even before I was stuck in a house with my family, I relied on my friends to keep me sane. While it’s a little harder with quarantine when it comes to seeing them, we’re making it work the best we can. From Netflix Parties to having video chat coffee dates, we’re making it work the best we can. It isn’t the same, but the hope is that we make it work and we’re all safe and healthy at the end of this.
How do you like to unwind? What are you thinking about during these COVID-19 times? Do you have a ritual to help you maintain your sanity? Tell me in the comments below! I would also love to know if there is any particular content that you’re looking for, and you can also tell me that in the comments below.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. If this were a Snapchat blog, I would have a fire emoji next to my name because I’m on a 3 day blogging streak out of my 15 day challenge. If you enjoyed what you read, feel free to like this post, share it with your friends, and make my day by subscribing to my blog.
Love Always,
Kristi My
Kristi My Dao 