So it would seem like we’re not going anywhere for a long while, which is frustrating to say the least, but I’m trying to not focus on that (at least not here, where I try to keep things slightly happier for myself). Since we’re all trying to keep each other safe and keep our physical distance, I’m sharing some ways I’ve been taking care while staying home. Some of these things are strategies I’ve used for a long time and others are new to me, but they’ve all been good at helping me feel more centered and slightly less anxious about the current state of the world.
The first thing that I’ve been doing to take care is using Equilibria CBD. Going to get real honest here–I know this is an extremely bougie take that is about to follow, but hear me out. I don’t like getting high, I truly hate the feeling (sorry to my family who is reading this). But I have been intrigued by using CBD to help lower anxiety and to help with sleep. So I was ~influenced~ by some of the bloggers that I routinely read to try Equilibria. It’s a woman-owed company that’s focused on helping women (and men, I guess) find how to fit CBD into their routines. I’m obsessed. I take the daily drops in the morning and afternoon to help with low-level stress throughout the day and the capsule after dinner to help me sleep. Let me tell you, this has been a game changer for my sleep. I’ve always had trouble sleeping, but it’s gotten exponentially worse during the pandemic. These (combined with my tea from Apothekary) have been lifesavers. (If you want to try Equilibria you can use the code “refjoslinschultz” for $10 off your first order–this is not an ad, they literally do this for every member.)
Second, as you can probably tell by some previous posts, I’ve been reading a lot. I have had a stack of books sitting on my hutch in my “to be read” pile for months and I’m working my way through those, as well as checking out ebooks through Libby (my all time favorite app). Being able to borrow books from the library without leaving my house has been incredible for my mental health and for my bank account since I’m not buying an absurd number of books each month. At first I found it difficult to focus on a book, but I eased back into reading by starting with some “candy” books–YA books or romcom books or even just books I loved and wanted to re-read. This helped me get excited about reading and escape for a bit, and now I look forward to getting in a few chapters whenever I can.
I’m also just trying to be more gentle and forgiving with myself in general. If I spend a weekend day not really doing anything but watching movies and petting my dog, that’s fine. If I want to make a dinner that’s not super healthy? Sure! Go for it. Knowing that we’re all trying to cope with a summer and year that’s so different from what we pictured is hard, so I’m also trying to give others this space too.
Finally, some smaller things I’ve been doing to take care:
- Trying to get outside every day to walk Scout (weather-permitting)
- Going makeup free to let my skin breathe
- Calling my family more often than usual
- Trying new recipes (and repeating ALL of my old favorites)
- Learning and making new cocktails
- Listening to my favorite songs
- Spending time (virtually) with friends
- Trying to remember things that I’m thankful for
- Brain-dumping into my journal when my head feels full
- Setting a limit on the times when we talk about the news in the house
- Showing up for my community in the ways that I can (donations, advice, education, etc)
How are you taking care? Do you have suggestions for me?
xoxo,
J
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