A guide to caring for yourself amidst chaos.
I saw a meme on social media the other day that read, “At this point, if I see a dinosaur walking around outside my window, I’ll just say ‘oh’.” 😂 It seems like we are truly living in the last days! That being said, we (you) still have a responsibility to care for yourself. We clearly cannot leave it to others to do so. I would like to help you with this, or at least share with you what has and continued to be helpful for me.
Our world’s issues are overwhelming...which can very easily lead to us being overwhelmed. I would encourage you to identify what‘a most prevalent to you, and add the to solution.
Yesterday, I participated in a peaceful protest in my hometown in support of George Floyd, and to encourage our lawmakers to do something. While there is more work to be done, it felt great to be with my people advocating for change. I have also set out to create posts like this to aide us in tending to our mental and emotional health as well.
Today, I will not be watching the news nor browsing social media much. My body tells me when I have reached (or am nearing) my capacity for negative intake, and I am choosing to listen to it.
As a licensed therapist, I would be remiss not to remind you of the benefit of therapy. I urge you to make self-care through therapy a priority. Seek out a licensed therapist to process your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Get you some relaxing essential oils (my favorites are eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon), and put them in a diffuser in your home and/or workspace. Candles will do the job too. My clients know me for always having a good smelling candle lit. Push yourself to engage in art therapy, a form of self-expression that is both entertaining and therapeutic.
Now is a better time than ever to evaluate your circle. We mirror who/what we surround ourselves with. If your community reinforces your negative thinking, challenge them or release them. I promise you will notice a difference. With that, seek out and engage healthy relationships. Allow your community to pour into you.
If you’re like me, gyms make you itch. So get creative. A close friend of mine just started a small Facebook group for us to do Zoom workouts with each other. Dance, walk outside, get active - often. Your body will thank you...after the soreness subsides. 😊
Don’t stay in your head. Get your thoughts out. (I would also encourage you to evaluate those thoughts and critically analyze if they are inspired by prejudice.)
“I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.”
Psalms 121:1-3 NLT
Be encouraged,
Bri