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Over the past few years, self care has become somewhat of a buzzword. Thrown out into the world with intention but often seen as overrated. I’ve been known to jokingly #SelfCare but don’t let the world make you think self care is overrated.
In the past few months, we’ve seen the world fall in love with sourdough starter, banana bread, and adult coloring books. It seems like there are just a few right ways to do self-care and if you’re not doing one of the latest trends then you’re doing it wrong. Well, I don’t really like yoga or meditation and I’m too impatient for coloring books and baking makes me anxious.
Pre-Rona, my self care was cycling classes with Ben at SF Fitness twice a week, bowling, and, most importantly, travel. For the past few years, I very intentionally went on vacation every six months, more often if I could afford it. I found that six months was the perfect amount of time to plan a trip, refill my travel fund, and stockpile enough PTO to get away for a while. Back in February of 2020, I had my two trips planned for the year. The first was Shanghai for one week in March then a Eurotrip for my friend’s birthday in August, not exactly six months apart but you get it. There was so much research and planning to do that my self care bucket would have been full for most of the year. Unfortunately, these trips had to be planned, and the bowling alleys closed, and I could no longer see my boy Ben twice a week for cycling. All of the self care tools I’d developed were put on hold indefinitely.
When Shelter In Place began I had to rethink self care
I attempted to workout from home but after a few weeks, I lost my mojo. My garage just isn’t the motivating vibe I need. I also continued daydreaming about my next trip but not being able to choose a date made me sad, and not knowing what travel will look like in the future made trying to set an imaginary budget difficult. After six months of sheltering in place, I’ve finally settled into a self care routine.
Read
I’m sure many of you are already doing this. If you’re reading this right now then you’re on the right track but don’t just read anything. If you’re looking for a travel fix like I am, seek out books that take place in other cities or countries. Some of my favorites are Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin and the Me Before You series by Jojo Moyes.
Eat
This is a no brainer, we all have to eat, but try switching things up with more international dishes. You can be like me and order from that one Jamaican restaurant you’ve had your eye on. Try finding a recipe online of that one dish you fell in love with on your last vacation or what you were hoping to try this year.
Watch Netflix
I know we’re all already doing this but look, Netflix has been stepping up their international film game. I suggest Seriously Single(South Africa), Sugar Rush(Nigeria), and Ready to Mingle(Mexico). You could even pair this suggestion with the last one and eat Nigerian food while watching a Nigerian film. I might have to do that this evening.
I hope these tips help you find the right self care for you. Self care is not one size fits all and it doesn’t have to be the same thing every time. Try mixing things up…or don’t. Whatever you do, make sure you’re taking care of yourself.
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