5 Manageable Methods of Self Love

Before we begin, please consider checking out the following resources:

​- Support those affected by the Surfside condo collapse with funding options here.
- See the official Asian American and Pacific Islander philanthropy site here.
- Find various BLM funding options here.
- Discover how you can help those affected by the western wildfires here.

Hello friends!
July is over, and so far, this summer has been an absolute treat. 

   Yes, COVID-19 is still very on-going, although it's a lot slower in my region at the time being. But with life being somewhat re-opened, with the sun shining, with the plants thriving, with myself being completely off the market (my choice, hi I'm Lydia and I'm trying to get my life in order), I've never experienced the most freeing form of solitude in my life, until now.

   There's so much I'm still discovering about myself as I grow. And yes, it's been an absolute journey. But despite the amount of things I have learned, I still experience bouts of anxiety and depression that make caring for myself seem like an absolute stretch. Even the simplest of tasks can sometimes seem incredibly daunting.

   So in today's post, I'm going to share seemingly small ways that I show myself some love. These might still be a lot for some, depending on how your heart and mind feel right now, but they're methods that I've found a lot more doable, even when I'm struggling to get out of bed.

​1. Drink Water

   This feels obvious. Give me a second to explain myself.

   I feel like a lot of us neglect to drink our water throughout the day. And staying hydrated is one of the biggest things that can positively impact our health. First of all, find a way that makes you actually want to drink water. Pour some in a water bottle, add ice, and shake it up for a refreshing feel. Or drink that room-temp water for some smooth sipping, if you've got sensitive teeth or wicked brain freeze. But my point is, if you find a way that you can train yourself to always reach for that water bottle, you'll be taking in a significantly higher amount of water every day.

​   Secondly, let me talk about some health benefits for you. Sometimes when I research 'benefits of...' I feel more inclined to actually do the thing I sought out to do. But drinking water has a wild amount of benefits, so I'm going to share some that I found via Harvard's health department.

The Perks of Drinking Water
​+ supports organs and joints
+ flushes your body of harmful bacteria
+ balances your nutrients
+ stabilizes heart health and oxygen levels
+ regulates blood pressure
+ aids in digestion
+ helps you feel stronger and energized

   So in summary, staying hydrated helps you feel like a bad bitch. ​

2. Practice Good Hygiene

   Similar to my pro-hydration argument, I think researching 'benefits of...' in this case can be really helpful. Sometimes it can give incentive to do more for yourself, even when you're feeling down. That's why I find that taking care of your hygiene is another important way to show love to both your physical and mental health.

   This isn't me saying hey buster, go out there and buy fifty one face masks and serums. Although that might seem fun, it would be incredibly expensive and would also probably get pretty old pretty quickly. So let's focus on the basics: Brush your teeth. Wash your body. Brush your hair at least once in between the messy buns you might be wearing repeatedly. All that jazz.

   With all this, it's also crucial to make these tasks feel more manageable. Finding products and routines that aren't too overwhelming can help make good hygiene more attainable. For me, I shower daily, even if it's just washing my hair, and then I immediately put on some body lotion and moisturizer before I even put on my PJs (yes, I'm a night showerer). Those extra steps make my skin and my brain feel thankful, and it's a quick routine as well for me.

   Also find a schedule that works for you. I shower in the evenings. Typically I get home from work, go for a jog or walk, and then shower and moisturize before I eat dinner. Then I start to unwind for the rest of the evening, then brush and floss before bed. And your schedule doesn't have to be as tight-knit as mine, but having some sort of order with your hygienic practices can help you hold on to those beneficial habits that you're trying to form.

3. Move Regularly

   I've found that it's crucial to try to be active, even for just a smidgen, every day. If you're someone who's on their feet a lot already, or if you're in a state of mind where life just feels too overwhelming for a full-on workout, there are other options. Try slipping into some comfy, breathable clothes and some supportive shoes and take a short, calm walk. Or sometimes I'll even throw in a mid-day walk during my lunch breaks. Finding a designated time to squeeze in some movement is enough to clear your mind and to boost your mood for the rest of the day.

   When I was working on a digital printing press, and I was taking a few months off working out while I was re-adapting to working (I was unemployed for a hot minute), it felt exhausting to even think about working out. Eventually I started going for short walks after work, eating healthier, and taking care of other areas of my life before diving back into running and lifting regularly.

   A coworker of mine mentioned that she was going to work out in the mornings again, and told me she treated those morning workouts like a reward, some time for herself. And honestly, I think that's a brilliant way of looking at it. Set that time for yourself. Treat it as a win.  And honestly, a lot of times, that hardest thing you can do is show up. Once you show up, or tie those tennis shoes, you're golden. Plan ahead, get a playlist, and go crazy.
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4. Rethink "Selfish"

   Don't feel guilty for setting time aside for yourself. I'm telling you. It's worth it. 

   Every weekend, I try to dedicate at least one day to myself. I eat breakfast, go for a run, rinse off, then lay at the pool for a few hours and read. It's almost meditative. It gives me time to sit quietly and process my week prior, and my week ahead. It helps me get some vitamin D and a slight tan, while being able to dip in and out of the refreshing water. Every part of the experience brings me nothing but joy. It's super important for me to set this time for myself so I can mentally reset.

   A refreshing day of celebratory solitude can help you feel refreshed and more productive later.

5. Plan The Day Ahead

   And, no, I don't mean you have to schedule everything out. It's about physically and mentally preparing yourself to tackle the happenings of tomorrow.

   There's a TikTok by the user UncleBay49 where he discusses the importance of gathering the mindset you want to wake up with, before you go to sleep. So I've been practicing that. So every night, before I sleep, I either peek on Pinterest of I look at fitness influencers I adore, just to feel motivated and inspired for the next day. And it seriously works.

   As for the more physical preparations, I've found that picking out my clothes and packing my lunch the night before allows me to feel less frantic and rushed in the mornings. It allows me to have my shit together while also not stressing myself first thing in the morning.

   With all of this said, thank you for checking out today's blog post.

   *If you're experiencing depression or other mental obstacles, I encourage you to practice some of these methods in moderation. Sometimes our mental health can deter us from doing everyday things that might normally seem simple to us. So if you're going through a difficult mental health patch right now, just remember: it's temporary. Things will look up soon. And remember to be fragile and kind to yourself in this time.*

Keep on grinning!

​Lydia