Sharing the little acts I’ve been doing lately to take care of myself + prioritize my mental health.
Last week, I spoke about my recent health issues. It’s been a difficult few weeks to say the least + I’ve certainly cried more in the last month than I have in a long time. I am very lucky that the really scary stuff have been ruled out + I have a plan in place with specialists to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve thrown myself a few pity parties. I’m only human! But I keep reminding myself that worrying + adding to my stress over it does me no good, either physically or mentally.
I spent the holidays in Arizona with my parents + Tommy. My focus during those nearly two weeks was to unwind, loosen up, + pay more attention to what sparks joy + happiness. And do more of those things.
It’s been a bit bumpy adjusting from vacation to being back at work. But I wanted to share what I’ve been doing to take care of myself since I know the holidays can be hectic at the best of times, never mind during a pandemic, + the holiday season + post-holiday season can bring up a host of emotions for people.
Long Walks
I’ll admit that this one has been tricky to fit into my day now that I’m not on vacation and DC is covered in snow + ice. But when I was in Arizona, I got back into the swing of going for long walks – about an hour. I’ve always loved going on walks, I looaathe running. Give me a podcast or an audiobook and a pair of sneakers and I am one content gal. Long walks bring me such a sense of peace + I love getting to explore my neighborhood.
Daily Movement
I’ve been trying to be gentle on myself so I haven’t been doing any HIIT or intense workouts. I did the 7-day trial of Melissa Wood Health after hearing rave reviews of her workouts + meditations. Her focus on both physical and mental health drew me in + inspired me to give it a whirl. I’m now on Day 14 of her workouts. I love that some days her workouts are only 10 minutes (you can add other videos to build a longer workout if you want) but my goodness do her short workouts burn! I’ve already noticed a difference in my strength since starting her videos. I do my best to give myself grace in this area and focus that I showed up for myself just by stepping onto my yoga mat + pressing play. Instead of obsessing over spending this many minutes working out or burning this many calories, I’m shifting my thoughts to thanking myself for moving my body each day and being grateful that I can do so.
Writing
This website has brought me SO much joy over the years. Unfortunately, there have been times that it ended up being the first thing on the chopping block when I was overwhelmed and felt like I had to give something up. But writing for fun + setting aside the time to do so has been a boost for my brain + rekindled a spark of creative joy that I haven’t felt in a long time. THANK YOU for sticking around here for awhile and WELCOME if you’re new to this site! I hope you’ll enjoy the content I have planned for 2022.
Legs Up the Wall Yoga Pose
For 20 minutes each day, I put my legs up the wall. It’s a gentler inversion yoga pose and while I felt a little silly at first, it’s become a time that I enjoy each day. I lie on my back and scoot myself so that my legs are up against the side of my bed. Then I relax my shoulders away from my ears + just hang out for 20 minutes. I have designated this time to be away from screens but if you want to use this time to check emails, scroll Insta, go for it!
This yoga pose relaxes your body, releases anxiety and tension, helps drain excess fluid from being on your feet all day, stretches your hamstrings and glutes, and relieves lower back pain. It gives you the benefits of inversion yoga poses – without the fear of breaking your nose. I’ve noticed that since starting this practice, my ankles in the mornings aren’t swollen like they usually are when I get out of bed.
Meditation
Another aspect of Melissa Wood Health that I’ve been enjoying so far is her guided meditations. But there are plenty of meditation apps and YouTube channels for you to find a meditation that serves you best! Calm and Headspace are two very popular options. Other people prefer daily devotional books.
I also have these Mindfulness prompt cards that I started doing each morning on Monday to pause and take a beat. Normally, I’m a whirlwind rush-out-the-door kind of girl in the morning and am going-going-going from the moment my feet hit the floor until I lock my door behind me. I like being able to sit down and pause to read the daily card and just take a few deep breaths before the chaos of the day starts.
