So lately I’ve been in kind of a funk. Life has felt pretty gloomy, and even though the weather has been sunny, it has felt like a constant weight has been on my shoulders.
We all have bad days, and we all have those rough weeks. Life is filled with high points and low points, ups and downs, good days and bad ones. When the bad days come around, it can seem as if the sun has gone away for good.
I know I’ve done a lot of these posts lately, but I feel that it’s important to share. We all need help with the bad times. I personally see the value in self care, and making sure you take that time to check in on yourself. So I wanted to share my self care toolkit, as I call it.
I’ll do a post on each in more detail, so keep an eye out for that 🙂
MY SELF CARE “TOOLKIT”
THE NEW SOUNDTRACK
I recently created a playlist on my phone that I titled “The New Soundtrack”. I made it to represent this next phase in my life, and I wanted it to reflect what I wanted to add to it as well. I’m actually listening to it as I write this post! I filled it with songs that make me happy, motivate me, and represent the type of energy I want to bring into my life. I’ll do a post sharing the list.
LAUGH TILL MY STOMACH HURTS
I love to laugh, and whole heartedly believe that it is the best medicine. There are so many benefits to laughing, but ultimately, it makes you feel good. I love watching Parks and Recreation and SNL skits. I’ll do a post on some of my favorite ways to laugh till it hurts.
ART JOURNALING
I love creating things, and have always been a fan of mixed media art. There are no rules, and it’s a great way to collect your thoughts and express your emotions. Check out my post on art journaling here.
PLAY A GAME
I’m not a huge fan of video games, but I have a few that I just absolutely love. When I’m having a rough day, I’ll go downstairs and turn on the wii- yes it’s 2019 and I still am playing the beloved wii- and either play some wii sports or play some sonic adventure. It makes me happy and they are the games I played when I was young, so it takes me back to a good place. I’ll share some of the games I love in a future post.
MAKE SOMEONE ELSE A CARD OR GIFT
Sometimes the best thing you can do on a rough day is something kind for someone else. One of my favorite ways is making cards for people. I love getting mail, and it’s rare that people send letters these days, so when I receive a piece of mail, it makes me so happy. Knowing how happy it makes me, I want someone else to feel that same happiness. I also love making gifts. It can be a bit more involved, but it’s a great way to distract yourself from your problems and worries. I’ll do a post on some diy cards and gifts.
MAKING LISTS
I am a huge fan of making lists. Sometimes it can be easier to make a quick list than to write a long journal entry. Lists are quick and simple, and it doesn’t require too much thinking. That being said, try and put some thought into it. My favorites are gratitude lists, my favorite things lists, and reasons to be happy. I’ll do a post on some lists to make when you’re having a bad day.
GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
This one is a bit tougher to do sometimes, cause it can depend on circumstance. But if the weather is good and I have a ride, I like to get out and be in the fresh air. My favorite thing is just riding with the windows down, listening to great music, and driving through town. I also have a few spots I know I love to go to. I’ll share some amazing spaces to visit in Raleigh when you desperately need to get out of the house.
DANCE A LITTLE DANCE
Getting moving is key. I find exercising to be such a challenge, mainly because I have no desire to. But I love to dance when no one is watching. Dancing is such a great way to get moving, and is super easy. It can either be super involved or super simple. I’ll share my favorite songs to dance to.
BE CREATIVE
I am, by nature, a creative person. It’s in my blood. So naturally, when I’m having a rough day, I’m going to create something. I have way too many hobbies and creative outlets, but it’s better to have too many than to have none. Sometimes though, when the storms seem the heaviest, it can be hard to be creative. So do something small and simple. Color. Play with photos and filters. Strum two chords. And if it happens to take you somewhere and you get the inspiration, go with it and create something amazing. I’ll do a post on simple ways to be creative when you don’t feel like creating. You never know where it might lead.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
This one is also hard. On those rough days all you want to do is eat junk and lay in bed. Sometimes, that’s all you can do. But it’s better if you can try and still be kind to your body. I’m personally making it a goal to get better about this. No one’s perfect, and food is something I still struggle with. I’m learning to love my body, and to treat it with kindness and respect. I’ll do a post later on what I’ve struggled with, and why loving your body and taking good care of it is important. I’m not perfect, but it’s okay. I’m still learning that lesson, and beauty comes in all forms.
WEAR COMFY AND CONFIDENT CLOTHING
I’m not a fashion expert, nor do I intend to be. But I have found that the clothing I wear can have an effect on my mood. If I put on something that is super uncomfortable, it can make me feel less confident and more insecure. If I don’t put any thought into my appearance, I end up not caring about the day as much. Not that what you wear defines you, but it can impact your mood. Dressing in clothes that make you feel confident and happy can make a huge difference. For me, that means wearing my favorite t shirts and my alex and ani bracelets. I’ll share my thoughts on clothing and some tips on finding your style.
MAKE A VISION BOARD
I discovered visions boards about year ago, and I love them so much. I have a huge pin board system above my desk, and love putting up things that make me happy and inspire me at the moment. It’s nice to have a visual reminder of all the things that make you happy, as well as what you are aspiring for at the moment. I’ll share with you some tips on creating a vision board and why I feel it’s so important.
I hope that these tips are helpful for when you are having a rough day. Keep an eye out for the posts mentioned, I can’t wait to delve into these in more detail.
Remember, the storms will pass and flowers will fill the empty space. Keep going, keep smiling, and remember that you are enough.
What do you do to handle the rough days?
Until next time 🙂
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