AdventuresWithMeg

It’s been a while since I wrote about self-care, so I thought I’d share some things that work for me and may work for you. 

I do a scalp treatment once a week with tea tree, eucalyptus, alo and Rosemary oil. 

If you have sinus issues, this one may help you. I massage along my cheekbones and under my jaw to help clear any irritation from my sinuses (helps with drainage and eases breathing). You don’t have to massage the jaw, but I find the fluid will end up going to sit along the jaw/neck (by the ear) and won’t drain as well otherwise. I do this when I’m washing my face and applying moisturizer. 

It’s been fall weather so I’ve been knitting/crocheting more, and I find that it releases what I can’t get out verbally, and I’m a lot more relaxed afterwards. 

Walks. I try to take as many walks as I can, I do a lot of walking at work, but these walks are more for me to get into work mode or to release what I can from work to not take It home with me. 

Coursera. I felt like I wasn’t using my brain and like something was missing, so I decided to learn something. I felt like when I’m not working, I have a purpose to fulfill, and it’s something that I find interesting, so it fits in. Since learning how I learn I find it to be a fun experience compared to when I was younger. 

I found out that I have Irish curls or waves, which are uneven waves or curls, with more underneath typically and straighter upper hair. So, I’ve been treating them in some ways and matching them, and it brings me more joy than I thought. Since I stopped dying my hair with box dyes and using a coloured conditioning hair mask, the curls/waves are coming out more, and it’s been nice to see the changes. 

Nail upkeep. I tend to pick at my nails or rub one side till it’s basically non-existent, so once a week, I try to push my cuticles back and keep them fairly short so I can’t pick at them and sometimes paint them, but not always. This usually happens the day I’m doing my scalp treatment, and I have to sit as I don’t want to move too much to make the oils on my scalp go into my eyes. 

I got special grippy socks when I want to relax to remind me to relax (it also helps when I do yoga and won’t slide anywhere)  as I sometimes need the reminder to turn my brain off and just be essential. 

Audiobooks. I listen to audiobooks when I’m cleaning, cooking, writing, and getting ready for bed pretty much all the time; it helps one side of my brain focus, and I’m able to focus better. I’m still unsure why but it works great when I need to get stuff done but also relax. 

I wear rings. I like to fidget, and these give me something to fidget with while I may not be able to do a fair amount of moving. 

If you can or want to, Get a tattoo. I have one so far; I’m planning on my second, which I should be getting soon if all goes well. For some reason, I find this super relaxing, which (from research) could be concerning, but I found it to be super relaxing, and it’s an artistic way to share your story. 

Wearing Lipstick/lip products. I tend to bite my lip when stressed so I have lipstick or lip balm with me to try and deter myself from biting my lip. 

Makeup in general. I don’t always wear makeup, but I keep some on hand for special occasions, or when I don’t feel like doing something and use it to remind myself that I am ok the way I am and brighten my day. (I usually wear Mascara and eyeliner, and sometimes do eyeshadow and eyebrows)

Cooking basic things. I prefer soup or one pot things as fewer dishes, and it will usually make me want to eat a bit more and gives me something to look forward to ( I made English muffins and soup yesterday, and they are amazing!) and it was a small thing, but It brightened my day up and cleaned out the fridge a wee bit. 

Some of them don’t seem like much, but they are little things that make life easier. Among things like vitamins (multi, Iron and magnesium), yoga, talking with friends/family, having my me time (quiet time where I don’t talk to anyone), and sleeping when I can, the above is what helps to keep me sane. These may help you, but they may not. Everyone is different, and that’s the beautiful thing about self-care. 

I hope you have a lovely day, I will see you soon with a new post! 

Till Next Time, 

Meg

Main image by Megeriblogs