Self care. What does it even mean these days? Ask twenty people this question and you’ll get twenty different answers, though it’s highly likely at least half of them will reference baths. The phrase is simultaneously vague enough and suggestive enough that you can pretty much do anything and claim the title. (To be fair, the jokes about this are pretty good). Is it about embracing “treat yo’self” culture or “wellness”? Is it a radical act of self-compassion, or an excuse for self-indulgence?
In a world that feels increasingly grim and unstable - floods and endless rain, war on multiple continents, the looming threat of climate change and a pandemic that is still nowhere close to be being over - there is still something to be said for building a toolkit of methods, treats and tricks that can allow you to feel some sense of calm control over your life, even just for a few moments.
Before I dive into it, we wanted to know what techniques you guys turn to when things get rough out there, and as always you delivered.
Rose is a gal after our own heart, and invests in having a permanent stash of Meredith Goat’s Cheese in her fridge. Katie recommended a 3 minute dance break (try SoRo’s disco playlist).You know we agree with Maddie’s tip to read books and avoid doom scrolling. (We’ve got you covered on ideas for your next book here.) Take a leaf out of Meg’s book and go get your skin checked, or book in for that mammogram/ultrasound/blood test you’ve been putting off. When in doubt write it out - Rachel goes in for morning pages. Sach says to call your mum and rewatch anything with Kate Hudson in it. Get over the need to cook beautiful food and focus on meals that are nutritious and easy (you can trust Clare on that one - she’s a chef). Annabel admits that exercise really does help. Von recommends chucking a sick day and heading to the zoo. Katherine embraces “mono-tasking” instead of multi tasking. Finally, Imogen said what we’re all thinking - there are no rules anymore, just do what you gotta do!
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