Taking care of yourself: Useful thoughts and tips

Where has our time gone? Where has your time gone? Are you okay? You sure?

The virus. The violence. The inequality. The elections. 

Breathe. It’s too much, I hear you. 

We’re so focused on the mistreatment of others: racism, inequality, people not accepting that we are living in a pandemic and choosing not to follow protocols. We were so focused on which president was going to be elected for the next four years of our freaking lives.

We’re constantly thinking and worrying about our surroundings, that we are the ones suffering. That’s right, us. YOU.

Remember, you’re not only put in this world to do good and spread light and positivity, but to also recharge and love yourself. Your body is your home. 

Regardless of our surroundings, this is your life. You have to make sure you’re sleeping, eating enough, taking your vitamins, keeping up with your hygiene, and surprisingly, making sure you laugh now and then. 

You have to make sure your body isn’t so tense. Let me guess, you’re clenching your teeth right now, and your muscles are tightening? 

Are you perhaps having back problems? How about tension headaches? Do you sometimes feel like your body's here but you’re not? 

Well first off, place your tongue in between your teeth so they’re not grinding against each other.

Stretch and breathe because your body is stiff and suffering. It’s not good to be tense because that’s where it leads to soreness, aches, and new stress habits.

Ground yourself, because even though you are alive, your thoughts are somewhere else interrupting your existence from this world. 

Is someone asking too much from you? DO NOT be afraid to say “no.” Stand your ground. Be your own advocate. 

Log off. Get off your phone, stop scrolling through Instagram to see what your friends are doing. Stop scrolling on Facebook or Twitter to see news that is going to cause you a severe amount of anxiety.

Connect with your friends and family. Have you talked to your parents, siblings, or grandparents lately? Give them a call. Laugh it off with them. Talk about food, the weather, anything simple that will keep your mind off of things.

It sounds cheesy, but it’s worth distancing yourself from toxins and talking about the environments that don’t cause harm.  

Focus on your hobbies — paint, read, pamper yourself, play music, shop, watch new shows, craft, cook, bake, anything. By all means, take a small nap.

Go for a walk, walk around your place, distract yourself. You don’t need to know what is happening in the world 24/7. Log off for once. 

Don’t forget to take a bath or shower. Go ahead and sing, even if you’re not the best at it. 

Don’t take your life for granted and worry about things you can’t control. I hear you, it’s hard not to do that. Seriously, just start being grateful for the smallest things. 

Think about this: If you focus on your surroundings and dwell on them, will they change? Probably not. I’m sorry but you’re no magician. 

You’re just hurting yourself thinking about those constant worries that are out of your control. It’s like trying to move a brick wall. 

You’re wearing your masks, you’re social distancing, you voted, you’re treating everyone with respect, you’re being an ally, and you’re still here in this world. Your heart is beating, correct?

You’ve done your part and you’re doing it well. The rest is out of your control. Focus on what you can control — yourself. 

Remember that it’s not so much about the situation but the way you handle it or view it. Will you let it impact you positively or negatively? That is up to you and only you. 

Change that lens that you’re viewing the world through. It’s easier said than done, but it’s not impossible. Nothing is ever impossible. 

Just give yourself a break and breathe slowly. Remember that you’re human too. It’s vital that you nurture your body and your mind.

Please love and respect yourself — you won’t get through these unprecedented times if you don’t. 

Even if there’s a slight pause in your life, you haven’t flatlined yet; your heart keeps on beating. Take advantage before it’s too late.