So there’s been a lot of craziness happening in the world, let alone our country. I haven’t really been blogging that much or chatting about what’s happening just because its another reminder of the pain. I’ve been trying to keep sane while also dealing with the hurt and made a decision in the middle of last week to start prioritizing self care admit the drama. This is a good skill to have and so I’ve jotted down some things I do to maintain my sanity.
Good Food
I have recently taken it upon myself to try new food places in Los Angeles. There’s nothing like some good food to bring you out of a slump. I would tell y’all where I’ve eaten but I don’t want y’all making the lines long. One place I can recommend tho, is Cookie Good in Santa Monica. The churro cookie is to die for.
Going Outside
No, I’m not playing Pokemon Go. I recently went for a hike by myself and found that it was the most clarity I had gotten in a while. I wasn’t focused on how raggedy life had become. For the most part I was concerned with how hot it was and that I should have filled my water bottle all the way up. Going on hike in the mountains, where you don’t have cell service, or just turning your phone’s wifi and data off during a walk in the park, is really helpful.
Exercise
Kinda goes hand in hand with the one above. Though its tough to escape when you gym has TVs right where all the treadmills and bikes are. Maybe that a no cardio day?
Classical Music and Musicals
Music in general has a healing quality unlike any other mediums, but particularly these two forms which bring me joy (musicals) and set my imagination aflame (classical) really help center me.
Comfort Films
Captain America: Winter Soldier and Pride and Prejudice are mainstays in my quest to escape from the realities of life list.
Unplug from Social Media
This is perhaps the most important thing on this list as it’s tough to not just fall into the endless spiral of news updates, idiots making dumb comments (especially on Facebook my god), and the Twitter hot takes. Last fall I took a week long Twitter break during my thesis and last week took a day off (when I went on that hike) and I came back feeling so refreshed. Even though your TL can be filled with like minded people, being in pain while with them in their pain can expound how miserable you feel. I’ve learned its ok to take time for myself and just be, then come back to the community of people I’ve built online.
What’s on your self care list?
I agree with the first three. I would go on a few dates (Even though are dating lives are on the same levels right now). Find a job that pays good money. Stop watching non-stop election coverage. Some comfort films of mine are Superbad, and Singing In The Rain. Travel a little, taking a well earned vacation to St Louis this upcoming weekend.
If I wasn’t firmly entrenched on Team Forever Alone I would def go on dates. And yes, divorcing myself from election coverage has been a blessing for my spirit. And hopefully Comic Con will suffice for my travel, although I am going to NYC next month