Self-Care for Creatives: Take a Break
The #iamlovingme challenge I started last month has proved how little I've been taking care of myself. I realized myself is at the end of the list from observing my daily self-care routines. Probably why I was out sick with the flu recently. Joel made a rule I COULD NOT go on any screens and I'm so grateful for his gentle nudge because I couldn't seem to turn work off on my own. What was most eye-opening to me was how wound up I was and I didn't even know it. My body was showing signs (waking up in the middle of the night, night sweats, irritability, foggy head) and I ignored them, rationalized them away. Isn't it scary how easy that is?!
All the screen-time made me not even realize what my body was trying to tell me! I think my tech use has gotten way out of control and it's become a health issue for people whose jobs are centered around screens (influencers, bloggers, designers, writers, etc.). Any resources or rec's you like on this topic? I want to learn more about it.
Self-Care for Creatives: Take a Break | Brave Girl blog, #iamlovingme west michigan blogger campaign
Self-care prompt: Take a Break
The flu & too much tech-inspired this week's self-care prompt. If you've been grinding like me this winter, TAKE A BREAK. Not an Instagram story showing you're taking a break, like a true break where no one knows you even did it. From the phone, social media, the noise. Whatever distraction is keeping you from checking in with yourself. Or just giving your mind a moment of silence or simply being.
“I have found the strength of retreat and silence that taps the feminine power of introspection and receiving answers. It has been good to understand the art of self-exploration, because through the feminine principle, I have learned the wisdom of loving myself.”
Self-Care for Creatives: Take a Break | Brave Girl blog, #iamlovingme west michigan blogger campaign
I've been trying to change an unhealthy pattern I've struggled with since college. Every 6 months or so I come down with a really intense cold that puts me out for 3-5 days. My body aches and my head pounds yet I still try to push through. But then I just can't keep going at that pace and all I do is sleep. It's the only time my mind, body, soul truly rests and it's because I'm so broken down I can't do anything. This is NOT healthy! But I don't know what to do about it. I've been trying a lot of things to become mindful and restful as a daily habit in hopes to shift this cycle. The stress will crush you little by little. I've been making lifestyle changes the last couple of years and trying to learn more about my body and what's healthy but there are things I'd like to tweak and be more aware of. Any resources or rec's you have with this would be great to know also!
Self-care prompt: Give yourself 30 minutes of solitude a day
So, let's try it out this week! Let's focus on work and then turn it off. Like really turn it off when the day is done. I just signed up for March Meditation Challenge by AM Yoga – 28 days of meditation to see if meditating daily will help to quiet my mental chatter and slow down a bit. It's a free challenge. I'd love you to join me if it feels right for you. There's a FB group for accountability with other people who are in the challenge too.
Other free resources I enjoy:
The challenge is technically over but I'm still going strong with #iamlovingme on Instagram. Follow along & tag your self-care tips and techniques. I'd love to learn more.
How do you diffuse mental chatter? What are some healthy tips & techniques you do to reduce stress?
Have a great week! xo, Em
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