Self-Care Every Day Keeps the Stress Away
by Amya Felix
Students, are you feeling worn out after completing–or even just staring at– an enormous amount of homework? Teachers, do you ever just want to scream at the top of your lungs?
If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.
The year 2020 has taken over (and by taken over, I mean obliterated) our social lives and pretty much everything else we loved or needed to do to keep ourselves calm and bring joy to our lives.
As much as we want to scream out loud or throw a giant textbook against the wall, there are other ways to relieve stress that can heal our minds, bodies, and souls. So instead of carrying the heavy burden of stress everywhere we go, let’s take a look at some activities that will help make us feel calm and at ease.
Music
Music is something that few can resist when feeling blue or frustrated, and it doesn’t much matter what genre of music you listen to. Music is an emotional cure that can make you feel peaceful and soothe your soul. According to Vedic educator Adam Brady, “Using specific pieces of music or melodies [can actually assist] with healing and helping to settle the mind.” Music has the ability to increase our dopamine level, breathing, and heart rate. So, whether you’re cleaning, cooking, doing homework, or even working out, music will always have your back!
Bath Time
Have you ever dreamed of having your very own personal spa? Well, there’s this wonderful invention called a bathtub. That’s right, taking a bath can not only cleanse your body, but can clear your mind from anything you’re going through.
Although scented candles, bath oils, and fancy soaps, are always a nice touch, there are other inexpensive or free ideas to try out. For starters, turn off your overhead bathroom light and plug in a small night light. Don’t have one? Bring in a low-light lamp and place it on the floor. No matter how you accomplish it, the idea is to reduce the lighting so that you have a calmer more relaxing experience.
No fancy oils or bath bombs? No problem. If you have baby oil in the house, you can add a few drops. This will soften harsh water, and help your skin feel silky smooth. Just be careful when you stand up because it can make the tub slippery. Now choose your favorite or regular bar of soap. Before lathering up, take some deep breaths and allow the sweet fragrance of the soap to work it’s magic.
Your bath time doesn’t have to be fancy or pricey to be enjoyable or relaxing, it just has to be planned. With a few minutes of prep time, you can create the soothing environment you need to help wash away your worries.
Yoga
It’s such an uncomfortable feeling when your body is aching because you’ve been sitting in one place all day long. Yoga is a great way to relieve this type of pain and can keep you stress free. It’s also a wonderful way to help a body stay in terrific shape. Check out this video:
Skin Care
This last self-care suggestion is also a great daily habit to develop because having healthy and clean skin is definitely something almost everyone wants to accomplish and maintain. No matter your gender, good skin and skincare is important. And, it can be quite therapeutic.
Every evening, whether it be the moment the warm water gently splashes your face or the moist heat of a warmed up cloth is placed against your skin, the feeling is the same: almost instantaneous decompression and de-stressing. Take the time to truly enjoy this daily nighttime routine.If you’re in the mood for some fresh face masks or products that will make your skin glow, check out Best Skin Care: Target. Target’s online shopping store provides you with great products for affordable prices. Their que bella spa masks are awesome, and they run from $1 to $2.50 each. Plus, you can get two spa treatments per package, so make the most of it. Invite your sister, brother, mom, or friend to join you for some “us time” and pampering. Or, simply put the open package into a plastic baggie and seal it up ‘til next time.
The Shoemaker Bugle 