What do I do for self care? What do YOU do for self care?
One of my readers asked me in comments how I balance schoolwork, work, and personal time. This actually got me really thinking and re-evaluating the things that make me happy. In a very Marie Kondo way, I think it's so important to look at the things in your life and ask yourself, "Does it spark joy?"
Here are just a few things that I like to do to help me feel grounded and balanced throughout the hectic week juggling lecture days, long clinical days, and work work:
Lighting a candle at the end of the day || Scented candles are one of the little things that make me feel at ease. The one lighting right now is called "LOVE" from the Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy line of candles. Other favorite candles are those from Anthropologie. 😍
Buying myself flowers || Thank goodness for $3.99 mini bouquets from Trader Joe's. Walking into my apartment after a long day and seeing these flowers in the living room instantly brightens my mood. Who doesn't love having fresh flowers at home??
Treat yourself 🍩 || With a treat from time to time! The pink tulip cupcake featured right next to my fresh flowers in the picture was from my roommate. They are from Georgetown Cupcakes, my faveeeee. Whenever studying gets stressful, my roommate and I find ourselves baking cookies at home, going out to get some Lady M mille crepe cake, or any other shop with some baked sweets. Sometimes you just gotta treat yo' self.
Pleasure reading || It's so hard to find time to just read for fun while there are a checklist of things to get done. BUT, when I feel like I need some encouragement or enlightenment, I tend to gravitate towards poetry like that of Rupi Kaur. Also received "Becoming" by Michelle Obama for my birthday and am excited to read about her life for inspiration!
Run 🏃🏻♀️|| I have definitely not been as consistent as I was last year when I trained for my half marathon. Perhaps I need to sign up for another race to get myself motivated again? The weather is starting to warm up here in NYC, and I am excited to start running in Central Park. The flowers are starting to bloom making me incredibly distracted every 10 paces. 😂 Running with friends is nice, too. Getting fresh air, doing something good for our bodies, and catching up on our lives and sharing thoughts! It's a wonderful de-stressor.
Movie nights with friends || With the beauty of Netflix and the abundance of new movies coming out soon in theaters (Captain Marvel, Avengers End Game, etc. etc.), my friends and I are down to kick back and relax at someone's apartment or hit the theaters courtesy of those cheap $5 AMC Tuesdays! BTW -- GAME OF THRONES FINAL SEASON COMING BACK! Yea, there are a lot of things we are getting excited about in terms of film and television in the coming weeks!
Blog & Instagram || This blog is my channel and outlet. For me to be creative. For me to share my thoughts and aspirations. For me to hopefully help guide and inspire along the nursing journey. I have also been trying to incorporate more of my "blog" type things into my Instagram (@sincerelymeagan). I have created story highlights that reflect my areas of interest that I want to share with you all -- RN & NP Things, Coffee, Hiking, Travel, Lifestyle (fashion, beauty, aesthetics, etc... caution -- I am no fashionista, but I do appreciate the quality behind the pieces that I choose to lie on my skin).
I think it's really important to have channels and outlets to let yourself just do something for YOU. What do you all like to do for self care? Do you schedule it into your week/ in advanced? Who/what keeps you feeling grounded during times of stress or chaos?
Happy Hump Day, Y'all. Have a great rest of your week!
Sincerely,
Meagan