REFLECT & RESET By: Tyi Flood
restaurant I do miss the days amidst the busyness of being able to take time out just for me. Thinking about this, I almost felt myself drifting into a depressive episode, until I remembered how I used to take care of myself without these necessities.
Neglecting myself has been an on-going cycle to break in my household. Now as we deal with COVID-19, one of the deadliest viruses to hit our world in years, living a quarantined life has left room to further neglect my self-care routine that I’ve fought hard to sustain. Although I’m grateful to be employed and able to care for my family during this time of uncertainty and unemployment for some, I’ve noticed that I’m working harder with longer hours, not allowing myself to take time to breathe. I didn’t realize how much I could use a one-hour massage or facial treatment. Even though I’m not escaping the house for a manicure/pedicure or going out to enjoy the luxury of dating myself at a local
I’ve always been a self-made woman. I learned to do my own hair at the age of 10, I began giving myself manicures and pedicures in my bedroom by the age of 12, and I stayed active by dancing and practicing routines in my living room at 13. Why can’t I have this joy now? Well once that clicked for me, I went back to the basics. I dedicated my #selfcaresaturday to being all about ME. I set a hair, nail, and spa appointment with myself. I even ordered takeout, picked up a bottle of wine, and enjoyed a movie on my couch until I fell fast asleep. These are the little things that helped dig me out of a mood that could’ve taken hold over me. I know, oh too well, how I can allow a moment of exhaustion to turn into days of depression. This is something that I’ve learned about myself, even before this quarantine. Understanding how I need to take better care of myself, along with learning my triggers has been the best self-care tip I could’ve ever given myself. Of course, it’s not easy, and I’m not saying that it is going to be the same for everyone. What I will say is that YOU are worthy of all things happy, so never neglect the person YOU are destined to become. You’ve got this!
POSITIVE STEPS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Accept who you are Learn to love yourself Trust Yourself Watch your thoughts Deal with your fears Talk About It Keep Going; Stay Active Ask for Help Find time to Relax Keep in touch with your friends; avoid isolation Get Involve/ Share your story Use your creativity to cope
Journaling Exercise Eat nutritional meals and snacks Take some time and read self help books Pray/Meditate Take your medication See your therapist regularly Stay Away from Triggers!
www.wefightfoundation.org
