Our first instinct when something goes wrong in our lives is to abandon our own self-care regimens. We lose interest in the activities and routines that once used to make us happy and we abandon hygienic rituals as well. The issue with this universal habit is that self-care is vital in the regeneration of a positive attitude and outlook towards life. By completely deserting said needs, we set ourselves for failure-for the burying of our happiness and the growth of our insecurities. In letting go of what we associate with positivity, we also let go of that positivity as a whole. It’s understandable, though. As humans, it’s only second nature to drop the good and run at the sight of the bad.
However, I have personally found that in bringing myself to solely focus on my own well-being, I have been able to drown out all the negative energies surrounding me. That’s why I compiled a short list of self-care tips that have aided me in my own battles, in hopes that they might be able to help you as well.
1. Exercise
Okay now, before you let out a loud grunt, please hear me out. I am not one of those people that enjoy exercise. Heck, if I could avoid walking and just constantly be carried around on my own royal chair, I would. However, it is scientifically proven that physical exercise is a magnificent stress-buster. It helps promote the production of endorphins, a neurotransmitter that works as a natural pain-killer. Endorphins are released by the Pituitary Gland and are responsible for a variety of feel-good bodily reactions. For example, besides replacing emotional stress with positive feelings, endorphins are also released during activities such as eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, and maternal behavior. Therefore, those are other activities that one might also want to consider on their quest to a better state of mind.
2. Watching Movies
Sure, this is a cliche tip. It’s highly suggested, that’s for sure. However, it’s only so universally recommended because it works-watching movies based on characters whom are in a similar situation helps. It proves to the viewer that they are not alone, and more often than not includes a happy ending-proving that there will be brighter days. As a matter of fact, a year or two ago I came across the movie Love, Rosie. Now, I could not have come upon this movie at a more perfect time. Back then I had found myself in a similar predicament to that of the main character, Rosie. I won’t go too far in detail as far as the movie’s content goes, but in seeing that this girl was going through something so similar to me, and somehow managed to end up happy, well it made me happy. It served as a psychological catalyst-immediately causing a positive shift in my mindset. I suddenly found myself basking in hope and the curtains that once had been shut in my life let the light in. Point blank, watching movies helps.
3. Make-up and Skincare
I understand that not everybody is into makeup and not everybody is all that interested in whether or not their skin is moisturized properly. It also might not be efficient for everybody. But for those whom do enjoy these concepts and for those whom are at least willing to try, it’s a good choice. There’s nothing better than jamming out to one of your favorite tunes while losing yourself in the masterpiece that you are creating on your own face-it truly is pure bliss. This is because make-up is not just make-up. It’s an art form, and art in itself has been deemed crucial in self-expression. With make-up one is able to express themselves creatively-they can release their emotions through the art, using their own face as the canvas. Besides that, skincare is also crucial in positive mental regeneration. Quite honestly, anything hygiene-related is. Washing your face with olfactory (smell) receptor exciting scents leads you to feel not only rejuvenated but also clean. It makes you happy-even if it’s just temporarily. And coincidentally enough, a happier you also tends to promote happier skin! In other terms, your skin will end up saying thank you and later returning the favor. An incorporation of these two factors into a persons life leaves them feeling unstoppable. After all, when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you do good.
It’s understandable that the same things don’t work for everybody, but these are definitely the three factors that I have found to be efficient in my own life. Hopefully they work for you as well.
