Small Things to Bring A Daily Dose of Joy
We asked our intern Bay to share what’s keeping her in a mindset of joy and positivity during these times. Bay is a college student and a musician so we were interested in having her share her feelings with others like her. Here’s what she had to say.
Musings on Self Care from a Young Artist
I think it’s safe to say that these uncertain times have brought on a need for more than a little self care. I’ve needed to learn self love and care like a skill I’d learn in a classroom, and discovering that you can gift yourself small moments of joy during an otherwise crappy day, well - year tbh - made all the difference.
Here’s my list of ideas for where to start!
For the Morning:
Splurge on a luxe face wash or oil, one that feels amazing, and use it everyday when you wake up in the morning. Wash your face with intention and give your face and facial muscles a nice massage. Take 10 minutes, I promise it’ll be worth it.
Make yourself a cup of cinnamon tea with oat milk. It’s the hot drink you need without the caffeine jitters and I’ve learned that cinnamon tea is loaded with antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory.
Listen to a podcast on your drive to work or school. Choose one that focuses on something YOU find interesting not one designed to get you into a work mindset. My recommendation for history and mythology fans is Our Fake History.
For the Afternoon:
Eat lunch outside with a good book, and indulge in what your body is craving. I crave tomato soup with crusty bread more often than not — and reading something delicious while enjoying a warm, satisfying meal is simply the best.
Take a drive, if you have time, through a cute neighborhood you haven’t explored.
Stretch! Get back into your body at some point in your day and luxuriate in your movements.
For the Evening:
Now it’s time to order in. After a long day of working the mind you might not be up for the self care of cooking an elaborate meal. It is okay to treat yourself to a meal every once and awhile. Choose something healthy and enjoy it!
Everyone I know says this one, so it must be true. Take a bath or a shower with all the self love you can muster. Elevate your shower with some eucalyptus hanging above the shower head. It creates eucalyptus steam that is just magic. For a bath, light all the candles and use a Coconut Milk Bath Soak or epsom salts - these scented with lavender will make your cares melt away.
Give your eyes a break and fall asleep to a podcast or book on a timer. I’ve found that this is one of my favorite moments of self care. It allows your brain the entertainment, but a slow fall to sleep without the glaring TV or the strain of reading on your eyes.
All in all, maybe you can’t practice these little rituals all in one day, but each one can help to add a little ease into your life.
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”
Bay Stewart is a writer, pisces, and music minded mystic. She can be found reading at a local coffee spot or singing the night away with her band. You can follow her adventures on instagram @baystewart.