Tag Archives: self love

I Stay Home for. . . Us

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You may or may not have seen this new trending challenge circulating social media: #IStayHomeFor. To me, this stands as a reminder of how important social distancing is to everyone’s health during this time. When you think of who you stay home for, maybe you think of the workers who can’t stay home; restaurant workers, grocery store clerks, medical professionals. Maybe you think of your dearest friends or family members. No matter who comes to mind, at any moment, any one of us could fall victim to the Coronavirus. I have decided that I stay home not only for you, but for me.

In only a short time, this illness has become frighteningly widespread. Even if you haven’t shown symptoms, you could unknowingly have the virus right now. You could then pass on it to someone more at risk of falling deathly ill to it. By prioritizing our own health, we could be saving the lives of many. It is never the wrong time to indulge in self-care, but now more than ever, we must simply take care of bodies. So, I have compiled the best self-care tips to help us get through these dreadful days.

1. Get up!

This means exactly what it sounds like. The first step to having a healthy lifestyle is to simply start your day. Wake up, get dressed, and have something for breakfast. In quarantine it is still important that your body gets sunlight and fresh air as much as possible. To get fresh air, consider opening some windows. If you can, spend some time outside! Get out for a walk or run. As easy as it is to use this time to sleep or stay on the couch all day, it is important that you try to at least move positions every once in a while. Their are various workouts, specifically that I follow, that can even be done sitting! In times of being stuck inside, these are simple yet sufficient enough to get your blood flowing. Start your morning by feeling ready to take on the rest of the day.

2. Treat yourself!

We all deserve to treat ourselves to rejuvenating self-care routines. To all my female friends, this could mean using a face mask or running a bath. To add an extra element of relaxation, you could light some candles. Every so often I like to use calming essential oils such as lavender or rose oil. Next, dress up as if you’re going out even if you’re not! Put on your makeup or paint your nails. Personally, this is how I’ve felt a sense of glee over the course of this past week.

3. Eat up!

The best way to treat yourself is to eat up! Right now it is important that we get proper nutrients as much as possible. My favorites snacks right now have been mixed fruit bowls or smoothies. Additionally, baking is both great in order to get sweet treats and a fun way to pass time in isolation. When you just don’t want to cook a meal, or if want to save up your supply of food, I think right now is a great opportunity to utilize food service apps and support these workers.

4. Find entertainment

This all depends on personal interests, but there are many ways to stay entertained while at home. The most popular now, and just a couple that interest me, are to binge Nextflix shows and listen to your favorite music. Many people have enjoyed crafts, others have solved puzzles. A great family activity to participate in is to play card games together. When you are alone you could read, or of course my personal favorite, write. Don’t dwell on these unfortunate circumstances that we have found ourselves in and don’t waste the day away. Our options for fun activities to do at home are endless!

5. Stick to your normal routine

Whatever your typical everyday routine was before this quarantine, stick to it! Maybe for you it was to clean, maybe you had work. If you have school, you might be adjusting to online classes. As someone who studies online, I will say that it is important to pace yourself, don’t overwork and stress yourself out. While you are stuck at home, be sure to continue to keep in contact with your loved ones. Whether through phone calls, texts, FaceTime, or social media, we don’t have to spend this time feeling alone! As you always should, practice good hygiene, wash your hands. Also, it’s always a healthy practice to make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. The sooner everyone can come together and participate in social distancing, the easier we can slow the spread of this sickness. Throughout this time, if you find that you are anxious, try meditation music or videos and limit your news intake so that you don’t become overwhelmed. We must stay calm and carry on.

Together at home, we can overcome Coronavirus. The most important thing we can do right now is socially distance. Stay motivated and do not lose sight of why we must take care of ourselves in order to protect others. When you ask yourself, “who do I stay home for?”, think of all of humanity, including yourself. Stay home for us.

“Let the Good Times Roll!”

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Yesterday marked Mardi Gras, a day of celebration on the eve of Lent, which is the 40 days (excluding Sundays) proceeding Easter. Today, the first day of Lent, is known as Ash Wednesday. As I embrace my Cajun heritage, it sparked my interest to research these practices.

Some common traditions of Mardi Gras include parades with extravagant floats and marching bands, wearing colored beaded necklaces (mostly in the Mardi Gras colors of gold, green, and purple), and eating a delicious icing and sprinkle-topped pastry called king cake. Per tradition, one slice of the king cake is to hide a small, usually plastic, figure of a baby to represent baby Jesus. The rule then is that whoever receives this slice must provide the king cake at next year’s gathering.

Mardi Gras, translating to “Fat Tuesday”, is a French term that historically describes a day of feasts and festivals. This is the last day that it is acceptable to binge “fat” foods before entering a period of fasting and reflection known as Lent. These celebrations have extended from the streets of Louisiana to across the map. The festivities are adorned with the colors gold, purple, and green. Each color has its own significance to the true meaning of this day. Gold represents power, green symbolizes faith, while purple stands for justice.

In truth, there is far more to this tradition than beaded necklaces, parades, and king cake. If you are Christian, particularly Catholic, then you are probably familiar with the idea that you are to give up eating red meat on Ash Wednesday and on every Friday during Lent. You also give up something extra of your choosing, to commemorate the 40-day fasting Jesus endured. But, this period of self-reflection does not have to be solely for Christians. Any time someone carves out time for self-reflecting and setting aside their vices it is commendable. We are able to take back control of our life in areas we may have lost grip. It is a vow to not give in to temptations and a reminder to be thankful. Becoming in tune with oneself allows you to clear your mindset and strengthen your spirit. This is a practice that, as of recent, I have chosen to embrace. Everyone can benefit from introspection and humble gratitude.

With this year’s Mardi Gras and Lenten season, join me in letting go. Devote your days to making sacrifices. Set about challenges with resolution and determination. No longer give certain things the ability to impede on your happiness. Don’t waste your selfless energy on those unworthy of such. Surround yourself only with people whose efforts match your own and whose actions speak louder than words. But above all, choose yourself. Take this time for yourself to reach internal peace and harmony.

I will sign off by reciting a common Cajun phrase: “laissez les bons temps rouler!” It is commonly used to announce that the festivities have begun, therefore proceed with all that is going well. This saying, declaring to have fun and live life to the fullest, means “let the good times roll!”