For much of my twenties, I was very wary about self-care. It felt a bit indulgent and selfish.
I am a very sentimental person, so one guaranteed way to put a smile on my face when I’m feeling down is to write a love note. I like to write to myself, my husband, my babies or even my friends.
Try creating playlists that remind you of happy times (like a relaxing holiday) or use special scents that signal to your brain that it’s time to relax.
This is a go-to trick when I’m feeling anxious but can’t define why: I go somewhere that makes me feel small. I prefer to get out into nature, but I can also invoke the same feeling by getting lost in the city.
It’s the mental equivalent of starting a new year or turning to a fresh page in your journal. Once I’ve completed this routine, I feel like I can let go of the past and start fresh in a better state of mind.