As the world is amid year two of a global pandemic, many of us are working our way through anxiety, depression, and the sense of the unknown. “Self-care” is a term that is becoming a daily phrase in our lives. The WHO defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider” (WHO). Something as simple as reading a book wrapped in your favorite blanket can make a world of difference in one’s day. Self-care comes in many forms. Being able to disconnect and explore can work wonders for the soul.

In the Fall of 2020, my company (day job) implemented a restructure of our department. If you have ever been through a company restructure, it is more frightening during a pandemic. I love stability. The unknown in this sense frightened me; I have a parent to take care of and a mortgage. Anxiety was not even half of it! A lot of “what ifs” plagued my mind. However, given I have a Type A personality (at times), I always develop plans B-Z, so a sliver of calm was there as well. We were faced with furloughs and layoffs. Luckily, I escaped both, but we lost some great coworkers along the way. After taking a pay cut, I settled in a job that I have come to love. Shortly afterward, I took a long look at the corporate career grind.

Around Springtime this year, I reviewed my finances, where I was in life, my career and decided that I did not have to grind as hard nor as much. I went, “F*** this s***! I’m not doing this s*** anymore!”. I am happy in my new job, and I am delighted with the growth my photography business is experiencing. I am vaccinated, and I want to spend more time with my loved ones. And to enjoy life a little more.

So I started my Self-Care Sunday rituals. Which primarily consists of a facial, long hot soak in the tub, candles, bath salts, bath oils, journaling, and neo-soul music. However, this time around, I decided to take things up a notch. I took my camera and went to explore. Mostly, I needed a mental health day. Due to a recent personal issue, I needed to disconnect for a while. To evaluate life and what I see for my future, pandemic and all. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Which was a wake-up call for me as I have a family history of hypertension and other diseases to include cancer. Becoming healthy is at the forefront of my mind. Not only the body but mentally as well. I increased the number of yoga classes per week and focused on meditation.

Why self-care is necessary

Self-care has proven to help “reduce the risk of illness and help manage stress levels” (NIMH). As we hustle, grind, and deal with daily life, taking a mental break has become necessary in our lives. Now more than ever. Take a day or even just an hour for a moment of happiness. Give yourself peace and grace to heal. It is ok if you do not feel ok or feel like being “on.” Take care of yourself first!

How do you define self-care? Do you believe in it? How do you practice self-care (keep it clean please, our mothers read the blog!)?

Written by: Tosha

“NIMH " Caring for Your Mental Health.” Edited by NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Apr. 2021, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health. Accessed 20 August 2021.

WHO. “What Do We Mean by Self-Care?” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 15 May 2019, www.who.int/reproductivehealth/self-care-interventions/definitions/en/. Accessed 20 August 2021.