Let’s face it, some of us could not wait to leave the house to hang out with friends and meet up with our BF/GF upon hearing the Phase 2 announcement. On the other hand, some Singaporeans (aka introverts) might find it weird holding face-to-face interactions after what was basically 3 months’ worth of self-isolation.
Aiya, now come already then don’t want to go out.
All jokes aside, there is nothing wrong with feeling that way. We feel and empathize with the introverts, but it is time to slowly ease ourselves back into the human world.
Here are 5 self-care tips and tricks that could help rejuvenate both your physical and mental well-being without spending a single cent.
Write with Pen and Paper
You can literally write about anything under the sky – what went on in your day, how you are feeling, or just scribbles about what happened the past week.
So long as it’s about something neutral and positive that happened in during the day, a psychologist states that Even if it’s just word vomit, writing helps to clear your mind before you start a new day.
Take an Intentional Pause
Seriously, drop everything that you have on your plate and just enjoy your own company for at least 2 minutes. This time is for you, to remind yourself that you deserve some time to take care of yourself. Personally, I like to do this with some music on.
Some would say calming music works best, but I like listening to nostalgic songs that’ll bring me back to when I was a teenager.
Here are some playlists that I recommend –
Spotify
- Slow, chill vibes that will hit you right in the feels – The Stress Buster by Spotify
- When you need some café vibes – Your Favourite Coffeehouse by Spotify
- Instrumental tunes when your thoughts get too loud – Calming Acoustic by Spotify
YouTube
- Wind down and relax after work – Cozy Evenings ❄️ | An Indie/Chill Mix by Chill’In
- Pair this with your favourite breakfast – Relaxing Sunday Mornings ☕ – An Indie/Folk/Pop Playlist | Vol. 2 by alexrainbirdMusic
Tech Detox
Mandatorily or voluntarily, we have been glued to our devices for almost 3 months now. Now that we can finally meet people outside of our households, it is time to uncuff the phone from our wrists and go offline.
Let us appreciate what we have missed out on and spend time interacting with each other in person. But let’s be real – socializing can be draining. We feel you.
Instead of coming home to spend more time on social media, take some time to rest your body and mind. You can always check Instagram or Facebook tomorrow to find out who went where to meet who – you’ll be fine.
Learn to Say ‘No’
You are not a Yes man/woman. If heading out of the house feels like a drastic change (or if you are just kiasu and want to be safe at home), decline invitations. It is okay to schedule meetups that are spaced out.
It is always difficult to turn someone down, especially if plans were made quite sometime before. It would be easy to play the ‘I’m not feeling well’ card or pretend that an urgent matter came up, but I always believe that honesty is the best policy. In case it backfires – been there done that. It is always respectable to be truthful aka – ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t feel like hanging out today… Is it okay if we meet next week instead?’
Just be sure to let the other party know in advance so that he/she can make other plans.
Do Something Soothing
Put on some relaxing music, light a scented candle, or make yourself a hot drink. This will probably take only 5 to 10 minutes before bed to do the trick.
I absolutely love a hot cup of Milo as I write my daily reflections and to-do list for the next day. Once that is done, I switch on my fairy lights (yes, I have them hung up on my wall for aesthetics) and light up my white musk candle. This is my go-to scent because it will never go wrong when I receive it on my doorstep. Online shoppers unite!
While these self-care tips might seem ordinary to some, practising and putting them into action really makes a difference. What’s are some of your favourite ways to practice self-care?
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