I cannot stress enough how important it is to take care of your mental health. When you feel good (mentally), your day can improve. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I find it necessary to have moments in my day (after I get off work) to have some me time. Here are 10 ways to do just that!
1. As soon as you get home, make your bed if you haven't already.
Having a made up bed makes your room look twice as clean compared to an unmade bed. Also, it feels so much better watching Netflix in a made up bed.
2. Take off your work/school clothes and get comfy!
My grandma would always fuss at me about having on my school uniform hours after I'd get home. Putting on a robe, sweatpants, or pajamas helps my body realize that it's time to wind down.
3. Unwind by watching a couple of episodes of your favorite show.
I watch The Office every day after I come home from work. It's nice to relax and have a good laugh after a long day.
4. Brain dump and write tomorrow's to do list.
Because I use my Erin Condren planner daily, I always have to do lists made for the week. After I come home, change clothes, and unwind with some Netflix, I start on my to do list for the day and make sure that the next day's list is made up. This helps me empty my mind of all the things that I thought of during the day and keep track of any important matters to take care of during the week.
5. Listen to some good music.
Music is a great way to calm down after a stressful day. Below, I've made a list of all the songs on my playlist that give me a mood boost or help me relax.
6. Make some tea before you go to sleep.
Do not drink tea with caffeine if you're about to go to bed. I suggest Sleepytime tea. It helps your body to relax right before you go to bed. I'd say drink it about an hour before hand so you don't have to get up from your comfy spot in bed to use the bathroom.
7. Burn a candle or some incense.
I recently bought a $4 incense holder and a $5 (large) pack of incense from the Chicago African Festival on Labor Day. Not only do the incense sticks make my room smell amazing, but they put me in a better space (mentally). I don't light them every day (because lighting them too often can lead to health problems, like lung disease), but every now and then at night, I'll burn one.
If you're not into incense, and you want candles, check out Bath & Body Works' 3-wick candles. Or, opt for cheaper candles at places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or your local dollar store.
8. Take your meds!
Hopefully this one is a no-brainer. Even if you feel like you don't need to take them anymore, contact your doctor first.
9. Have a glass of wine.
I'm a huge wine advocate (and have been deemed a "wine auntie" by my friend). Red wine also has heart benefits. Just drink responsibly and don't drive afterward.
10. Buy something that makes you happy.
I'm also a huge advocate of retail therapy (when it's limited). Shopping puts me in a great mood when I'm sad and keeps me calm when I'm anxious. Even adding items to my Pinterest wish lists help!
My Chill/Self-Care Playlist
Now, not all of these songs may seem like self-care or chill songs, but they work for me, ha-ha! I've put an asterisk (*) next to my favorite ones.
Send It (ft. Rich Homie Quan) by Austin Mahone*
Nikes by Frank Ocean*
Low Key by Jojee*
Words to Me by Sugar Ray
Goosebumps by Travis Scott
Play No Games (ft. Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign) by Big Sean
Holding On (When Love Is Gone) by L.T.D.
Chanel by Frank Ocean
Ms. Fat Booty by Mos Def*
Swang by Rae Sremmurd
The Gambler by Kenny Rogers*
Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd*
Solo by Frank Ocean
Ivy by Frank Ocean*
Redbone by Childish Gambino
Gold by Kiiara*
What's Up? by 4 Non Blondes*
Desperado by Rihanna
Swim Good by Frank Ocean
Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks*
Stepping Stone by Duffy
F.U.B.U. (ft. The-Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid) by Solange*
Boredom (ft. Rex Orange County, Anna of the North) by Tyler, the Creator
Biking (ft. Jay-Z, Tyler the Creator) by Frank Ocean
Location by Khalid*
Late Nights & Heartbreak by Hannah Williams & The Affirmations*
Son of a Preacher Man by Mavis Staples*
Auditorium (ft. Slick Rick) by Mos Def
Backyard by Travis Scott*
Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
I hope this post helps you or a friend. If you have any comments or questions on more tips or how else I've dealt with my anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out to me through my contact form or social media!
*Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored. All opinions are my own!*
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