There are quite a few things I do in my life that make my day easier and make feel at ease, joyful and better if I’m having one of those days. And trust me, there are times when it’s just one of days. I try to tell myself it is not happening to me but for me. I also try to tell myself everything happens for a reason, and finding out that reason gives me some comfort. We all go through life experiences, good and bad, and learn from them. We learn coping mechanisms as well, and I’m sure the things I mention below are not new, or are perhaps something you’ve already done or do.   

Meditation  

I’ve tried mediation many years ago and didn’t like it. Today, I like it again …what changed was the choice of meditation, the person who was doing the mediation, the words used and feelings evoked listening to it. I like the ones on calm.com. it relaxes me. 

Standing in the sunshine  

Many studies talk about sunshine and how—specifically morning sun—can improve your sleep and mood. I have personally tried this, sitting for fifteen minutes in the morning sun, and I’ve seen an improvement in my sleep. Today, I also take my vitamins to help nourish me. I can’t deny that standing in the morning sun helps improve my day when I need a little boost.  

Exercise and walking  

A fifteen to twenty minutes walk a day, gets me going, gets me healthy, gets me feeling better and gives me comfort that even though I don’t exercise as much as I did in the past, I do that. Research has shown that fifteen to thirty minutes a day can improve your brain health. I am big on brain health. I believe today that one of the best things we can do for ourselves to be healthy and live a great life is to nourish our brains, whether by eating brain foods like almonds, walnuts, kale, salmon, blueberries and strawberries and drinking smoothies or taking vitamins. We can try walking or journaling. I try to walk daily and there are days when I just don’t get to, and that’s okay. I try to incorporate it in my routine as much as possible.  

Journaling  

I am a lover of journaling, getting it all down on paper, not only my thoughts and feelings but creative ideas. Pen to paper, that! I love it. It’s freeing, it’s relaxing and it makes things clearer. We already have so many thoughts in our minds. Many times I have realised that something isn’t as it appears as soon as I write it down. It becomes not only a bit clearer, but gives me a different perspective.  

Massages and spa days  

I’m a sucker for massages. I absolutely love them, and love getting glycolic facials as well. It is my time to relax and unwind and pamper myself. Self-care is so important and self-care is different for everyone; for me it is a day at the spa getting a body massage. It is also me doing my hair and looking beautiful. I imagine every girl wants to look beautiful, wants to radiate the feeling inside outside. Beauty to me is both inside and out, and to those who may say they don’t have to spend money on looking beautiful, it’s perfectly okay. Just do what makes you feel happy. Taking time to do my hair and make-up and dressing up in clothes that feel authentic to me brings me joy and makes my day a little better, at least at this time in my life.  

Paint by numbers  

At one point, paint by numbers was helpful and fun for me. Though I don’t do them anymore, it was a nice hobby to pass the time and keep me occupied. I loved also that I had a colour by numbers book from by book, Waterfalls of Paradise to colour. Many people speak about of the benefits of colouring and how enjoyable it is to do to relax and unwind.  

SRT?   

I’ll leave just the acronym for that. Very popular in other areas of the world, but not so popular in Trinidad and Tobago, but it’s something I love that has helped me and if it’s something you’re curious about, I’d be happy to share more.  

Hugs, dancing and music  

I remember when, many years ago, I could not listen to music. I drove in silence when doing errands. I’d rarely listen to YouTube. When I ended a project that was part of my life, I began listening to music again. Then I felt happy; I felt alive. I needed and wanted to hear music again. I mentioned it to a behavioural change specialist and they said it was a good insight, but I’m a person who is more curious about why that changed. And I think noticing those things in our life are a good thing. What are you listening to today? Do you listen to music? I included dancing and hugs because I can’t get enough, I love giving random hugs to my mom and randomly dancing in my home. Things I noticed that are just me.  

Adventure and exploring  

I’m no stranger to exploring. I have absolutely loved exploring T&T and all the amazing places I visited. I’d love to share my list if this is something you’d love, too.   

So, my friend, what are the things you do to help you through the day, to help you unwind, relax, make your day better? I almost forgot my little scrolling sessions or movie nights or just eating your favourite snacks or foods and having a nice bath. I do enjoy a little scroll every day and I think that as bad as many people say social media is, it’s nice to be connected and connect to things that you resonate with online and to just login and have a laugh.  

I mention these things as decluttering is only one part of it. Being your authentic self, someone who is aware of the things that bring you joy and make you happy is also important.