In a recent blog I talked about the importance of maintaining self-care while also valuing healthy reciprocal relationships. At a time when most people are turning inward for rest and preservation, others are still seeking how to be their best self every day. Well, that’s where Life Coach Asha comes in.
As someone who values a good meal, a nap and beautiful vacations abroad, I think the latter has been the most difficult loss lately. Oh, how I adore hitting the “complete payment” button on an online booking for a trip to Africa or Central America or someplace warm and sunny! Although, I understand and respect the purpose of this quarantine I excitedly envision a future where beach vacations and trips around the globe abound. But, for now, I thought I’d share with you a few ways I suggest we each could simulate beauty and warmth in our present-day environments- at home
For one, as we continue losing a minute of sunlight every day I encourage you to kickstart your day with turning on an LED lamp in your home someplace where you can sit and meditate beside for it 20 or more minutes. LED lamps are good for elevating those happy brain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin) that we generally feel in warmer times. In my therapy practice I sometimes recommend that clients with persistent depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) get a prescription from their MD to treat the symptoms of one or both. But, with the wait time and COVID19 you could have some trouble seeing your doctor. So, if you are willing to pay out of pocket for such a device, and by the way, some are as low as $30, take a look at the link I added here for the 10 best LED lamps recommended by Verywell.
The other wellness hack I’ve personally used for midday stress relief is taking a warm candlelit shower in the afternoon. This has been one of the most pleasurable and enhancing things I’ve done for myself during COVID season. The idea that I can use my lunch hour at home to turn on a few candles and get in my tub for 20 minutes and decompress has been a dream. Try it for yourself and let me know what that does for the next half of your day.
And last, but surely not least because we WILL revisit this subject matter again, are you scheduling an appointment for joy? You may ask, “what does that look like, Asha?” Well, that depends. Do you like to dance or cycle to an old-school soundtrack? Do you like to cook or try new in-house dining experiences? Are you someone who enjoys creative writing or jewelry making? Or is home décor and closet organizing your thing? Whatever it is, and how many things you do doesn’t necessarily matter. What matters is creating an intentional appointment on your calendar for joy. The goal here is to do this as often as you need to. If you’re like me, and you tend to have a lot to do in a day, setting an appointment for joy in and of itself feels joyful. Now, wait til you get that mental boost once you’re there.
*This blog is about becoming free. It’s a reflection of introspective thoughts and experiences that have crossed miles of self-discovery. I created this blog to inspire others to live life with less self-criticism, judgment and openness to new experiences. May you find that you learn how to live a life by design and on your own terms!*