Terra Sandell, Co-Social Media Editor

10th February, 2021

Over the past few months, I’m sure we have all felt really awful, at one point or another, due to being stuck inside all day long, every single day. What can you do considering there’s a pandemic happening right outside your doors, and everything you thought you knew about life is flipped upside down? It has been so easy to slip into a hole of wallowing in self pity and thinking about all the terrible things that are happening in the world right now. However, when life starts to feel like a never ending pit of doom, it’s important to remember to slow down and just breathe. After discussing self care with some of my friends, I’ve compiled a few ideas to help you catch a break during this crazy year and focus on self care.

“Go make a yummy healthy meal, drink some coffee, and do some yoga,” says Arcata High School Junior Liberty Zerlang. A big part of self care is doing things that simply make you smile. When life gets overwhelming, take a minute and just breathe. Taking some deep breaths is scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. You could also take on some yoga or meditation. If you don’t know where to start with either of those, there are countless videos on Youtube to give you a boost. Because we are all collectively in a funk, it’s important to remember to stay in tune with your personal hygiene and making sure that your physical health is looked after as well, such as skin care and face masks, baths, exercise, spending time in nature, eating a healthy meal, getting enough sleep, journaling, etc. If you’re feeling down on yourself, affirmations are another really great way to lift your spirits, and a great way to promote positive thinking. Affirmations are positive statements about your goals that you are aiming towards achieving. 

“I like to do things that make myself feel productive while also benefiting my mental health and state of mind,” says Eureka High Junior Maple Meynell. There are so many things you can do to focus on taking care of yourself.

When it comes to self care what really matters is checking in with your mental health and making sure you’re doing things that make you happy. If you’re not sure where to start, or if you just feel like you need any type of mental health support, you can contact Eileen Klima by filling out Arcata High School’s Mental Health Support Form. What works for one person may not for another. Self-care is really just about taking time to yourself because if you aren’t feeling like your best self, many things in your everyday life may feel off as well. 

“[self care] is very important so that you bring good habits to your body and mind,” says Zerlang. Whatever you do, just make sure you’re keeping in touch with your inner self and doing what’s best for you when you’re having a funky day, month, or even year.