A list of the tools I use in my everyday life to promote self care
“Self-care is not an expense, it's an investment .”
I have been drawn more and more over the years towards mental health awareness, and promoting healthy mindsets and finding self care that doesn't just treat the body- it soothes the soul and mind as well.
Here is My Self Care Toolkit:
1. Books
Ever since I was a little girl I have been an avid reader. While most kids would get in trouble for playing video games or acting out in class, I would get in trouble for my reading. Sometimes I'd have trouble focusing in class due to a book I couldn't wait to keep reading. For the same reason I get in trouble when caught up past my bedtime with a good book. Admittedly, there were worse ways to get in trouble growing up. As an adult I still can rekindle that old love every time I pick up a book. Whether I'm re-reading Harry Potter for the 10th time or trying out a brand new story, I never get tired of becoming lost in the world these books create.
2. Dogs
Along with being a book lover, I absolutely love dogs as well. Here I have pictured my dog Spencer, a Golden Retriever. Don't let the sweet smile fool you, he can be a lil rascal. But just being in his presence- laughing at his antics, throwing sticks with him, or just snuggling up to his warm fur- he makes me feel better no matter what.
3. Music
I have a strange collection in music taste. If you take a listen to my Spotify playlist you'll find some country, 90's pop, heavy metal, contemporary Christian, gospel, 70's/80's rock, emo/grunge, Broadway show-tunes, Disney, and so much more. But I don't care so much about what genre music is, if it makes me feel something then I like it. I did choir and theatre all through middle school til high school. My whole family sings- we've even been dubbed the nickname "VonTrapp-Dries." No matter if it's in my headphones, car stereo, live show/concert, or singing in the shower- music is one of my greatest outlets for my emotions.
4. The Great Outdoors
One of the things I look forward to whenever summer is fast approaching are bonfires and camping. I may burn like tomato or get eaten alive by mosquitoes, but all that doesn't matter so much as I get to be out in nature. The smell of the woods or flowers in fields, the sound of the creek passing by, the croaking of bullfrogs at night. All my senses come alive in the great outdoors.
5. Candles
The first thing I do after some nice spring cleaning is throw open a couple windows and light a candle or two. Somehow the place doesn't feel completely clean until I feel the breeze passing by, or smell the aroma of my favorite lavender candle filling the room. Sense of smell is such an easy way to remember and to relax. I get a whiff of a particular cologne and think of my Grandpa Bond, or I light a lavender candle before a bathe and instantly feel my muscles relax. The sight of candles bring a fondness as well. My favorite holiday is Christmas Eve, and for as long as I can remember my church as held a candlelight service on that night. At the end of the service the whole congregation slowly starts to light their candles, until the whole sanctuary is filled with their glow. Then we end the night holding out candles and singing "Silent Night." It's such a simple tradition, but somehow it doesn't quite feel like Christmas Eve until that moment.
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