The World Is Scary, Here are Five Ways To Take Care Of Yourself 

Hello,

We live in a world full of breaking news. Rankings of outfits at the Grammys, followed by bombings in Palestine, followed by a seemingly endless government shut down, followed by Trump’s plans to build the white house a ballroom, followed by two more school shootings. Last year, I wrote a creative nonfiction essay about my reactions to this barrage of news, entitled “Whiplash.” Because that’s exactly what it feels like. Scrolling through Celebrities’ sparkliest engagement photos, and then staring down at the latest devastating factoid about the current political climate. Whiplash. 

Obviously, the devastation around us needs to be addressed. And us, the people who receive the news in flashes while the rest of our lives buzz on, should take time to learn how to protest against ongoing injustice, how to provide aid to people in need, how to be a part of a solution. 

But being a part of the solution requires you. And with the barrage of information, with the looming roars of the world, it can be hard to take care of yourself and your well-being. This article is meant to help with that.

Here are five things you can do today to take better care of yourself.

Go through your day with somebody.

On the car ride home from school everyday, me and my friend go through our days. We talk about what we ate for breakfast, what we did in our writing classes, any funny antics at lunch, and everything else between waking up and rolling down the highway. Doing this everyday has not only made me and my friend feel closer, but also become a source of comfort from routine and connection, along with being a useful tool to decompress after a school day. If you’re feeling isolated or lonely, texting a friend to ask about their day, or even sending a whole voice message recounting it, can help ground you in the present, and talking through things can help work out any complicated, muddled feelings you’ve had throughout the day. Remind yourself you’re not alone, and catch up with a friend.  

Take deep breaths.

I need to do more of this one. It’s funny, because as a kid, I would always hear this advice from adults. Take deep breaths. When you’re nervous, overwhelmed, or anxious. And like any other skeptical kid on the planet, I probably brushed this advice off, treated as something people just say but don’t actually do.

Folks. I’m here to tell you that deep breaths actually do work.  

For me, at least, they do. They feel like a reset. I’m sure there are many scientific reasons for this, but it feels like you’re taking a brief break from the feelings buzzing around in your consciousness, and instead focusing on the feelings of your body. If you're outside, you focus on how the air feels on your skin. How it feels leaving your lungs. It gives you a moment to be mindful, and to remind yourself that no matter what else is going on in the world, you are here. You are solid. You are alive. 

Go Outside.

Speaking of deep breaths and oxygen, go get some fresh air! Step outside. In Houston, it’s currently my favorite season of all: that two week period in fall where the weather is perfect. There’s sun, but it’s not humid, there’s a chill breeze, and a dome of untouched blue for a sky. If it’s the same for you, or if you’re experiencing even an ounce of pleasant weather, I encourage you to take a moment to step outside. It can be for an hour, a few minutes, even a couple seconds. Just open the door, step onto the porch, and take a moment. You could walk. Bike. Breathe. Or just be. Just be outside.

Compliment Yourself.

Be nice to yourself. Recognize the effort you put in every day just to be here. If you’re in school, recognize how much studying you’re doing, acknowledge any good grade you’ve received. If you’ve cooked something recently, don’t let your effort go unnoticed. If you’ve driven a family member somewhere, made a tough decision, did something brave, thank yourself. You can make a list of things you’re proud of. You can say a little thanks in the mirror. You can whisper it, or even just murmur it mentally. But don’t let your efforts go unnoticed. Be proud. Be grateful for yourself, for a second. I know it can be hard, but try. 

Make Something.

Listen, one of my favorite things to do is to put on some fun, nonsensical youtube videos and then make art of some sort. It could be a drawing for a friend, a decoration for the library, homework, it doesn’t matter. I’m working with my hands, activating my creativity, and getting laughs out of the shenanigans in whatever video I'm watching. Give yourself a moment to be creative. It doesn’t matter if you’re bad at drawing. Make a bunch of silly doodles. If you want to be really creative, follow a writing prompt, although that might require some more serious concentration. Depending on what you need, the focus you feel you want or can provide, you can choose what to create: just make something. 

By taking care of ourselves and our mental well-being, we become better equipped to handle the challenges ahead. It’s like what they say to do in a plane crash. First, take care of your own oxygen, and then work on assisting others. 

So in these chaotic times, this is your reminder: Don’t forget to breathe.