Today’s society often demands we give more of ourselves to things than we really have time or energy for. If you’re at the beginning—or any stage really—of a separation or divorce, that’s another thing you need to add to the energy taking mix.
While we at Anchored Family Law are here to make your family law matters easier, we also understand that there are many things happening during an unsettling time. And, unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to find caring for and spending time on yourself slips right through the cracks.
Here’s six no or low cost acts of self love you might find useful at any time during your separation.
Take a hot shower/bath
It might sound silly, but sometimes all you want to do is wash away the day.
While it isn’t physically possible, metaphorically it is.
Water has been scientifically proven to have a calming effect, so stand under that shower head, lather yourself up, play your favourite music, sing your heart out, and decompress and destress.
Not a shower person, or prefer to bathe? Create a serene spa-like experience. Candles, if they’re your thing, meditative music quietly in the background, and enjoy the calm of the water on your body. This spa-like experience works for those who prefer to shower, too.
Learn something new
The internet is rife with videos and tutorials to learn new things, and so many of them are free.
Want to learn a language? Check out Duolingo, available on iOS and Android.
Watercolours been teasing you? Have a look at this watercolours for beginners tutorial on Youtube.
Uncover a topic you’ve never thought about on TedEd.
Find new recipes on Pinterest.
Jumping on Google, Pinterest, or YouTube and searching for tutorials on something you’ve dreamed of learning should bring up loads of results.
Call a support person
Separation is tough. You don’t have to go through it alone. Pick up the phone and talk with someone you trust, but most importantly, someone who respects you. Tell them why you’re calling. If they’re not too far from you, they may even be able to pop in for a visit, or arrange to meet you in the not-too-distant future.
Write
Grab a pen and a notebook and write whatever flows from brain to paper.
Check out these journal prompts on Pinterest. Or if creative writing is more your thing, take a look through this creative writing prompts search on Pinterest.
Get outside
Did you know there are proven benefits for your mental health by getting outside? Like the water? Take yourself to the beach.
Prefer the hills? Find a quiet park and sit/walk in nature.
Maybe you don’t mind a run/walk. Kit up for a bit of a fitness session and get that heart rate pumping.
Rest
Last but not least, the ultimate act of self love is rest. Sleep when you need to. Watch TV. Read. Whatever it is that helps you to switch off, do it. We’re not designed to be on 24/7.
Resting is not selfish, so please don’t ever feel guilty for having downtime, however that may look for you.
There are a great many acts of self love, but we didn’t want to overwhelm you.
Use this list as a starting point, act on one or many, or find something else that brings sunshine to your life.
