💕Self-care is the Best Care 💕

#WednesdayWisdom

"Feminism is for everybody." —bell hooks

Morning Musings

The last few weeks have been ... rough, to put it mildly. Between senate confirmation hearings and executive orders, there's certainly a LOT to keep up with and plenty of ways to keep up with it. Every time you turn on the TV or log on to social media, it seems as though there's been another punch to the gut. So how do you stay informed while also preserving your sanity?

It's a question that's been top of mind for me and my friends who also work in digital spaces and/or social justice organizations. On one hand, our jobs demand that we stay in the know of the latest and (not so) greatest news. On the other hand, we're people, too, not robots, and there's only so much one can take.

When I covered the incessant police killings in my former life as a journalist, it definitely took a toll on me and my mental health. I was growing numb to the news, desensitized even, and I didn't like the person I was becoming. At the time, I didn't prioritize my self-care; it was work, work, work, work, work. But, as the saying goes, when you know better, you do better.

So here's some tips for coping with current events and not losing your mind (because self-care is the best care):

1) Limit your intake. I know, I know, with smartphones we have news at our fingertips, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should. Sign off from social media after hours and on weekends to give yourself a break.

2) Write it down. Old-school journaling (I'm talking pen to paper) can do wonders for the soul. In a time when everything lives online, it's nice to have your own private space. With bullet journaling and gratitude journaling being really popular right now, there are more options than ever before.

3) Talk it out. Whether it's over brunch with friends or a group text, it's important to get whatever's bothering you off your chest. You're not doing anyone any favors by keeping it bottled up. If you're feeling way down in the dumps, it could help to talk to a professional. Can't afford it? Plenty of therapists offer sliding scale fees based on your income and debt, etc.

4) Take a hike. Or a walk, or a swim. Whatever you need to do to get your mind off what's happening, do it. Try yoga or meditation. Need someone to hold you accountable? Ask a friend to join you. 

5) Take your time. Need to unplug for a few days or sit out the latest protest? That's perfectly fine. Binge-watch some Netflix, curl up with a good book -- you do you, boo. We'll be here when you get back.

Please pass this on to someone who may need it. We're all in this together.

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

Fun fact: I started therapy at the end of last year and my only regret is that I didn't do so sooner. Find out what led to my Oprah a-ha moment in my latest for HelloGiggles. Because mental health matters.

Links I Love

11 ways to stand up for yourself. Because if you don't, who will?

What to do when your dream job isn't so dreamy anymore.

Set yourself up for success with this 31-day career detox.

Struggling with those New Year's resolutions? Here's how to commit to your goals.

How to recover from emotional exhaustion.

My Latest Obsession

I didn't make it to the protests this weekend because self-care, BUT I did purchase a #RefugeesWelcome shirt from GirlForward, one of my favorite nonprofits. Based in Chicago with another location in Austin, GirlForward provides teen refugee girls with one-on-one mentoring, educational programs, leadership opportunities and much more. Proceeds from this sale directly benefit their work to create and enhance opportunities for girls who have been displaced due to conflict and persecution. Get yours before they're gone on Feb. 4!

Now Hiring

Editorial Intern at Black Girl in Om

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Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this of LT in the City Weekly! Hit me up on the Interwebs below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!