After a CRAZY 2020, I took some time off in December. I did a few "writer" things, but not much. Honestly, I just couldn't. Work was stressful and most days I just felt defeated. AND not to mention I had a full case of imposter syndrome going on! With that being said, I UNPLUGGED and evaluated my goals for 2021. It's the end of January, so I wanted to share a few things I have been doing to get back to ME this month!
First off, get off social media. Or at the very least, abandon one or two social media sites. There is so much negativity in the world right now, I found Instagram was the safest site for me. It's mostly pictures and feel good quotes. Twitter was okay in small doses, but I didn't even open my Facebook for a month. I never thought I could last that long. I am a bit of a social media addict, but it was so good for my mental health. it was worth a shot. This was a great way to clear my mind of all things negative, and live in the here and now. I have been back on Twitter, but I am still limiting my Facebook usage. And to be quite honest, I have unfollowed ALOT of people. I used to feel bad for doing that, but if it helps, now I say, OH WELL!
Second, treat yourself! I know this can be hard for most people. And money is tight for a lot of people. However, I have come up with a plan to indulge in the simple pleasures by saving up. I enjoy getting my hair and nails done. I also decided I needed a relaxing spa day this month. So I looked at my finances and figured out a way to do it all! Most people who get their hair done, do so every 6 to 8 weeks. They also recommend the same time in between a massage and a facial. I won't go too much into detail, but all together this costs, for me, around $310.00 every 6 weeks. That is roughly $51 a week that needs to be saved. Some people say, "well that could pay a bill", and they are right. I have ALWAYS thought that way too. But investing in ourselves is so important to make sure we can work hard and keep getting those paychecks. I get paid weekly, so I have set my account to put that amount in what I like to call, My Beauty Savings Account! I honestly thought I would miss it, but don't even notice the amount missing. If you are going to do this, make sure you have it come out automatically. When I was attempting to move the money manually, I always had excuses why I needed the money to stay in my checking account. When it comes to getting your nails done, you can simply do that at home. They have great nail polish out right now, that stays on your nails for up to 3 weeks. I invested in a $25 foot bath, and that thing is a dream come true! Sure, you have to paint your own nails. But I am horrible at it, and just stick to lighter colors so it's less noticeable!
Another thing I have been doing is trying to get out more. Safely. Honestly, I am scared to death to catch Covid. But I have found a few places around town I feel pretty safe going. Luckily, I am working from home, and it can get pretty depressing staring at my office walls every day. I have dedicated 2 hours each Thursday to work from the coffee shop we have up the street from my house. They do a great job at social distancing, and I make sure to wear a mask unless I am eating or taking a drink. I know people hate wearing a mask, but for me, I will deal with a mask for 2 hours to keep my sanity. I make sure to take Lysol wipes with me and wipe down the table and my cups before I use them. I don't really care if people look at me strange. It's worth it for me to get out of the house. Those 2 hours have saved me from losing it more than once. And I look forward to it every week. During this time, it is so important to have something to look forward to each week.
All in all it's about baby steps. Maybe just try one of these suggestions and see how it goes. I tried the social media thing in December and moved on to the second and third suggestion this month. Here is to a happy and healthy 2021!