Apparently yesterday was Mental Health (awareness) Day. I didn’t realize until I saw a number of tweets come through my feed. What’s interesting is that two days ago, after coming home from a long week at school, I saw many tweets from educators talking about being exhausted, feeling overwhelmed, and essentially saying, ‘the struggle is real’!

I felt it too, as I shared in this stress-releasing tweet I shared on Thursday:

Well, tomorrow was an exhausting day… when does the weekend begin? 🙃

— Dᴀᴠɪᴅ Tʀᴜss ∞β (@datruss) October 8, 2020

These are interesting and exhausting times, and overwhelm seems to be palpable to many. So now is a good time to remember the importance of self care. When we care for ourselves, we have more to offer others.

• Exercise
• Meditation
• Walking (for pleasure, not to get somewhere)
• Hobbies
• A glass of wine
• Binging on Netflix
• Conversations with friends or distant family
• A technology free dinner with family
• A good book
• Creating an upbeat playlist
• Cuddling with a loved one
• Ordering in a favourite meal
• A long shower or bath
• A funny podcast
• An extra hour or two of sleep
• Playing a mindless game
• Puzzles, crosswords, Sudoko

What you probably don’t need is to spend more time on social media, unless you have a stream that’s intentionally funny or entertaining. You don’t need to think about the work you have to do all weekend, schedule a bit of time and that’s the time to think about it.

When there are many things beyond your control, when spare time seems nonexistent, that’s a hint to make time for yourself. You’ll feel better because of it. You’ll have more energy because of it. And most importantly, you deserve it.