Rami Ungar The Writer

Between the below-freezing temperatures, the overly gray skies most days, and a few other things, I’ve been feeling heavy and low. Some mornings, it takes me an extra ten or even twenty minutes just to get out of the condo and to work. And yesterday? Yesterday, I felt so tired after work, it was like I had multiple weights on my back and arms!

So, instead of writing, I took the night off for some self-care. I made matzo ball soup, watched a lot of anime, drank some tea, and went to bed early. I would have added more, but there was only so much time between when I got home and the time I decided to go to bed. The result: I felt great when I woke up this morning! I was even able to get to work a bit earlier and felt full of energy for most of the day. Hell, if I had more time tonight, I might edit up a storm before hitting the hay. (Ah time. You quick bastard!)

Self-care needs to be a bigger part of our routines as people living in the modern world. So many stressors attack us daily, and mental/emotional health can have a real impact on physical health (like those weights I felt on my body). Some days, like yesterday, I’m so out of sorts, not even writing can relax me like it usually does. And it’s times like those we need to indulge ourselves in some healthy comforts.

You know, another blogger I follow, journalist Caitlin Kelly, did a blog post not too long ago about what comforts her when times are tough. I think I will take a page out of her book and list some of the things that make me feel better when I’m stressed and in need of self-care. They are:

Watching a good movie. Especially a movie I really love. Doesn’t necessarily need to be horror, but more often than not, it is.

Bingeing good anime. Sometimes, the right anime can even help me process whatever issue is causing me anxiety.

Visiting some of my favorite places around Columbus, like Hofbrauhaus, Tensuke Market, or the Ohio Theater. It’s even better when I’m there with my friends or family.

Watching Law & Order/Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on a Thursday night with a glass of beer.

A good glass of wine.

Making wine at home and watching it become something beautiful and tasty.

A nice, hot cup of tea before bed.

A nice, hot cup of tea during the course of the day.

A relaxing massage. I have one of those scheduled soon, so I look forward to it.

Uninterrupted reading.

Sleeping in my nice, warm bed.

Watching anime or YouTube videos while cycling on my exercise bike. Fantasy anime and videos on media analysis or animals are especially nice.

A visit to the chiropractor. I always feel better after an adjustment!

Cuddling. I don’t mean romantic cuddling, but cuddling with an animal or platonic cuddling with someone I trust. Hell, there are actually professional cuddlers who help people who need that sort of contact regularly. Sadly, I don’t have the time/money/energy for a pet at this time, and there are no professional cuddlers in my area, so it’s not something I get to do often.

Doctor Who!

Something sweet to eat! Can’t be too sugary or too often for health reasons, but I still love when I can have a little indulgence.

Going ghost hunting! That might just be a me thing, but it works.

Writing! Working on my stories helps me most days relax after a long day of work. Though, like yesterday, there are days where I’m too tired to even do that.

And that’s all I can think of at the moment. Plus, this post is getting long. So, I’ll just say this: take care of yourself. When you need it, take some time for self-care. Otherwise, when you do have free time, you won’t even be able to do the things you normally love doing (such as me when I couldn’t write).

What do you do when you need some self-care? Anything on this list you’d add? Let’s discuss.

That’s all for now, my Followers of Fear. I’m off to bed so I have strength for work tomorrow. Until next time, good night and pleasant nightmares.