Happy 😊 Happy New Month, everyone 🙏🏽🫂🫂💐
Happy 😊 Happy New Month, everyone 🙏🏽🫂🫂💐.
6 done 6 more to go. But we can all agree that it has been a tough 6..full of every expérience cupping it with the #OCCUPY rallies brought by the #rejectfinancebill and everything that followed it. Especially the 6th itself . Hence, here is something to keep you going.
Self-care… It’s definitely a word you’ve heard of time and again.
Wonder why? Because it is a necessity in life. One that helps us be intentional and present with ourselves and the environment around us.
It’s been a stressful couple of days for anyone in Kenya amidst these political triggering times. Lives have been lost, many have been angered, others fearful.
Take a minute to ponder on this.
How have you been feeling these couple of days? Sending you hugs 🫂 🤗 ❤ love and light 💖.
Knowing how your body feels is an important self-care tip during this time.
- It helps you be intentional about caring for yourself and those around you. Hence, you are able to connect more with your inner self and loved ones.
- It also helps you identify your triggers, which helps you know the limits of your mind and body.
How then do you ensure self-care during this time ?
1. Focus on what you can control. A lot has been happening, much of which we are not in control of. Hence, it is important that you be aware of what you can control in these times and what you can not.
2. Practice Mindfulness. This is all about engaging in activities that help you be in connection with yourself. Such may include practising breathing exercises and journaling, amongst others.
3. Connect with loved ones. There is no better time to be around the ones you love than during this time. Take some time off social media to interact with people you love. Call the ones who you are apart with. Make this intentional as we all need support and something to heal us from all this.
4. Limit media consumption. Know when to take a break and set boundaries. Allocate specific times to check the news. Overexposure to negative news can heighten anxiety. Follow positive and uplifting content on social media to balance the negative news.
5. Engage in activities you enjoy. Take time to do what you enjoy say… “watching your favourite shows etc. It will help lighten your mood. You can also practice some relaxing activities such as listening to calm music.
6. Practice self-compassion. It is essential to be kind to yourself. Recognize that it’s okay to feel stressed or overwhelmed. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.
7. Last and most important seek help. We are in triggering times. Times that we may be reminded of our trauma incidents and a time that we are exposed to others. During this time it is very likely that you are exposed to primary and vicarious trauma. Hence if you encounter anything that leaves you in distress/ hurt or any Flight Fight or Freeze situation ensure that you get professional help as it will make you process these incidences thereby helping you heal from acute trauma and PTSD.
Many are available and ready to help. Reach out to professionals if you can. Let us know if you need to be pointed in the right direction. Our writer can help with this.
By Miss Llara Kivutsi© 🇰🇪
