Yardwork/Gardening

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Overhaul
Time Commitment: 1 hour increments; ongoing

Relaxing- a mysterious phenomenon people may accomplish during that elusive construct known as "free time"

So, one goal I have for this summer is to learn how to "relax."  It really is as mind-boggling as the definition I have written above.  I have 18 consecutive years of education under my belt as of now.  I am good at school.  Now, I want to be good at relaxing!  I need it!

In the past couple of weeks, I have found working in my yard to be intrinsically rewarding and, quite possibly, relaxing. 

A bit of background about my yard:

It is shared by 6 people who live in the house.  It has been a site for storage and/or accumulated junk from people that have lived there in the past: car doors, bathtub, tires, etc. Six people are renting the house, but rarely does anyone want to put their time, money, or energy into the yard since we don't own it.  I have decided (maybe because I enjoy Better Homes and Gardens waaayy too much) that I want to adopt the yard and make it an enjoyable place to hang out.

Procedure: Get to know the area you're working with first.  I sit in the yard a lot and look at it.  I enjoy the breeze, the occasional sunshine streaming through the leaves, and the odd, wooden, bobbin-like piece of furniture we use for a table (see picture).  I spend time with the yard, building a relationship around my belief in its potential.
Next, begin a 3-phase process with small, measurable (and achievable) steps within each phase that will foster your own success. This part was very helpful for me to organize my thoughts; it's easy for me to get overwhelmed by looking at the big picture too quickly.  The three phases are: Break-down, Rebuild, and Polish. Break-down, for me, consists of getting rid of items in the yard, weeding, pruning, and getting the lawn mowed so I can see what I'm working with.  Rebuild consists of delineating where flower beds will go and blocking areas off, then repairing the lawn by planting grass seed.  Polish is the fun part because it's when I get to plant things in the flower beds and add nice things to lawn (patio chairs, etc.).  It's good to remember that that phases do not always go in perfect order and each can be repeated as needed.  The phases provided a structure to motivate action, and are definitely not rigid.

Throughout the process, I am striving to be cost-effective, not only because it's smart, but because it's really my only option! :)  I am utilizing friends and craigslist.  I have borrowed yardwork equipment from friends, and have received plants from friends' gardens.  I have been selling the random stuff out of the yard on craigslist.  I have also been scouring craigslist's "free" section as well as their "farm and garden" section.  Additionally, I answered a lawn-mowing advertisement on craigslist and had the lawn mowed for $20, AND I got valuable advice from him on my next steps with the yard as well as things to be weary of.

Wow, that's a lot of words for today!
Let's get on to why this is wonderful!

Why this is wonderful: It attends mainly to movement and sight. 
I feel really good when I'm working in the yard.  Raking, weeding...bending, stretching, reaching.  The work is great for my body.  My muscles feel it afterward and I didn't have to go to the gym.  Also, this movement is good for re-discovering that connection between my mind and body.  Refreshing.  As for sight, the space becomes much more welcoming and comforting when you can see the care put into it.  It's incredibly rewarding for me to see the tremendous amount of progress I have made in a short time. Yes, some things take more time (like grass growing...), with delayed sight-gratification, but that is great too!  Gardening and yardwork are amazing practice for cultivating patience. And one could never have enough patience....

Write it down-with art this time!

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Overhaul
Time Commitment: 45 min. (or more if you wish)


Hey there friends!  It's time for me to resurface to write another post.  No, I have not forgotten about you.  You are always on my mind :) With school and life and everything in between, this Selfcare Fairy got a little bogged down!  I admit it. That doesn't mean the selfcare stopped flowing though--don't worry about that!  I am back to let you in on some of my Selfcare Adventures from the past month.
The current post is about a project I actually started in the summer, forgot about, then came back to me recently.    This "Overhaul" option is an altered book that has become my visual diary for the things in my life that I simply don't have enough understanding around in order to write about them in words.

Procedure: Start with an old hardback book, preferably one you are not attached to.  Snag one at a thrift store for under a dollar.  Skim through a few pages of the book (anywhere in the book, not necessarily the beginning) and find a phrase that speaks to your mood in the moment.  Most likely the phrase will be completely out of context for the book, and that's the point, you're making your own story in this book.  You may block out the phrase(s) on the page with acrylic paint or collage materials.  I have been using collage materials a lot lately.  (I may or may not have been conned on the phone into subscribing to 9 magazines...) 

It is important to let your automatic reactions guide you--don't think too much.  Pick the phrase, paint color, collage image that jumps out at you first.  Don't overthink.  If you think you're messing up this page, who cares? There are a million other pages in the book.  That's the beauty of this project.  Do what you want to the page.  When you finish painting/collaging, does the page feel done?  Maybe you need to grab a sharpie and write extra words or draw your own pictures.  Maybe you need to rip the page and sew it back together.  Oh the possibilities!  You are done with the page when it feels done.  This may take more than one session, and that's ok!  This project is meant to accompany you for awhile in your life; it will not be done in one sitting.  After you work on your page(s), sit with it.  Reflect on it.  Are there any relevant metaphors popping out to you ("this image means this to me")?  What does it mean to you in the moment?  It can mean anything you want, it's your project, it's your visual diary.  Look back at it the next day, week, month.  Maybe it will mean something different.  You might learn something new about yourself.


Why this is wonderful: It attends to 1 major sense: sight.  This project serves as a way of externalizing confusing parts inside ourselves so we can look at them and examine them.  Using our automatic reactions to dictate the page, we help unconscious material to surface, eventually fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves. Yeah!

Vision Board- more perspective on life

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Pick Me Up/ Preparatory Measures

Time Commitment: 30 min- 1 hr/ 2 min.

My new roommate, Hannah, suggested this technique to me the other day.  It is truly wonderful!  A vision board allows you to hone in on a personal goal, make a collage out of images meaningful to that goal, and then have a tangible reminder of the goal's presence in your life.  It really helps to provide perspective when you might be bogged down by everyday-life stressors.

Procedure: Making the vision board is the Pick Me Up.  Looking at your vision board everyday is the Preparatory Measure.  Now, gather old magazines and other collage materials if you wish.  I actually used Polyvore.com to create my collage on the computer.  I found out about Polyvore from my friend, Chelsea's, wonderful home DIY blog: http://apt205b.blogspot.com/search/label/DIY (Check it out!).  Polyvore's original purpose is to form your own fashion spreads online, but with its plethora of little collage pictures, it works wonderfully for this vision board idea as well.  When creating your vision board, think of a long term (0r not so long term) goal.  My goal is to travel.  I want to get out of the country.  I want to learn about other cultures.  I want to have the opportunity to live abroad.  I collected digital pictures that really exemplified these wants for me.  Choose pictures that have a real "fit" to them.  Do they feel right to you?  Choose pictures that include steps of reaching your goal.  How will you make your goal come true?  Do you really want it to come true?  Note ideas of obstacles to your goal that come up in your mind.  Are they real obstacles? Can you research to find ways around them? All of these extra thoughts give your goal a foot in the door of reality.  It's the idea of being able to manifest what you want in your life, if you want to take the project that far.  When you finish with your vision board, look at it.  Look at it everyday.  Think about it.  Are you taking steps right now toward your goal?  Are you taking steps right now away from your goal?  Your vision board can really help to provide you with a burst of hope and excitement everyday.

Why this is wonderful: It attends to 2 senses: sight and touch.  Seeing your goal everyday helps to remind you of it, and motivate you toward it.  The texture of the vision board itself may not be too interesting, but being able to hold your goal in your hand is quite the empowering experience.  Your goal becomes within your reach, literally.  You are that much closer to it.  The vision board helps pull you out of the little annoyances of the day, and gives you a look at a bigger picture--your bigger picture.

Write it down...

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Overhaul
Time Commitment: 30 min (or more if you wish)


Ok folks!  Things have really been kicking up in school and life for me lately, and I have found myself needing many more "Overhaul" options.  As I have mentioned before, there is no single Selfcare technique that magically fixes all stress, so I am constantly hunting for more.  This is an old, simple technique, but it is one that I don't use often enough.  Probably because it is hard to be honest with myself without being harsh.  This takes practice and awareness to give this technique a chance to work magic.


Procedure:  Nope, don't start the music.  This is one case where music can be distracting to what you need to get out of your system.  Grab a pen and your journal, or an old notebook that can serve as one.  Write the date and let your thoughts flow onto the page.  It does not matter what shape the sentences come out in, you are not trying to impress anyone.  The purpose of this is to let thoughts and feelings out, without having to drag another person into the drama (although that is good to do sometimes).  Doodle if you feel the need to doodle.  Address the feelings that are coming up in you, and your bodily responses.  Is your body tight?  Does it feel heavy?  Is your stomach churning?  These are important things to be aware of.  Stress and emotion manifest in your body, pay attention.  Most importantly, be honest with yourself.  But, be careful.  Honesty does not mean: "Wow, I am such a jerk and a horrible person."  It means, "I feel like a jerk right now" and realizing that the feeling does not define your being.  And if you feel like it does define your whole being, be honest about that.  Use awareness.  It's OK to have thoughts, even ones you wish you did not have.  Write what you need to.  Your second guesses, your "crazy thoughts," your hopes, and worries.  Every situation had multiple facets.  It's OK to be excited about something, but also worried or anxious.  Be true to yourself, and be gentle with yourself, and this simple technique could work wonders!


Why this is wonderful: It attends to 1 sense: sight.  This technique might not be pretty all the time, but seeing the words on paper is SO validating.  It makes you feel less crazy for having all these random, conflicting thoughts floating around.  And, it really helps cultivate the relationship you have with yourself!  You can be upset with yourself and still love yourself.  It's good to have open communication with yourself. (OK, I just used the word "yourself" a million times, but I'm leaving it).  This open communication might just help you in your other relationships as well!

Organize- in small doses

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Overhaul
Time Commitment: 30 min to 1 hr


Organizing in small doses.  Notice I did not say "clean."  Sometimes I have an aversion to the action of "cleaning," but calling it "organizing" turns it into a likable, rejuvenating experience.  In the end, my mind actually feels more organized and ready to take on the world! (or another pile of homework...)  Check out this interesting little article to understand what I mean: Home Relaxation: Why it Pays to Organize Your Home


Procedure: Turn on a chill, but invigorating album to listen to (optional, but I maintain that music makes almost all experience better!).  I was listening to Blonde Redhead's album "23."  Always good stuff.  Then, light a scented candle.  The candle seems to make the organizing experience more intimate and nourishing.  My current candle of choice is Pumpkin Spice scented, because I am a fanatic for fall!  After the music and candle are in place, now you can begin the organization!  I specified "small doses" because my house can get pretty messy during the semester and I will get overwhelmed and discouraged if I focus on the whole thing at once.  My focus generally revolves around laundry or dishes, although sometimes it might be about de-cluttering certain areas.  Today, I tackled the laundry.  I separated the clean from the dirty, and threw the dirty into the wash.  I put away the random shoes and art supplies that were originally hiding under the clothing on my floor.  I made my bed.  Then, I folded the 2 loads of clean laundry from last week, placing them in little piles on my bed, and put them away.  It's so nice to see large portions of floor in my bedroom!  Rejuvenation achieved!


Why this is wonderful:  It attends to 4 senses: sight, sound, smell, and movement.  The sound and smell aspects make the experience seem more like fun instead of work.   The sight element is really helpful reinforcement when you finish your small dose of organization; you can see your productivity, which is always helpful for me.  The movement part is the most important, and you may not have even realized it!  Being on your feet and walking from room to room or even closet to dresser gets your blood flowing.  It wakes you up and makes you more alert.  So, as your space becomes conducive to work, your mind does, too!

Cookies- selfcare to share

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Pick Me Up
Time Commitment: 1 hour (preparation and cook time)


I was thinking the other day, I have been living in my current apartment since February, and I hadn't baked anything from scratch the entire time.  Why not?  I like baking, actually I really like baking (every once in awhile).  But, I guess "I didn't have the time."  Well, yesterday morning, between onslaughts of homework, I made time!  I had grocery shopped the day before according to the perfect recipe I found online.  I was going to experiment with vegan baking by making Vegan Lemon Sugar Cookies. (click link for recipe!).


**If you want to experiment with vegan cooking yourself, check out this link: Vegan Substitutions and Converting Any Recipe to Vegan  I found it really helpful because not all people may have access to things like "vegan margarine" that was required for my recipe.  Luckily there are a million Whole Foods stores in Boulder, so I was able to find the darn vegan margarine.  :)


Procedure: Turn on your favorite album of the moment (optional, but fun); I had Foster The People's album "Torches" playing.  Gather your ingredients, measuring cups and spoons, and mixing bowls.  Start preparing according to your recipe of choice, but use awareness.  Note the colors, textures, and scents of the ingredients.  How do they change as you add something else?  What happens to the texture when you mix it with the mixer?  Use curiosity.  When rolling the dough into balls in preparation for the cookie sheet, notice the stickiness of the dough.  Sample a bit of the dough (remember, there are no eggs, so this is OK!), what does it taste like?  Do you like it?  Does it remind you of anything?  Anyone?  Bake the cookies according to the recipe.  Be careful not to burn them!  When all the cookies are done, share them with your friends, family, and/or co-workers.  This is an opportunity for you to be the Selfcare Fairy for the day, sharing little bits of hope and happiness with the world!


Why this is wonderful: It attends to 4 main senses: sight, smell, touch, taste.  Paying attention to the little things and the details as you move through the recipe helps you to enjoy the process more and brings you into the current moment.  The stress in your life seems smaller and more manageable.  Also, I like taking breaks from homework to cook because I still feel productive- You gotta eat, right? :)

I Am Thankful For...

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Get Me Through the Day
Time Commitment: ~5 min.


So this idea...is not my own.  Yay! A suggestion!  A friend at work, Michelle, mentioned this technique when we were talking about my blog.  She likes to use it when she is feeling a bit pessimistic.  I tried it, and appreciate the elegant simplicity.  The process even inspired the new chalkboard I have on my blog!  Now, I'm sharing with you.


Procedure:  At times during the day, I find my brain in knots.  It may be frustration, anger, confusion, or just too much work.  During these times in your life, stop, and take a brain break.  Whilst on the brain break, loosen up that tunnel vision and look around you.  What are you thankful for?  Say it aloud: I am thankful for...binder clips (much better than paper clips!).  I am thankful for...pandora.  I am thankful for...the text I just received from my mom.  I am thankful for...post-its.  And so on.  After a few minutes of  what you are thankful for, silliness will save you from your doldrums.  Repeat procedure as many times as you need to over the course of the day.


Why this is wonderful: It attends to 2 senses: sight and sound.  When you are looking around and soaking up your environment, you are helping to bring yourself back to reality.  This in combination with the sound of your voice declaring what you're thankful for, grounds you and invites perspective into the stressful situation.  The stressful situation isn't so bad anymore, is it?


P.S. Let me know if YOU have any favorite selfcare ideas you want me to try!  I might just put it on my blog, and I will give you all the credit if you're ok with that :)

Glitter- or something shiny

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Get Me Through the Day
Time Commitment: 2 sec.-2 min. (depending on method)


It would be a lie if I said I did not like shiny things.  I don't think this is an indicator of my intelligence.  I like glitter; I like shiny.  It's a fascination that I believe many can relate to.  Shiny is pretty; pretty enhances my self-confidence; and self-confidence...  Well, friends, self-confidence can lead you to triumph when it comes to battling with stressful times.  Never underestimate glitter!  (Don't get it in your eyes though...)


Procedure: First, glitter may not be appropriate for all situations.  In those dark times, I recommend painting your nails a fun (shiny) color like my current favorite in the picture, or wearing a sparkly ring or bracelet.  The key for this method is to have the shiny available for your eyes to easily see throughout the day, as opposed to earrings where you have to look into a mirror to appreciate them.
I am going to focus on glitter at this point.  I do not use glitter all the time, although I wish I could.  I wear it on random nights when I am going out dancing, or to some concerts.  I use loose glitter that can easily be found at craft stores, in multiple colors.  For my body, I rub regular body lotion all over the parts that will receive glitter.  Then I gather a little pile of glitter in my hand (trying not to spill it all over the bathroom, but it happens) and evenly distribute it between both of my palms.  I rub my hands over my shoulders, chest, and sometimes legs.  If you start to panic with glitter overwhelm, a towel works wonders to thin the overpowering layer.  Sometimes, I use glitter on my face, but in a much more precise manner as can be seen in the picture.  I use a q-tip rolled in Vaseline, dipped in the glitter to draw designs around my eyes very carefully.  I say "very carefully" because no one would enjoy glitter lodged in their eye.  When you have applied all the glitter your heart desires, wear it proudly!  Enjoy your sparkle.  You deserve it.


Why this is wonderful: Isn't it obvious?? :)  It attends to 1 major sense: sight.  Glitter and shiny things entertain and please your sense of sight, causing good feelings to stir up in your body.  Appreciation for little things emerges and helps to brighten your stressful (or just plain boring) day.

Trail Mix- morsels of amazing

Selfcare Emergency Meter: Get Me Through the Day
Time Commitment: 5 min (preparation)

I never used to be much of a trail mix person before.  The pre-mixed bags always have too much of one thing (like peanuts) and I get bored and never finish the dang thing.  But, now, I have discovered the option of making my own. Many grocery stores with a health food section have a line-up of bins with separate ingredients. I always assumed these lil guys would be too expensive, but they are definitely cheap if you don't go for a whole pound of each thing at a time.  My mixes are made up of salted nuts, chocolate, and fruit; whichever options appeal to me at the time.  My current mix has pistachios, M&Ms, and dried mango (although I really like dried apricots, too).  The key is to vary tastes and textures for mix that will keep your palate interested.


Procedure: At home, keep your ingredients separate.  Combine your trail mix daily before you head off to school, work, whatever.  Do not make a huge bag of trail mix to last for days because the nuts will pick up moisture from the fruit, and lose their crunch.  I know this from experience.  Soft pistachios are not as fun to eat as crunchy, fresh ones.  Also, just mix up a small container because this is not a meal.  I use a 6.5oz. jar that originally came with artichoke hearts in it.  The small portion helps me to appreciate the individual pieces of the trail mix more.  When eating the mixture, wherever you are, slow down and eat one piece at a time.  I will reiterate that this is not meant for a meal.  The purpose is not as much to stifle hunger, but to bring you into the moment to appreciate this little gift to yourself.  Before it touches your tongue, notice the colors and textures of each piece.  Then, with your tongue, notice the textures and flavors.  Chew deliberately.


Why this is wonderful: It attends to 3 senses: sight, touch, and taste.  By giving attention and awareness to the effect the trail mix has on these senses, each morsel can help ground you into the present moment, making you better able to get through your day!