Mental Hygiene: Making Time For Self-Care

I recently watched Elizabeth Filips’ “I have emotional issues, here’s how I fix them” video on YouTube, and I have to say, it’s one of the most useful videos out there on the worldwide web!

If you’re recently diagnosed, like me, you’d know that a life-altering illness like diabetes can be an emotional, mental, and physical rollercoaster. I spent days after my hospital discharge crying and saying things like, “I feel like a f***ing loser.” I remember telling my best friend, who also has a chronic illness, that it’s not her fault she has her illness and she can’t blame herself. I had no choice but to take my own advice and I’m big on practicing what I preach.

Right now, I’m keeping my sixteen-year-old cat company on my bed and watching Inventing Anna and gratitude journaling. Earlier on this morning, I woke up at a decent hour (NOT 4 a.m.) and decided to make avocado toast sprinkled with sea salt, goat cheese, and crushed red pepper, and boy did that wake me up more than a cup of coffee! Afterwards, I decided to finally try on my new work clothing from J.Crew (which I’ve been meaning to do since I got home from the hospital — yikes!).

On Friday, I wanted to dedicate the day for self-care, too. I woke up, showered, put on makeup, and wore a decent-looking outfit! The morning then consisted of a Zoom meeting with Student Success at my graduate institution to help me get back on track and just talk. Talking helps, a lot — more than you would think, and it doesn’t have to be with a therapist! I even treated myself to a sugar-free, fat-free cappuccino with a hearty salad filled with antioxidants, protein, and fiber. (Pro tip: you don’t have to break your bank to indulge yourself in self-care.)

Sometimes, you have to get yourself to do the tasks that you dread because they’re just so mundane and you can’t bring yourself to do them due to fatigue or just lack of motivation. But remember, in a world full of chaos, you have to show your body, mind, and soul that you love them all — even through all their imperfections.