If you ever feel like the weight of the world is overwhelming, you’re not alone. For many of us, it’s been a long time since we felt like we could take in a full breath. Bad things keep happening, on a global scale and in our personal lives. Sometimes it feels really hard to just enjoy existence. That’s why it is so important that we have dedicated time to take care of ourselves.
It looks different for everyone, but we can all cultivate habits that will renew our energy and help us feel more refreshed, excited and energized for life. I call these habits “rejuvenation,” mostly because “self-care” feels too soft and passive for what I am looking for. I want energy and pizzazz in my life. Feeling relaxed is great, but when I get beat down by life, I want to feel bolstered and ready to face it head on. Rejuvenation is defined as “the action or process of giving new energy or vigor to something.” Perfect!
The principle of rejuvenation is simple: find what brings you joy and practice it consistently.
Like, actually brings you joy. Whatever it is that makes the weight of the world feel lighter and you believe everything is going to be okay. You may have to try different things out to find which habits fit you best. Rejuvenation is an investment in your wellbeing, so it’s worth the time it might take to figure it out.
For example, walking outside is great for your mental health. WebMD says that walking has a “positive influence on your…central nervous response system…When you exercise by walking, you calm your nerves, which can make you feel less stressed.” To make things even better, invite a friend or two to go with you. WebMD also says, “Physical exercise combined with positive social interactions can improve negative moods, ward off depression, and improve self-esteem.” Get out and explore with your friends!
That said, sometimes walking just isn’t…fun. Especially in Alabama heat. But I discovered that I love standing in running water, so I walk at a creek near my house and when the water is shallow enough I go stand in it. There are studies that explore the quantifiable health benefits of spending time in or near running water, but all I need to know is that it makes me happy, and it adds a more enjoyable element to my walk.
And when walking isn’t cutting it, there are other types of movement that can bring you joy. I’m not talking about exercise, although that has mental health benefits as well. I’m talking about something called “intuitive movement,” and there are many different forms it can take in your life. The point is just to move your body in a way that feels good. My go-to practice is putting on some music and dancing. Intuitive movement can also be yoga, walking, swimming, boxing or any other fun movement. Just remember: the goal of rejuvenation is to feel better after. This isn’t meant to burn calories, help you lose weight or meet a specific health goal. We’re here to have fun, so get your wiggles on!
When you’re not in the mood to move, try art instead. Arts and crafts can help you manage stress and, just like walking, the benefits increase when you do it with friends. The best part about art is that you don’t have to be good to do it, and you can be as basic or complex as you want. Finger-painting, coloring, gluing popsicle sticks together, simple origami or tying hair bows are all easy ways to wake up your creative spirit.
I have dabbled in numerous hobbies over the years. While some of my hobbies contribute to my small business, it’s equally important that I dedicate time to playing around with new mediums or making pieces just for myself. I’ve been drawing and painting for a while, but when I’m playing with art as a way to refresh my spirit, I will often return to the basics like coloring or tracing other people’s sketches. It helps me remember why I started doing art in the first place – because it’s fun!
Whether I’m painting, crocheting, making jewelry, fashioning a flower crown or securing photos in a scrapbook, being creative boosts my mental energy like nothing else quite can. Maybe it’s because I get to be in complete control of a project from start to finish, using bright colors and glitter if I want. Maybe it’s because I have a pretty piece of art at the end and I feel accomplished. Whatever the reason, crafts make me happy!
There are many more ways you can take care of yourself, of course, but the main factors across most of them are to get outside, move your body, be creative and spend time with others. Our society has a lot of pushback to the concept of rejuvenation because there isn’t an end goal beyond adding joy to your life. It isn’t seen as “productive” to pursue hobbies that don’t make money or body movement that doesn’t help you lose weight. But not every waking moment has to be productive and joy is not something you have to earn.
You already deserve a beautiful life filled with joy. Small steps to happiness might be closer than we ever realized. Let’s pursue them consistently. Life is beautiful. It’s beautiful to exist. Let’s embrace that as much as we can, every day.
