A Short Note On Self-Care
Don't forget the small things, they add up to become the big things that keep you sane.
Happy, happy Thursday or Thoughts Day!
I've decided to start today's letter by updating you about my uncle who died from Covid-19. I told you about him a few weeks ago, in case you've forgotten. Yesterday was his Service of Songs. It took place over Zoom, with over 250 guests. I didn't even know that was possible. The service was quite profound, albeit virtual. The part that struck me most was something my aunt — my late uncle's wife — said. Another aunt was giving a tribute on behalf of a section of the Adedeji family when she broke into tears. My cousin, son of my late uncle, with genuine concern and good faith told her not to cry. But my aunt said, "No. Do not tell her not to cry. It's okay to cry."
Hearing those words in that exact moment felt like freedom. Having spent the entire week frustrated and crying about several, different things, I felt seen.
This week was a lot to unravel: from Mubarak Bala's illegal arrest to sexual assault to the hilarious curfew-spired jokes on social media.
So let's talk about self care: how are you taking care of the physical aspects of your life while isolating or in lockdown? I’ll share mine, and you can tell me yours.
But first, TBH, apart from hair wash days, the occasional use of a face scrub, I haven't done much. For example (and here's a secret), until a few days ago, it didn't occur to me that I could take off the chipping nail polish on my toe nails myself. I've become so reliant on my monthly self-care Sundays at a salon (by God I love my manicurist + pedicurist — both wonderful sets of humans) and spa days that it's hard to self-care myself during this lockdown. When it did occur to me, I was like this stunned gif:
I went to a store, got nail polish remover and removed the over one-month old red nails. After I did that, Tobi cut my nails short, because I'm generally awful at doing that (although he'd say he cut it because I'm a crackhead that's always scratching him, but men lie.)
The things I’ve been consistent with are mostly small and almost irrelevant. They’re things that we take for granted, outside of lockdown. They do make the quality of my lockdown slightly better, so I’ll share:
I've been skipping regularly for about a month. I started off doing 100-200 a day. Now I'm doing over a thousand in 20-30 minutes. While it is to stay fit, it's also helps me feel active and strong through the day. Walks give the same effect.
Warm baths, cool baths, any baths… I take baths every day. I’m saying this because I’ve seen a lot of internet jokes about not taking baths… just make sure you’re taking a bath at least once a day.
I drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
I try to get some sun on my skin regularly - Vitamin D and all.
There are other things that articles the internet over recommend. These transcend the physical: keeping journals, curating and listening to mood lifting playlists, meditating, sleeping well, yoga, decluttering and organising your space, etc. I’ve tried a few of these and while I can’t say how well they work due to my inconsistency, I think it’s up to you to find out works and do it.
I’m trying something new with goal setting every week, it keeps me on track and helps me remember that outside of Covid-19, there’s a bigger picture. Do not forget that.