Published 25th October 2023
This article was written as part of a social media campaign in collaboration with Samaritans of Singapore Limited.
Embrace tranquillity to overcome challenging times with these calming techniques!
Self-care plays a crucial role in improving both mental and physical health. The Covid-19 pandemic has given space to more conversations surrounding how we should be taking better care of ourselves and practising self-love. Yet, oftentimes one may find it difficult to carve out time to start maintaining these self-care habits or are unsure on how and where to begin.
If you’re unsure on how to get started, we’ve gathered effective supportive methods commonly used by some celebrities that you can consider employing to surmount any difficulties. From gratitude journaling to aromatherapy, here are some simple ways to get you started on your self-care journey.
![Real time Stories [PHOTO CREDIT: Health Hub]](../../images/stories/2022/how-to-support-yourself-first/support_articlephoto1.png)
Short-term Measures For Self-care
1) Demi Lovato & Aromatherapy
Pop Star Demi Lovato incorporates aromatherapy into her self care routine, using essential oils to cope with anxiety and depression. The scent serves as an effective alternative to therapy since the oils promote relaxation. In her book “Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year”, Lovato mentioned the following essential oils that have helped soothe her mind: lavender helps to calm her anxiety, frankincense aids her in meditation, and peppermint reinvigorates her.
![Aromatherapy Oil [PHOTO CREDIT: Spa Index]](../../images/stories/2022/how-to-support-yourself-first/support_articlephoto2.jpg)
Aromatherapy can help you create a peaceful environment for relaxation. And it's easily accessible.
2) Serena Williams & Video Games
Upholding the prestigious title of being the ‘Greatest Women’s Tennis Player of All Time’ is no easy feat and Serena Williams is not immune to the stress that follows. Her secret to managing it, surprisingly, is to play video games.
In a 2019 Vogue Magazine Article, Williams mentioned that playing Mario Tennis and Mario Kart serves as a respite to “shut out the world for a few moments.” The accomplished tennis player feels calmer when immersed in a fictional environment, attributing the calmness to the absolute control she has over the game.
![Mario Tennis vs Actual Tennis having intrinsic similarities [PHOTO CREDIT: SBNATION]](../../images/stories/2022/how-to-support-yourself-first/support_articlephoto3.jpg)
Playing video games, especially for sports, is a good way for athletes to relax and train. Williams plays Mario Tennis to not only relax, but to also improve her motor skills as she is still playing tennis (without getting too physical).
Anyone can adopt this method, whether you are a doctor playing Surgeon Simulator, Electrical Engineer playing Portal 2, Detective playing Papers Please, or an Artist playing Minecraft, games can be used as a relaxing simulator that also trains job skills. Video games can be played anytime so why not hop online to find a game similar to your career path.
![Video Game stores having many options [PHOTO CREDIT: Right Place for Gadgets, SG]](../../images/stories/2022/how-to-support-yourself-first/support_articlephoto4.jpg)
Long-term Measures For Self-care
3) Oprah Winfrey & Gratitude Journal
Everyday, Oprah Winfrey writes down at least 5 things she is grateful for. It’s simple and easy, one example is this:
This act of journaling raises awareness of the blessings in your life. You reduce stress levels by acknowledging the positive blessings and you also increase your resilience by finding a silver lining in any adversity. Spending more time appreciating everything in life will cumulatively bring forth happiness.
Even on days that seem dull, you can turn it around by writing things like this:
Today I had a disagreement with my colleagues, but you know, I am going home right now to see my family.
Winfrey recommends keeping a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset, which leads to better mental health. Now, you may say writing in a journal is troublesome because you need to carry a book around. Well, here is a solution!
Create a group chat with just you inside and capture the moments when you feel gratified – pictures, texts, video, emojis, etc. Not only is this method convenient, but you can also set reminders to kickstart such affirmative habits.
![Friends staying together [PHOTO CREDIT: Nimble]](../../images/stories/2022/how-to-support-yourself-first/support_articlephoto6.jpg)
4) Dwayne, “The Rock” Johnson & Reconnecting with Old Friends
Dwayne Johnson frequently shares snapshots of himself with his childhood friends on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He often captions about the importance of maintaining strong friendships because he holds them dearly.
As well as providing a sense of social support and community, connecting with your friends who know you and understand you can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health.
Just like Dwayne Johnson, go ahead and reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Why not text them and ask “How are you? Long time no see, wanna catch up soon?” Today, this is a much easier task with social media.The feeling of connecting with an old friend is often one of the best feelings, because nostalgia often brings about good emotions.
5) Chris Hemsworth & Prioritising Physical Exercise
The “God of Thunder” is known for being thunderously fit. We recognise that hustle culture in Singapore reduces one’s availability, so the aim here is to talk about how prioritising exercise is highly accessible. So we seek to advise you on how to allocate enough time to exercise.
If you are into simple workouts at home, why not buy some home-based exercising equipment. They do not require much physical demands and can definitely help you burn calories passively at home. Sports shops are widely available in Singapore. So head down to any outlet to buy and use any exercising equipment.
Conclusion
This article listed short and long-term methods that are useful for self-care. You can also seek help from any government initiative to personalise any self-care plan for yourself.
We recognise that self-care may look different for everyone and may not be as easy depending on your struggles. If you are facing extreme distress and need someone to look to, you are not alone.
Please call Samaritans of Singapore's 24-hour Hotline: 1-767 or reach out through their 24-hour CareText: 9151 1767 (via WhatsApp) if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours and require emotional support. ∎
Wee Kim Wee School