Did you know about Imbolc? If you’re from the pagan or wiccan community, you might have. I’m neither of the above, but as a fan of ancient traditions, I love what Imbolc symbolises. For those not in the know, Imbolc (pronounced ‘im-alk’) is on the 1st February, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice (21 December) and the spring equinox (20 March). Time for a spring clean? Yep.
Lately, I’ve been working hard on self-care. I’m not going to get into the details of my personal stress over the past few months. It doesn’t matter anyway; my coping mechanism for stress is to overindulge in the things that make me feel better on a temporary basis, and worse in the long run. Dopamine fix anybody? Um…yeah. So, with Imbolc here, it’s time for a reset. Here’s my self-care list:
Less caffeine and getting enough sleep
Drinking too much coffee/tea has affected my sleep over the dark months. What works to get me up in the grim, grey mornings has led to late nights and periods of insomnia in the early hours. Since reducing caffeine somewhat (I drink so much that even a few cups less has made a difference) I’ve been sleeping much better.
Reducing carbs
Ah, here we go again. My love hate relationship with my carb addiction is an ongoing battle. My cravings will never go away, and when ill or stressed, I overindulge, even when I’m not hungry. I’m trying mindful eating and choosing low-carb options at the moment when snacking. Cheese and berries, anyone?
Less alcohol
Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of wine? But a glass can easily turn into a bottle. It has been over a decade since I last got drunk, but I am a habitual drinker, and might even describe myself as a functional alcoholic. A glass of wine, or a splash of rum is my go-to for relaxation while watching whatever show I’m currently into on Netflix. Not so good. A hot cocoa drink (made with 100% baking cocoa and full fat cream, not sugary junk) in the evening is a suitable substitute that I find I enjoy and I’m reducing my alcohol intake gradually.
More nature walks
Here in Northern Ireland in winter, we’re scarce on sunlight in January, but even under brooding, overcast skies, going for a walk in the local park has helped my mood immensely. Simple things like enjoying watching squirrels playing, listening to birdsong and looking at the first snowdrops (hurray, Imbolc!) is very soothing for the soul.
Taking more Vitamin D and drinking bone broth
Eight years ago, I broke a bone in my foot through a “marching fracture” while going for long beach walks in the wrong footwear. Ironic that an activity I was doing for relaxation was bad for me. The doctor at hospital explained that I had problems with calcium uptake as a result of vitamin D deficiency and therefore my bones were weak. In the summer, I enjoy sunbathing and in the winter I take a Vit D supplement. Lately I have been making vegetable soup using bone broth stock for the collagen, minerals and calcium.
Hobbies – reading and knitting
When I’m not in the right headspace, I find it hard to write. Instead, I find relaxation through reading or knitting. I’m not very good at knitting, but the repetitive action is therapeutic and it requires enough concentration to keep my mind focused.
Imbolc spring cleaning: other things to help with self-care
For some people, listening to music or having a nice bath work well for self-care. Music is relaxing, but sometimes too distracting, so I prefer nature walks instead where I can still process some of my stress without neglecting dealing with it altogether. Baths don’t work for me as I’m too impatient to lie still for such a long time without actually sleeping. I get bored after a few minutes, and get out.
And that’s it. Will all of the above sort out my stress? Maybe not. But a bit of self-care goes a long way, and being mindful of all the work it takes matters too.
Leilanie Stewart 