Summer 2020
Self-Care Resources for Summer
Summer sunshine always provides a good pick-me-up. But if you find yourself needing to put a bit more into alleviating stress and providing self-care, the following resources may help:
- Bookbub: Sometimes, sinking into a feel-good novel can help lift you up. Sign up for Bookbub’s e-newsletter, and you’ll receive a daily list of e-books that are on sale for $2.99 or less, or even free! Choose which genres you want included in your newsletter; then, Bookbub will send you recommendations for books from all major publishers, as well as high-quality self-published novels.
- Chirp: Prefer getting lost in audiobook? Chirp provides a daily e-mail newsletter similar to Bookbub’s, except it features free or super-cheap audiobooks from large and small publishers.
- The Calm app: While the paid version of this app can get a bit pricey ($12.99/month or $59.99/year), there is a free version. You won’t get as much variety, but what you will find are guided meditations, soothing music for relaxation or studying, and all of the above geared toward improving your sleep. Available for iOS, Android, and PC.
- Essential Oils for Relaxation: Many of your Marinette faculty and staff can attest to the benefits of essential oils. Aromatherapy with oils can help with everything from stress to skin imbalances to headaches, and more. Buy a cheap diffuser and infuse your home with scents you love. Or dot some oil on your pulse points. You can even just burn a candle that’s scented with essential oils.
Lavender is a popular go-to oil for relaxation, or try bergamot, jasmine, or patchouli. You can find other suggestions in the article, “Managing Stress with Herbal Support,” by herbalist and nutritionist Tricia Macauley.
Be sure to do a patch test first before applying oils to your skin, to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. Essential oil companies will often provide usage tips and contraindications for each oil, so check their websites to properly use the essential oils you decide to try.
To avoid toxic chemicals, look for 100% pure essential oils, preferably certified organic. - Exercise: Don’t forget about exercise. “Regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem,” according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Consider trying some of the workout recommendations from Driftwood Sports Editor A.J. Corey, which included exercise videos from BollyX, Orangetheory at Home, iBodyFit.com, and UREC on the main campus, or you can hit the Marinette hiking trails and get fresh air and exercise in one go. (See the section above for A.J.’s recommendations for other outdoor exercise options.)
. - The 10% Happier app, book, and podcast: When ABC Nightline anchor Dan Harris experienced a panic attack on national TV, he knew he needed to make some changes. He committed to setting a small goal of becoming 10% happier and embarked on a journey to discover ways to do just that. Even though he considered himself a “fidgety skeptic” when it came to meditation, he found that through regular practice of mindfulness meditation, his anxiety—and his life—improved considerably. In addition to writing a book (called, wait for it, 10% Happier), Harris has a website, a podcast, and an app that provide guided mindfulness meditations and conversations with experts about the practice of mindfulness. Right now, the website has a “Coronavirus” section with free meditations and resources for navigating pandemic-induced stress.
- Yoga with Adriene: Texas-based yoga instructor Adriene Mishler offers free yoga videos on YouTube for everyone from beginners to advanced yogis. Only have a few minutes? Try a ten-minute video. Want a more extensive stretch? Go for the 45- to 60-minute videos. There are literally hundreds of video yoga sessions available for everything from enhancing your creativity to relieving tension to helping you cope with chronic pain.
—Tracy Fernandez Rysavy, Advisor