In no particular order, these are 10 self-care things that has a positive impact on my mental health:
1. Sounds of Nature
There’s just something about the sound of birds and crickets and water that really brings a sense of calm and contentment. It reminds me of my time with my late grandpa, as we sit and sip tea amidst the early morning Hong Kong calm.
2. Chexy
This year has been a year where I’ve been focused on taking control of my finances. And Chexy is a service that allows us to pay rent with a credit card. With a good cashback credit card, you can earn money back when your rent is charged to the credit card. Accountant Adrian of Canadian In A T-Shirt made a video explaining this. As per my usual disclaimer, I’m not a financial expert, so please do your own research to see if this service is right for you!
3. Canadian Healthcare System
I have some American friends, and I’ve seen their struggles when not having health insurance. And with some recent health complications myself, I’ve felt very fortunate to be able to access all the necessary health professionals and testing.
I didn’t have to agonize over which health testing is worth paying for. In fact, I did all the tests recommended by my family physician. It gave me peace of mind, knowing that we did everything we can to figure out what’s wrong. We left no stone unturned. While our healthcare system is not perfect, I am grateful for having it.
4. Humidifier + Dehumidifier
It’s only my second year in my current home. So I am still getting into the particularities of the space. I’ve discovered that in the winter, my home gets really dry. And the summer gets really humid. I’m very grateful for all the human inventions that protects my health. Getting the humidifier and dehumidifier helped me deal with my persistent dry throat, runny nose, and cough.
5. Air purifier
So from what I’ve learned, the air purifier industry is mostly a scam. The basic gist of it: HEPA filter efficiency doesn’t really measure how effective it can purify the air in a given space. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a better metric of measuring the effectiveness of air purification in a given room. But many companies don’t readily share the CADR in the product info. Watch the above linked video for a detailed explanation.
My home doesn’t have good ventilation and airflow, which has contributed to a lingering cough and sore throat. I ended up getting air purifiers from Clean Air Kits. And I think it’ll definitely help when winter rolls around, and the windows are glued shut (cause I despise the cold).
I don’t think an air purifier is required for everyone. So do some research yourself before buying one! You can also DIY your own air purifier. Look it up on YouTube!
6. Muted cat video while I play calming music in the background
I’m trying to stream less shows. So I’ve replaced it with cat videos. I don’t like the music of that particular video, so I mute the video, and play other music in the background. I stream the cats on my TV, while I read or stretch or lay on my couch.
This is part of making a cozy and relaxing space for myself. And cute cat videos definitely make me all fuzzy inside!
7. Hygge
This is a Danish word and concept. While there isn’t an English word that can encapsulate the entirety of the concept, it can roughly be translated as cozy and homey. So I’ve been cultivating my home to be a hygge environment…candles, ambient lighting, soft breeze, aforementioned cat videos, hot tea, soft blankies, etc.
Finding hygge moments has helped me move at a slower pace, both physically and mentally. It has also allowed me to enjoy my home a lot more, and feel calmer overall. Which means I have less urge to go out and spend money, or chase the usual dopamine hits of shopping and eating out.
As Meik Wiking explains in The Little Book of Hygge, “Hygge is about making the most of what we have in abundance: the everyday. Happiness consists in small conveniences or pleasure that occur every day, rather than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom.”
8. Making plant babies
I finally did it! I have propagated my pothos, and now have four new baby plants. I was never a plant person, until a friend gave me a pothos, and my sister gave me a Pilea (Chinese Money Plant).
As someone who lives alone, it has been lovely to care for something living. I dedicated one of my new plants to honour the memory of my late grandpa.
I think it is special to cultivate connection to the things that exist in our every day life. Whether it is honouring a loved one, naming your plant after your favourite book character…these small things can shift the way we feel connected to the space we inhabit.
9. Lacrosse ball
As I’m ever nearing 40, my body just isn’t the same anymore. The daily wear-and-tear means I have to spend more time caring for my body. I use the lacrosse ball to roll out my muscles. My body has been slightly lopsided for years now, due to tightness in different body regions. And the more diligent I am with rolling out my tight left shoulder, the more I’m feeling balanced. It has even decreased my headaches.
I’ve spent the past few years focused on healing my body. And it honestly feels that my current physical health baseline is better than 5 years ago. It is never too late to feel better, both physically and mentally. So don’t wait to get started!
10. Therapy Intensives
I’ve been preparing to offer Therapy Intensives as an alternate to weekly therapy. Since I’ve started doing longer sessions with clients, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the effectiveness and depth of these long sessions. The past few months, I’ve been planning and prepping this new offer of Therapy Intensives. It’s really gotten me excited, being able to offer longer sessions to improve the depth and effectiveness of mental wellness.
I’m forever grateful for Google Ad and SEO god, Amanda Portelli, and web design wizard, Christie Van. They are amazing folx who has really helped me spread word of my services out to you!
Hey there, my name is Harry, and I’m an Asian therapist here to support your search for health and authenticity. If you are open to weekly self-care FUN-ctivities, subscribe to my “Happy Chemicals Club.” If you enjoy podcasts, you can check these out.
Harry Au
Therapy for Asians
MSW, RSW | he/him
I help Asians go from feeling trapped to becoming self-liberated.
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