Self Care Tips: Member Spotlight
Self care strategies to see you through COVID-19
How mindfulness can lower stress
Research suggests that the more we practice self care, the more confident, creative and productive we can be. Looking for inspiration, we turned to our most trusted experts: our fellow members at The Parlor NYC. They’re sharing their best self-care tips — from meditating and journaling to skincare pampering and sex. Here’s how they are practicing self care during quarantine.
Janet Waddell, master hairstylist: “I started meditation about two years ago. Like many people, I struggled to sit for more than a minute or two in the beginning, but now I sit for about 20 minutes first thing every morning. Then I write three pages in my journal, stream-of-conscious. It clears the chatter within and helps me start the day with clear intention — when the mind is quiet there is a lot to hear. I’ve noticed that I am more open to what the day brings, better able to listen to others, and ready to contribute by living in the solutions, rather than the problems, of daily life.”
Megan Richardson, acupuncturist and owner of Megan Richardson Wellness
“I use essential oils to bring me into the present moment and experience a little time out. Their fragrance automatically focuses my attention and the physical and mental sensation they provide creates a pause that allows me to make a conscious decision about my next action or thought. During this time, my boyfriend and I have been going on long walks, taking in the crispness of the air, the colors of the sky, the varying phases of the moon each night, the chirps of the birds and the stillness of the streets without traffic — tuning into what is happening around us without judgment or questioning, just noticing, acknowledging and being in the moment.
Multitasking can be unavoidable in challenging times, even though I know it’s not the most productive way to work. When I’m feeling the pressure of overwhelming to-dos, I turn simple, day-to-day tasks into mindful moments. Like the sensation of soap while washing dishes, the feeling of the cream I use to moisturize my face, or the coolness of the stone when I use a gua sha or jade roller on my face. This brings my focus to how I feel at that very moment. And finally, there is what I believe to be the ultimate practice of mindfulness: sex. There are few other activities where you can’t help but be highly tuned into the moment, allowing yourself to feel the pleasure of every sensation.”
What’s keeping you well while flattening the curve? We want to know, have you been using mindfulness strategies to manage the challenges of life while social distancing? Let us know what’s working for you by visiting us on Instagram @wearetheparlor.