I'm not entirely sure if pollen deserves the blame, or if it's some kind of cosmic alignment, but we all have those days when staying in bed seems like the only rational decision, and everything else just spirals out of control like we're inside a giant hamster ball gone rogue.
Our dominion over pollen and cosmic synchronicities is limited to actions like sealing ourselves indoors, perhaps under the covers. Yet, I'm here to offer a few Self-Love emergency kits to navigate what might seem like a day designed by Murphy's Law, armed with nothing but laughter—or at least, some absurd chuckles.
Dance Like Nobody's Watching
Because, frankly, viewer discretion would be necessary if they were. The moment I start rearranging the furniture to clear a dance space in my living room, I can feel the adrenaline kick in, ready to expel any negativity from my energy field with extreme prejudice. Any high-tempo aerobics track on YouTube is my go-to soundtrack for this ritual.
Watch YouTube Shorts of Baby Giggles
Maybe it's age, or a pretense at maturity, but I've outgrown the humor in people falling over. However, the infectious nature of baby laughter is undeniable. Catching myself cooing and awing is guaranteed, alongside an immediate mood lift.
Develop My Nonexistent Signature Dish
The kitchen is a haven of joy. I revel in the adventure of scavenging through the fridge and freezer, then pretending I'm hosting my own cooking show for an audience of zero, narrating every step. My script often goes, "Today, we're making a 'who-even-cares' chicken with these enigmatic leftovers that are on the brink of becoming a science experiment. Let's dive in!" Remember, self-love means not judging yourself, even if you find yourself snickering uncontrollably.
Stand-Up Comedy
I've curated a playlist of my favorite stand-up acts, predominantly from Dry Bar. Much like my friend's toddler who can endure 'Frozen' on loop, I've memorized the scripts but still find them hilarious every single time.
Get 'Em Out of Your System
This one might sound slightly negative, but it's not. Nor is it exclusively for women. You guessed it—cry! Just as drains get blocked, sometimes a good weep can cleanse the soul. Thanks to my faithful ally, YouTube, a tearjerker is just a few clicks away. Let it all out.
At day's end, remember to indulge in a little self-celebration. Whether it's popcorn, ice cream, or a luxurious bath, it's your reward for making it through the day. And as you wrap yourself in the comfort of self-acceptance or a pat on the back (if self-hugging feels odd) and declare, “Here’s to tomorrow. A fresh start. A new day!”
