Have A Self-Care Check-In This November
At Date Night China we love to talk about connecting with people, whether for going on dates, spending time with your partner, or just meeting new friends. But we also feel it's important to spend time connecting with the most important person: yourself.
It’s the start of November, and with Halloween madness over (is anyone else relieved it's done? October was exhausting), the end of 2021 is approaching. There are less than two months left until the start of a new year, and I think many of us are in disbelief that it has been almost 2 years since COVID-19 tossed the world into a crazy tilt-a-whirl and a new “normal.”
Many of us have faced different challenges with health, work, social and romantic lives, emotional and mental wellbeing, and more. These challenges happened quickly for some of us, or hit really hard at once.
For myself personally, I felt these effects slowly, thinking I had been adjusting fine, adapting to new changes in my life since COVID began and staying busy with the day-to-day grind. But as I’ve felt different waves of anxiousness, sadness, and uncertainty over the last year, I realized I had been more affected than I realized. And it’s okay to recognize that. This world is in a crazy state right now - who wouldn’t be affected by that?
So this November I’m focusing on my own self-care, on the ways I want to recharge, and also ways I want to reflect and refocus on my goals and my future. But for me it doesn’t mean big steps. It’s the small steps that I’m working towards; giving myself positive affirmations and grace, connecting (or reconnecting) with people and communities in my life, and recentering on what really matters.
I want to encourage you all to have a check in with yourself, too. Practice self-care in whatever form that looks like and take time to slow down before the Christmas madness and New Year rush kick in.
Below are a few ways to practice self-care, as well as some mental health resources and communities in China you can join.
Different Ways to Practice Self-Care
Take a friend for a coffee date. Cook a favorite meal that reminds you of home. Treat yourself to a massage day at one of Beijing's Best Massage & Spa Centers (there are home services that will come to you so you don't need to leave your apartment!). Go see Dune or 007.
Do what works for you.
Some of the ways I've been trying to practice self-care:
Listening to thought-provoking or inspiring podcasts, or even hilarious ones that make me laugh. One of my favorite things is to go for a long walk and listen to a great podcast.
I have a goal to read, write, and walk 10,000 steps every day in November. These are activities I love doing anyways but may not always make time for.
Prioritizing sleep and going to bed earlier than usual
If you're looking for a little daily pick me up or goal to challenge yourself, you can even find a calendars with different prompts for each day, like this one from Become Better Now.
Connect With Communities and Resources
In Beijing and in China there are so many wonderful communities and resources to help. This is not an exhaustive list, but hopefully some of these people and connections will also help you.
*Note: Date Night China and some of the resources listed below are not mental health experts or certified therapists (unless otherwise stated), but function as helpful communities and groups that provide resources and support.
BAREProject
BARE is a safe space for people to be their true self and relate to each other in order to find the support they need to cope with the challenges of the modern world. BARE allows people to remove their protective armor, share their behind-the-scenes, and encourage them to build meaningful relationships, reminding them they are not alone. Follow BARE on WeChat to learn more.
Also check out their list of other Mental Health resources and Life Coaches.
Female Mental Health Empowerment WeChat Group
This group is for asking questions about mental health, asking and giving recommendations for mental health professionals, and also learning more from their Mental Health Talks series. To join the WeChat group, add Hillary on WeChat (WeChat ID: pinkhearts963).
Rachel George: Heart in Mind Coaching
Rachel George is a therapist and life coach with over 18 years of experience. Although fairly new to the expat life, she has found China to be that place where her heart truly feels at home. A firm believer in speaking her truth, no matter if her voice shakes, Rachel is committed to working with others to not only find their passions but live and relish in them fully. Add Rachel to learn more (WeChat ID: RaeG23).
CandleX: Mental Health Support in Beijing
Xiaojie Qin is a psychotherapist and the director of CandleX. She was born and raised in Sichuan, China. Starting from 2008, Xiaojie has been working in the non-profit sector in international NGOs for the China Program and her work continues with CandleX, which she founded in 2015. Follow CandleX on WeChat to learn more.
ComeUnity and Mindful Meditation
ComeUnity is a Volunteer-Based Holistic Wellness platform, which combines different elements for the BODY and MIND. All our sessions are donation-based, 100% of the contributions are directly transferred to local charities. Follow ComeUnity on WeChat to learn more.
Well Women
Well Women's vision is to provide you with curated content to inspire you to action in your mind, your body and your heart. We are village women, we do life together, we are powerful and vulnerable, open and accepting to each other and all that comes our way. Please engage with us in our WeChat community groups - we have communities for style, fitness, parenting, home and planet, where you can connect with others. Follow Well Women on WeChat to learn more.
How will you be practicing self-care this month? Write in and let us know. Whatever ways you relax this November, just remember to go at your own pace and never feel guilty about putting your own health first.
Read more from Date Night China:
Join the Date Night China WeChat group!
Add Rachel on WeChat to join (WeChat ID: rachelweiss22).
Date Night China is a digital media platform and events organization based in Beijing that aims to build a positive community and share stories about relationships and dating in China. Follow our Wechat Account for the latest articles, new podcast episodes, and upcoming events.