Vibe Check!
Welcome back Coalesce community! It has been a few months since we’ve connected, so we wanted to do a vibe check and make sure we are all taking care of ourselves. In a world where we feel like we don’t have much control over our surroundings, we can look to regain partial, yet crucial, elements of power, self-worth, and positivity that we promise is still within your reach.
Read through this blog for some recommendations on how to keep your vibe in check!
CONDUCT A H.A.L.T CHECK
One of the most constructive and insightful ways to perform vibe checks on your self is to literally H.A.L.T. and check in with four key things. H.A.L.T. stands for:
Hungry: Have you eaten recently? And what kind of foods are you putting into your body when you do eat? Cooking can be very therapeutic, so check in with your hunger. Try out new recipes over a Zoom call with your friends if you need a push!
Angry (and/or Anarchy in lieu of recent injustices): Are you finding yourself getting more and more frustrated at an easier rate? Are you able to pin-point the root of these hectic developments? Are you internalizing your anger, are you projecting it, or are you finding healthy ways to blow off steam? Check in with your anger.
Lonely: It is very easy to feel alone these days, so it’s crucial we find ways to stimulate and fuel our desires for connection to others through healthy means, and not disconnect from our friends, family members, and loved ones. Reach out to a friend and shoot them a vibe check!
Tired: How is your sleeping schedule? Do you even have a sleeping schedule? It may seem trivial to want to retain a stable sleeping schedule during a time where many of us are unemployed, working from home, or barely aware of what day of the week it is…but our bodies and our minds need proper rest in order to function optimally! Check in with your sleeping habits.
USE Self affirmations
You are beautiful! You are smart! You are courageous! You have a lot to offer! Self affirmations are a positive way to boost your self esteem and the way you talk to yourself. During these times we’re at home a lot more it’s easy to be hard on ourselves, so how do we improve this?
Sticky notes — write down all the beautiful things that make you a wonderful person on a sticky note and post it on your bathroom mirror, bedroom wall, or just a place where you will see it everyday.
Journaling — if sticky notes aren’t your thing, then write down different self affirmations in a journal daily.
I AM App — you can also download the mobile app called “I AM” that sends you self affirmations throughout the day.
Don’t forget that you are doing the best you can everyday! Keep on keeping on.
CuratE your vibes
Here are five things you can do to help get the right energy flowing in your space.
Open up the windows and soak up the natural lighting. This can also help with regulating your internal sleep clock!
Get some house plants or start a garden! Plants are able to absorb harmful gases through the pores in their leaves, thus filtering and purifying our household air. Plus, not only is gardening therapeutic, but talking to your plants can provide a vast array of mutually beneficial rewards for all parties involved!
Try out some aromatherapy! Experiment with warmer fall scents for comfort, lavender and vanilla aromas for stress relieving properties, and peppermint or citrus infused oils for an energizing boost.
Fill your space with intentional sounds and frequencies! Explore the world of guided mediations. Whether it’s when you wake up before facing your day, or while winding down before bed. Also check out Binaural Beats which strengthen neurological connections by using specific HZ frequencies to provide internal and universal reactions on a broad spectrum. Benefits include de-stressing, opening the heart, and manifesting recovery within our physical bodies.
Take yourself on a mindful walk around the block. Make note of the sounds you hear, pay attention to the smells that enter your nostrils, notice how your body feels, and take in the sights around you.
Create your own retreat
Find freedom wherever you are by creating your own at-home retreat! Seek out what works for you, and then put that into practice right in your own backyard. Set your schedule, speak your intentions, and choose your practices to carefully craft and mold your one-of-a-kind inclusive safe space just for you, or whoever you choose to share it with!
Click HERE for step-by-step instructions on producing your home retreat.
CONTACT Iris Supportive Services
With the modern civil rights movement in our midst and the second wave of COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in place, it’s easy to fall into a depressive slump. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to Iris Supportive Services for a safe space consultation or additional information on harm reduction resources. Text 415-494-7436 or check out their website for more details on services and booking. They’re available for individuals and for event organizers (IRL and online).
