As Taylor Swift’s new album’s release date quickly approaches, I see a lot of people honoring the new album in multiple ways. As a dedicated Swifite, I highly appreciate the ways people are celebrating the artist’s 10th album. I recently saw someone, I believe her Tik Tok Username is @amber_vs_anxiety, that is sharing a mental health tip that coordinates with each song from the new album Midnights. The social worker in me adores this idea and wanted to share my own mental wellness tips or important reminders that connect to the song titles.
- Lavender Haze
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This may be an obvious one for some people, but diffusing lavender is a great way to help relax and lower anxiety. You could also try a lavender bubble bath or lotion.
- Maroon
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Sometimes maroon is associated with change. This can be because it can be a middle color between red and purple or because during the fall (when seasons are changing) some leaves turn a maroon color. This color should remind you that change is necessary and be beautiful.
- Anti-Hero
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You don’t have to be everyone’s superhero. You don’t have to save everyone. I’m not saying you should hurt or bring anyone down, but sometimes you can’t be the life jacket that someone needs.
- Snow on the Beach (Feat. Lana del rey)
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During a period of intense anxiety or a panic attack, it can be difficult to get your body back in the present. Rinsing your face with ice water, dunking your face in a bucket of ice, or splashing cold water on your face are all ways to help jolt yourself out of the fight or flight response. Anxiety can be bad anytime, even if you are on a beach, but having snow (or ice) can be helpful!
- You’re on your own, kid
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“Childish” activities can be such a fun way to practice self care! Do what you used to love as a child- coloring books, Disney movies, finger painting, go to the park. And if no one wants to do these things with you? Do it by yourself. Embrace your inner child and enjoy the little things!
- Midnight rain
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Sleep is so important! Although watching it rain can be peaceful, it may not be the best to stay up until midnight in order to watch it rain. I’m guilty of this lately, as I was a devoted viewer of Taylor’s “Midnight Mayhem with Me” series on TikTok.
- Question…?
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Check in with yourself in different situations. Ask yourself: do I feel safe? Do I need to contact a friend? Do I need to adjust my schedule so I have more time for myself? Am I prioritizing myself?
- Vigilante Shit
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Vigilante or advocate? I’d argue that violating human rights is a criminal act. Social issues happening right now can cause a lot of anxiety and fear and make people feel like they can’t do anything- but you can! Since anxiety often comes from feeling like you don’t have control or fear for the future, becoming an advocate for human rights and social justice can help. Taking action (protesting, fundraising, voting etc) can help alleviate some anxiety because you gain some control of what is happening and decide what happens in the future.
- Bejeweled
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If you’re anything like me, you don’t dress up on a daily basis. So donning your best dress and favorite earring can be a nice change of pace. It’s a form of self care that can often be overlooked, but getting dressed up can remind you of the beautiful powerful person you are.
- labyrinth
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Situations can feel like a labyrinth and leave you questioning what is the right path to take. The truth is, we don’t know what path will be the right one until we take it. We must be willing to walk into the unknown. Sometimes we may have to backtrack and find a new path, but that’s okay. Eventually we will get through the labyrinth of life and be right where we are supposed to be.
- karma
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We may feel the urge to get back at those who have wronged us; but it’s not worth our time. The world will take care of them and they will get what they deserve. We don’t have to waste our time trying to get them back. Karma will catch up to them eventually.
- Sweet nothing
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Have you ever had such a long and overstimulating day? Phone call after phone call, meetings, music playing too loudly, the lights too bright, it’s either too hot or too cold in the room- nothing feels right. You get home and you feel drained and exhausted; however, you can finally enjoy the sweet nothingness of your own space. Doing nothing never felt better.
- mastermind
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You don’t have to know it all. You don’t have to be a mastermind. As someone who enjoys learning and doing well in school, this piece of advice is hard to swallow. It’s unrealistic to think anyone can know everything about everything. And it’s okay to not know everything. Be open to learning new things.
Happy listening to everyone and remember… meet us at Midnight on October 21st!
HCXO, Sydnee