By Jasmine Pomplun
Winter Self-Care: Simple Steps to Stay Resilient
Hi there, I’m Jasmine Pomplun, and I’d like to share a bit about what I’ve learned on my own recovery journey. Over the past year, I’ve been exploring simple, gentle ways to care for myself—things that might seem trivial at first glance, but have been surprisingly powerful in helping me feel more grounded and resilient. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I might help someone else find comfort and healing in these simple practices as well.
Journaling: The Power of Putting Pen to Paper
A little over a year ago, my mind felt cluttered, crowded with anxious thoughts and unspoken fears. I struggled to sort through my emotions, and it was hard to know where to begin when it came to healing. That’s when I picked up my journal, turned to a blank page, and simply started writing. At first, I was hesitant—Would I sound silly on paper? Would my problems look too big or too small when spelled out in ink?
But as I began writing—no rules, no judgment—I realized that journaling was like having a gentle, patient listener who never interrupted or judged. Over time, putting my feelings into words helped me see patterns in my emotions and identify root causes of anxiety. I learned what triggered stress and what brought me peace. By giving my feelings a safe place to land, I created room in my heart and mind for understanding, acceptance, and growth. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, journaling can serve as a quiet refuge—an invitation to slow down, reflect, and work through the complexities of your inner world.
Mindful Walks: Restoring Balance Through Movement
There was a time I believed that exercise meant pushing myself to the limit—always aiming for faster, harder, more intense. But as I embarked on my recovery, I discovered something radically different: the healing power of simply taking a walk. Not a walk meant for burning calories or hitting a certain number of steps, but a calm, mindful walk where I allowed myself to fully immerse in the present moment.
On these walks, I tune in to the rhythm of my footsteps, the softness of the breeze against my skin, the gentle sway of tree branches. I notice the shapes of the clouds overhead and listen to the quiet hum of distant traffic or birdsong. Each of these small details pulls me into the here and now, loosening the grip of future worries or past regrets. Over time, these mindful walks became mini-retreats—restorative pauses in my day that left me feeling more centered, balanced, and strong. If you’re struggling with feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, consider stepping outside, just for a few minutes, and see if you can find comfort in simply noticing the world around you.
Gratitude Reflections: Finding the Good in Small Moments
I never realized how transformative gratitude could be until I made it a daily practice. At first, I challenged myself to write down three things I was grateful for each night. They didn’t have to be big—sometimes it was something as small as a hot cup of tea, a friend’s encouraging text, or the quiet hum of my home’s heating system on a chilly evening.
After a few weeks, I noticed a shift in my mindset. Instead of hyper-focusing on what was lacking or uncertain, I began to see my days through a more hopeful lens. It wasn’t that my struggles vanished, but I found myself pausing to appreciate what was going right, no matter how small. Gratitude gradually became a sturdy bridge that carried me from worry to resilience, reminding me that within each day, there are small but meaningful pockets of goodness. If you feel stuck in negativity or loss, try reflecting on just one thing—no matter how tiny—that felt positive today. Over time, you might find that these moments of thankfulness become building blocks of hope.
Why These Practices Matter
Journaling, mindful walks, and gratitude reflections may seem like small, even trivial acts. But in my experience, it’s these little, consistent habits that have had the most profound impact on my sense of resilience. They didn’t require expensive equipment, dramatic life changes, or perfection. Instead, they asked only for my time, attention, and willingness to listen—both to myself and to the world around me.
If you’re on your own path of healing or recovery, consider giving one (or all) of these practices a try. Treat them as experiments—no right or wrong way, just the opportunity to discover what resonates with you. Over time, you might find, as I did, that these small acts of self-care gradually weave together to form a sturdier foundation for moving forward with greater calm, clarity, and strength.
Here’s to embracing simple steps toward wholeness, and may your journey be one of kindness, resilience, and gentle growth.
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